Y B Normal?

There are all kinds of people who wear all kinds of jewelry, to some it is just an accessory with the clothes they wear. Years ago, there was a thing we used to call “Power Jewelry.” Urban business executive ladies and gents wore certain kinds of pieces that let anyone they dealt with would know they had it all together and they were in charge of their world. The ensemble would begin with a really expensive watch, from Piaget’s to Rolexes, and for a while there male executives were sporting the old classics - antique solid gold wrist watches with leather straps such as Omega, Hamilton, Bulova and Elgin to name a few. There was a time the vintage gold pocket watches and vest chains were in vogue again. Add a solid gold collar and tie bar, cufflinks, gold belt buckle…don’t forget the diamond pinky ring. Now that combination would scream “Hey I’m successful, what’s your excuse?”

The ladies would outdo the male counterparts by wearing large dramatic gold earrings or huge diamond studs, add a bushel of gold chains, a load of heavy bracelets, both link and bangles combined with and without diamonds or colored gemstones, a flashy diamond stick pin finished off with a sparkling anklet. 

And then there are the not so plain jewelry lovers.

I’m blessed, I admit it…90% of my clientele love jewelry as much as I do. Some cruise the shop on a monthly, even weekly basis to see what’s new and exciting. I can’t stop creating or buying from established or new upcoming manufacturers. I simply don’t carry “normal jewelry.” It’s uncreative, boring and repetitive mindless cookie cutter stuff for the masses. Hey, the way I look at it, different strokes for different folks. What I carry is not for everybody and that is just the way I like it

Someone who buys their jewelry at BJ’s or Costco is not going to shop here. I was once asked how my prices compared to Wal-Mart. I suggested if that’s the quality and price point they enjoy, then continue buying there because there is nothing to compare between the two of us.

Yeah, like I mentioned many times before, I’m a jewelry snob. I know the difference between the good, bad and the ugly, both in quality and style. I make jewelry by hand. I’m using high carat gold or platinum and, in my creations, I’m setting high quality diamonds and gemstones. It’s easy for me to know the difference between cheap mass produced 10 karat wear-it-once-then-throw-it-away jewelry that you can purchase at prestigious Walter-Marte.

Most of my customers don’t want “the norm.” Many things I create are one of a kind and very special to the client - I won’t make another one.

That is where the term “custom jewelry” comes in (not to be confused with costume jewelry!). This is jewelry made to order and yes, it is expensive, very expensive especially now that precious metals are at an all-time high. Go figure, I have never been so busy in my twenty-seven years on the island. 

Certain individuals demand different - it is a labor of love and a wonderful experience through the whole creative process. The final result is what they are all about. So, be creative and wear creative. Jewelry is precious art. Enjoy the unusual…Y B normal?