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Don’t Forget Decker’s ‘Rules of Repair’ … and More July Reader Letters

Some people will try to take advantage of you.

Published

10 years ago

June 14, 2015

INSTORE Staff Instore July 2015 Issue

Repair Stop

“Play it Safe” (Shane Decker, page 90, June INSTORE) was right on the mark. Sometimes we get busy or have had a bad day and we forget the Rules of Repair. Thanks for making us stop and remember them. The last three sentences are sad but so true: some people will try to take advantage of you. — Patty Wedemeier, Elegant Jewelers, Sugar Land, TX

Cover-Up

I was a bit bummed with your cover this past issue. The jewelry was twisted in such a way you couldn’t see the design. The necklace was completely covered, the watch was showing only the band and it just didn’t seem up to par with previous covers. Please keep the jewelry the focal point! — Morgan Bartel, Susann’s Custom Jewelers, Corpus Christi, TX

Give Them What They Want, Just Better

A note about this month’s custom design question (One Quick Question, page 16): As a designer, it is my obligation to make every client’s request, even the goofiest one, into something I am proud of. It took me years to understand this, but not going the easy route (just make what they asked for) and instead make what they asked for into a beautiful piece of jewelry; that is a uniquely fulfilling task to accomplish. — Mark Clodius, Clodius & Co. Jewelers, Rockford, IL

Blinded by the White

As we shopped the recent JCK show it seemed that it was awash with white metals, white stones to the point where it all looked the same. It even seemed hard to distinguish a $30,000 diamond ring from a $30 silver and CZ ring. It dawned on us that consumers walking into a store might get the same feeling. On the flip side, yellow gold, rose gold, adding some color stone designs jumped out at us. It became the way to go for us to freshen up our store this time around. — Alex Weil, Martin’s Jewelry, Manhattan Beach, CA

Last Weed Standing

The past few tough years in our jewelry industry have been a good “weeding-out” for the industry. But, those of us who have survived should become increasingly more creative in order not to get weeded out ourselves. Good luck, everyone! — Sanjay Rupani, Gold Coin Inc., Laredo, TX

Four Decades of Excellence: How Wilkerson Transformed a Jeweler's Retirement into Celebration

After 45 years serving the Milwaukee community, Treiber & Straub Jewelers owner Michael Straub faced a significant life transition. At 75, the veteran jeweler made a personal decision many business owners understand: "I think it's time. I want to enjoy my wife with my grandchildren for the next 10, 15 years." Wilkerson's expertise transformed this major business transition into an extraordinary success. Their comprehensive approach to managing the going-out-of-business sale created unprecedented customer response—with lines forming outside the store and limits on how many shoppers could enter at once due to fire safety regulations. The results exceeded all expectations. "Wilkerson did a phenomenal job," Straub enthuses. "They were there for you through the whole thing, helped you with promoting it, helping you on day-to-day business. I can't speak enough for how well they did." The partnership didn't just facilitate a business closing; it created a celebratory finale to decades of service while allowing Straub to confidently step into his well-earned retirement.