INSTORE Readers Weigh In on Gold Prices, Lab-Grown Diamonds and More

• I love the December article on “Alter Egos” — it really shows the breadth of personality among successful jewelers and has me thinking about who my alter ego would be. It’s also a helpful shorthand for how we tell our stories, how we lead and how we make decisions. I am mulling over how I can use the discussion with my leadership team to promote better working relationships. — Jeff M., Knoxville, TN
• My alter ego, like many others, is tattoos. I am working toward covering my body. Of course, all will be covered with a suit. — Naomi V., Haines City, FL
• I’m encouraged by the fact that higher gold prices haven’t led to the level of pushback I anticipated from consumers. However, as a master goldsmith, I must express my growing frustration with the practices of some big box retailers regarding their policies on low-quality diamond bands. The guarantee of these settings is a troubling trend — when it comes to fine jewelry, we should be focused on offering pieces that are built to last, with craftsmanship and materials that stand the test of time. I’m disheartened by the proliferation of lightweight, poorly constructed pieces: thin shanks, inadequate prong coverage, fragile pave settings, and galleries that can’t withstand wear. With gold prices continuing to rise, I foresee these subpar products leading to an increase in repair issues. When customers return with damaged goods from such retailers, they are told service isn’t available or they’re faced with prohibitively high repair costs. This puts both the consumer and the industry in a difficult position. While I am proud to offer fine, lasting jewelry, this growing amount of low-quality mass-produced goods poses a challenge to the integrity of our profession. — Denise O., La Grange, IL
• I remember not too long ago when the brain trust at De Beers was sure that lab diamonds would do much better in fashion than in bridal. Of course, the opposite turned out to be true (at least for us). Unfortunately, the drop in lab prices has lowered our average ticket as we’ve seen a limit as to how big of a diamond our customers are willing to wear. Maybe we should have a “free sling” promotion. — Bill E., Terre Haute, IN
• Well, we reached the top of the mountain and we are preparing for our descent. Business is the best it’s ever been, but it’s time. It’s time to go permanently visit our town home in Tennessee. — Rick N., Fernandina Beach, FL
• Why do diamond cutters call themselves diamond manufacturers, since now there are really diamond growers that actually manufacture the product? — Bob M., Barrington, IL

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