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Cool Comments, Lab-Created Complaint … and More Reader Letters for September

“The whole allure of a diamond is in its journey from creation to the sales floor.”

Published

9 years ago

August 7, 2015

INSTORE Staff Instore September 2015 Issue

Cool Aid!

Always love to read about the coolest stores in the coolest business! — Jim Alati, Simmons Fine Jewelry, Meridian, ID

Not “Fine” with Man-Made Diamonds

If you consider yourself a high-end jeweler and you’re selling lab-created diamonds along with your natural diamonds then you should remove “fine” from your business name. The whole allure of a diamond is in its journey from creation to the sales floor. The process is incredible and the nostalgia is what captures the customer. To undermine the whole process and allure of a natural diamond by selling a lab-created diamond next to it is criminal. If you’re selling lab-created diamonds and promoting them over your natural diamonds then shame on you! — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX

Feeling Good

In spite all of our government regulations and what was a downer economy, I’m very optimistic about a fantastic holiday season! — John E. Thompson, Shabree Jewelers, Sheboygan, WI

Still in Love

30 years in, I still love my shop! — Richard Veader, Wakefield Jewelers, Wakefield, MA

Keeping an Edge

Thank you for the great job your staff does every month. You have been getting it right over and over again. Many trade magazines fade, but you have kept the edge. You have been able to keep a light side, while offering great advice from some of the industry’s best. — Scott Kelly, Jems Jewels & Gold, North Wales, PA

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.”