MANY INDEPENDENT JEWELERS practice some sort of ritual to ward off something bad happening. Ironically, something bad could even be a certain client walking into the store. “Never speak a client’s name unless you want them to make an appearance,” wrote one respondent, and several others echoed the same sentiment.
Similarly, some advised to “not talk about the big sale until it’s complete.” Others rely on certain lucky substances, like knocking on wood, sprinkling salt across the front entry, or burning sage and candles. One even wrote, “SHMEAR THE CAKE.”
Many rituals involve money, like making sure all of the bills in the cash register face the same direction, carrying a lucky coin at all times, and keeping a citrine in the cash register. Some said that the first customer of the day is the key: You must sell them something in order to have a successful day. And still others invoke a team ritual, like a 30-second dance party or standing on their heads before an event.
Meanwhile, about half of independent jewelers shrug off luck entirely, stating that they only need their faith, prayer or even nothing to get by. The rest hedge their bets — just in case the universe is listening.
