Buzz Session

How Much Do Celebrities Actually Influence Jewelry Clients? Our Readers Weigh In

Many said “none at all,” while others acknowledge their influence.

Published

3 years ago

May 11, 2021

INSTORE Staff Instore May 2021 Issue Online Extra

Not much at all and very much so. Our clients like to think of themselves as unique and different. When it comes to buying decisions, however, they all seem to trend the same direction at the same time. — Shawn Higgins, D & H Sustainable Jewelers, San Francisco, CA
Sometimes our clients want what a star is wearing and we can get it, or if it is a designer, we try to help them get it or send them to a designer where they can access it. — Stacey S. Sachs, Solomon’s Fine Jewelry & Watch, Albertson, NY
I would say celebrity influencers affect bridal for sure. Kim Kardashian’s ring has been asked for many times. We are also seeing a resurgence of yellow gold because of the influencers. — Natasha Henderson, Saxon’s Fine Jewelers, Bend, OR
We see trends based on celeb engagements. When ovals are popular, we sell more. Bachelor Nation rings are always coming in. We do mostly custom, so we wait and see what images they bring in … we do not stock the style. — Dorothy Retzke, Krystyna’s Jewelry, Chicago, IL
My clients don’t breathlessly follow celebrities — a handful do, but they are the exception. If a trend does hit locally, it is a huge global trend. — Bill Longnecker, Longnecker Jewelry, McCook, NE
Because we specialize in custom design, influencers do affect what our customers are looking for. They use celebrity styles and social media posts for design inspiration. — Dianna Rae High, Dianna Rae Jewelry, Lafayette, LA
Almost impossible to answer, but I feel the celebrity or influencer trends do set the trends and styles our customers want. The more jewelry these people wear, the more exposure and interest customers have in that jewelry. — Gene Poole, Hudson-Poole Jewelers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Perhaps in luxury autos, LV purses, it has impact. We are not overly “brand” heavy. The appeal is not as broad in our market as overall design, styling and value. — Tom Ozment Jr., Fincher & Ozment Jewelers, Tuscaloosa, AL
Celebrity influence is low in our neighborhood. — Joe Caron, Caron’s Jewelry, Bristol, RI
Celebrity — seemingly very little. Influencers seem to be higher as they normally promote more lower-priced fashion jewelry. — Allison Leitzel-Williams, Leitzel’s Jewelry, Myerstown, PA
I am the Influencer in my place! — Klaus Kutter, A Jour, Bristol, RI
I cannot remember someone coming in and asking for something they saw on a celebrity. — Ronnie Ware, Ware Jewelers, Auburn, AL
Very little. My clients are unconcerned about Ms. Witherspoon’s earrings at the Golden Globes. — Steven Wardle, Forest Beach Design, Chatham, MA
To be honest, not much if any. Of course, clients like to bring in photos of the styles that they are interested in, but, at least in our area, the photos are from websites or ads or Pinterest — not related to any celebrity or influencer. — Zechariah Chambers, Chambers Jewelers, Ford City, PA
Quite a bit. We did a spin-off of Meghan Markle’s engagement ring, and we’ve since sold 14 of them with elongated cushion and Asscher cut centers in 2-4 carat sizes. After the movie CRAZY RICH ASIANS came out, we did our own version of the emerald engagement ring featured in the movie, and we’ve sold 11 of them thus far, all with a dark green moissanite center, and one with a Chatham amethyst. — Jen Hollywood, J Hollywood Designs, Chester Springs, PA
It’s a big deal. — Sara Commers, Commers Custom Jewelers, Minneapolis, MN
I’m in the South, and every change in style takes 10 years to reach down here. — Josh Rider, Dylan Rings, Montgomery, AL
I believe firmly in shopping in public as often as possible! At Forever 21, I noticed simple theme necklaces and rings drew the attention of the younger crowd. We are always fishing for ways to be inclusive of younger buyers at reasonably attractive price points, so we created simple stackable necklaces and bands with and without stones. Huge hit! My inner muse is my celebrity; she can spot a money maker. Otherwise, the Pippa necklaces have been a huge winner for us. Pandora is last decade; who will break out screaming in the roaring ‘20s?? Side bets, anyone? — Denise Oros, Linnea Jewelers, La Grange, IL
Very rarely. I don’t think there are great influencers in our trade. I am seeing more doubt from clients about online influencers. — David Blitt, Troy Shoppe Jewellers, Calgary, AB
Engagement purchasers for sure. The Bachelor/Bachelorette shows, regional celebs and royals seem to move the needle on trends. — Jon Bumann, Chalmers Jewelers, Middleton, WI
There is a lot of influence. For example, everyone wanted a name plate because they saw it on celebrities. — Elizabeth Saba, Presley Co. Fine Jewelers, San Diego, CA
You have to have some of the “influencer” jewelry to stay up to date. My customers are very classic, but they like trendy jewelry in more fashion jewelry. — Julie Brashier, Julie’s Jewels & Gifts, Greenville, SC
I don’t have any direct influencer choices that I am aware of, but unspoken influence is hard to judge. Many of my clients are baby boomer age and are not influenced by much other than their own style. — Laura Sipe, JC Sipe, Indianapolis, IN
Quite a bit, especially with earrings. — Scott Lefcourt, Scottsdale Fine Jewelers, Scottsdale, AZ
Not much. My customers are generally 40 or over, some in their 60s, though if something like Game of Thrones or The Crown enters a wider distribution, they will recognize it. But not run out to buy something inspired by it! — Eve J. Alfille, Eve J. Alfille Gallery and Studio, Evanston, IL
None. I live in the sticks, and my clientele is so far behind in the celebrity watch that they don’t know. — Ira Kramer, Diamond Exchange of Maryland, Tallahassee, FL
25 percent. — Brenda Newman, The Jewelry Source, El Segundo, CA
I would say Pinterest and Instagram influence a good 85 percent of our clients when stating their desires in jewelry, so maybe not so much “influencer” but rather social media in general. — Cathy Miller, Caleesi Designs Jewelers, Austin, TX
Zero. I loathe Hollywood. A good style is a good style. If we can sell it, we will stock it. — Rick Nichols, Nassau Jewelry, Fernandina Beach, FL

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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.”