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On Lab-Grown Diamonds, Our February Lead Story, and More of Your Letters

And one reader really wants to know how to find employees.

Published

2 years ago

March 21, 2022

INSTORE Staff Instore April 2022 Issue

On “Going Lean”

Makes things much easier when you get used to “going lean.” — Trevor Williams, Leitzel’s Jewelry, Myerstown, PA
I enjoyed and agree with the article and yes, I am certainly able to go leaner. I am ordering only three months out, instead of thinking Christmas now. Actually, since gold prices are so high, I have stopped ordering for stock and only doing special orders as they come in. — Christine Matlack, E.G. Landis Jewelers, Boyertown, PA
I need to practice this in business and health, LOL. — Krystal Shiklanian, Radiant Fine Jewelry, Plymouth, MA

On Lab-Grown Diamonds

Lab grown diamonds sold 3:1 over naturals for us in 2021. The tide has shifted. Used to be that customers didn’t even want to hear about them, now it’s their first question. — Joe Kirk, Kirk & Company Jewelers, Milford, OH
How do lab-grown diamond dealers have the guts to use Rap discounts on larger diamonds, say over 1.5 carats? The rarity and exponential increase of natural diamonds does not apply or make sense when it comes to LGD. This suggests that Rap is out to lunch or many LGD dealers are silently LTAO. Hmmm … methinks a bit of both. — David Blitt, Troy Shoppe Jewellers, Calgary, AB

INSTORE Raves

I love the tidbits I get daily in my inbox. I share with staff so they are staying current! — Cindi Haddad-Drew, Cindi’s Diamond & Jewelry Gallery, Foxboro, MA
The “33 Memes for Jewelers” was fantastic online last month. The best one? The fortune-teller looking into a crystal ball when a customer asked for a quote for a repair over the phone. Outstanding! — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX
Just started getting your magazine. Very insightful and informational. Love the input from other store owners. — Rick Weadock, Jewelry-By-You, South Jordan, UT
I thoroughly enjoy the magazine. I really like the shorter articles that are educational. It’s easy to relay to my staff that way as well. — Jim Cash, Diamond Center, Fayetteville, AR

Looking to Hire

We need employees, which seems to be the hardest part of running a business for us nowadays. Few want to work and most never follow up on interviews. They see our ads and signs and call and never even come in and fill out an application. — Medford Chason, Treasure Hut, Charleston, SC

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.”