- I loved the article in the January issue about gold strategies. It encapsulated everything I’ve been teaching my store’s employees. As a first-generation jeweler, it made me feel like I truly understand the industry and can see the patterns and trends accurately—the key word being “accurately.”
How 2025 unfolds will depend on your mindset and the attitude you project into the universe. We have new sales staff who are inexperienced but go with the flow; they follow instructions diligently and sell natural diamonds and custom jewelry at above-average markups without any objections from customers, thanks to their confidence and enthusiasm. In contrast, we also have seasoned salespeople who are hesitant to adapt to changes in the industry. These are the same individuals who previously rejected the idea of lab-grown diamonds and are now resistant to selling an $18,000 natural diamond. Each salesperson and store will determine their success in 2025 based on their attitude and effort.
In a world filled with negativity and hate, and in an industry rooted in love, happiness, and sentiment, why wouldn’t we sell the diamonds and make people happy? — Beth Greene, Conti Jewelers, Endwell, NY
- Our business has done extremely well with gold buying; this year we started selling some pieces we refurbished set up a vintage case at margins we could not get on regular items. A big win for us. — Ragnar Bertelsen, Ragnar Jewellers, Vancouver, BC
- Maybe your readers won’t like hearing this, but the tariffs put forward by your president will hurt Canada but will also have an impact on your clients. And for true facts, go look them up. The ‘facts’ coming from the White House are erroneous. — David Blitt, Troy Shoppe Jewellers, Calgary, AB
- I took the article on hiring some younger people to heart. Success does mean being willing to listen to their ideas. They are helping refresh my business! — Allison Love, Allison Love’s Fine Jewelry, Rock Hill, SC
- Would like to submit an article of the recovery efforts after a major burglary by professional (hate calling them that) burglaries. From signs of being cased, alarm systems are not what they are cracked up to be, safe security, truly reading your insurance policy, how much inventory you really can leave out, your insurance deductibles, recovery and mental health after. — Scott Kelly, Jems Jewels & Gold, North Wales, PA
editor’s note: Scott, while we may not have answered all of your questions, we did answer many in last April’s lead article, “Safety First.” I recommend you check it out!
- Thanks to INSTORE Magazine for providing such a high-quality publication for jewelers. It’s been my pleasure being on your Brain Squad. I hope I at least helped out a few with my perspective. Peace out!! — Rick Nichols, Nassau Jewelry, Fernandina Beach, FL
editor’s note: Rick, thanks a million for your support over the years and enjoy retirement!
- Still looking for an extended article of over-the-counter buying. How best to determine what to pay (scrap, watches, estate, diamonds, color gemstones, etc.) and how best to sell (scrap, melee, single diamonds, color gemstones, pearls, etc.). — Steven B. Goldfarb, Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler, Bellevue, WA
editor’s note: Steven, you may have missed January’s lead story, “Going for Gold,” which focused primarily on OTC gold buying. I know we didn’t cover gemstone buying; we’ll have to get to that in another issue. We did cover estate buying in our April 2023 lead, “Estate of Mind.”
- After five extremely busy years, I finally made it back to Tucson to celebrate 60 years in the jewelry industry! — Eileen Eichhorn, Eichhorn Jewelry, Decatur, IN
- I love the Tucson gems shows and try to attend different shows each time and stay in different hotels. It’s definitely an adventure and has been for the past 40 years! Love those gems!! — Susan Eisen, Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches, El Paso, TX
- I have to go back to the world is full of idiots well with this one. Had a guy call me yesterday and said he bought a diamond bracelet from Zales but his wife told him he spent too much money on it and to take it back. When he tried to take it back, they said they could only give him a refund if he had spent double than what he did. So, he asked me if I would buy the bracelet from him. In what world would an aware and sensible human think this was okay? Every day I am truly shocked by the dumbification of the American consumer. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX
ERRATUM: Lizzie Mandler’s Liquid Gold Slider necklace, MSRP $7,425, was mislabeled on page 38 in our January issue. We apologize for the error.
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