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Colored Gem Advice, 4th Quarter Musings and More Reader Letters

Plus one reader is tired of “looky-loos.”

Published

2 years ago

October 14, 2022

INSTORE Staff Instore November 2022 Issue

The lead story was so helpful! I’m employing a lot of the advice and am making a big push for us to be known as a source for unique and beautiful gemstones! — Becky B., Peabody, MA
Inspired, so we scheduled a training on colored stones for our staff next week! Thanks. — Christina B., Glastonbury, CT
A salesman once told me to mount up your colored gemstones: “You’re a jewelry store, not a colored stone dealer.” — Tim S., Mobile, AL
Planning to create two cases of color this holiday season and showcase them at our annual holiday event. — Ronnie M., Portland, OR
I feel like there is a magic spinning wheel somewhere that a person spins and that decides the newest trending color. But who spins the wheel and where does it live? — Ellie M., St. Michaels, MD
We have almost quit buying promotional or average color and ventured into the upper dimension of colored goods. We’ve gotten a tremendous response. — Rick N., Fernandina Beach, FL
I think Q4 2022 will be the last good quarter for a while. With rising interest rates and inflation, 2023 will be a slowdown. We plan to make hay while the sun is shining! — Trevor W., Myerstown, PA
Very unsure about the gold price! Is it going up or down? Why is it fluctuating so much? I wish someone could help us understand this better to help us buy and sell. Am excited about planning for next year to meet the needs of my customers! Thanks for your great articles and help in knowing what others are doing. — Susan E., El Paso, TX
Looky-loos drive me nuts! You see, you like it … buy it! What is there to think about? This ain’t a museum, so don’t waste my time! — Marc M., Midland, TX

Share your thoughts with INSTORE. Email us at editor@instoremag.com

This Third-Generation Jeweler Was Ready for Retirement. He Called Wilkerson

Retirement is never easy, especially when it means the end to a business that was founded in 1884. But for Laura and Sam Sipe, it was time to put their own needs first. They decided to close J.C. Sipe Jewelers, one of Indianapolis’ most trusted names in fine jewelry, and call Wilkerson. “Laura and I decided the conditions were right,” says Sam. Wilkerson handled every detail in their going-out-of-business sale, from marketing to manning the sales floor. “The main goal was to sell our existing inventory that’s all paid for and turn that into cash for our retirement,” says Sam. “It’s been very, very productive.” Would they recommend Wilkerson to other jewelers who want to enjoy their golden years? Absolutely! “Call Wilkerson,” says Laura. “They can help you achieve your goals so you’ll be able to move into retirement comfortably.”