Hallmark Hotspot
Antique Jewellers Ltd., a family-owned antique jewelry business based in London, has launched a British hallmark finder tool on their website. The clever resource, available for free online, is already being praised for its speed and accuracy and can help anyone identify the assay office, fineness, and year of hallmarked gold and platinum jewelry. antiquejewellers.com
Efficiency Update
Gemvision has released MatrixGold 3.10! The update introduces a powerful set of tools and enhancements designed to streamline your workflow and give you greater creative control, whether you’re managing intricate stone settings or optimizing design files. gemvision.com/matrixgold/matrixgold-3
Stronger Together
Manufacturing Jewelers and Suppliers of America (MJSA) and Jewelers of America (JA) have signed an affiliation agreement that brings MJSA under the JA umbrella, expanding the influence of both associations. This move will unite the industry’s manufacturing and retail sectors to create a cohesive vision for growth. jewelers.org, mjsa.org
Fresh Facts
The Diamond Council of America (DCA) has announced the launch of an interactive learning platform and updates to two of DCA’s cornerstone courses: Beginning Jewelry Sales and Advanced Jewelry Sales. Designed with today’s educational needs in mind, the updated platform makes the courses easier to navigate and more accessible and engaging for jewelry professionals at all stages of their careers. diamondcouncil.org
Spark New Sales
Signature Spark by The Karat Group is a three-month program designed to position your brand for a strong and successful holiday season. From brand refinement and content production to social media strategy, implementation guidance, and hands-on execution, you’ll receive full-service support along with a tailored growth roadmap. thekaratgroup.com
Honoring a Legacy: How Smith & Son Jewelers Exceeded Every Goal With Wilkerson
When Andrew Smith decided to close the Springfield, Massachusetts location of Smith & Son Jewelers, the decision came down to family. His father was retiring after 72 years in the business, and Andrew wanted to spend more time with his children and soon-to-arrive grandchildren.
For this fourth-generation jeweler whose great-grandfather founded the company in 1918, closing the 107-year-old Springfield location required the right partner. Smith chose Wilkerson, and the experience exceeded expectations from start to finish.
"Everything they told me was 100% true," Smith says. "The ease and use of all their tools was wonderful."
The consultants' knowledge and expertise proved invaluable. Smith and his father set their own financial goal, but Wilkerson proposed three more ambitious targets. "We thought we would never make it," Smith explains. "We were dead wrong. We hit our first goal, second goal and third goal. It was amazing."
Smith's recommendation is emphatic: "I would never be able to do what they did by myself."
