Gem Quiz

This Gemstone Was Once Declared “The Finest Ever Found In The U.S.”

But consumers generally won’t pay the premium for the American gemstone.

Published

3 years ago

November 29, 2020

Chris Burslem

This Gemstone Was Once Declared “The Finest Ever Found In The U.S.”

NO LESS AN expert than George Kunz declared me “the finest precious gemstones ever found in the United States.” I have a natural, almost-exclusively blue beauty few other gemstones can match. But economics is no romantic. While there’s demand, supply has always been an issue (my warm geological upbringing means I tend to cling hard and fast to Mother Earth). So while, yes, consumers will pay a little more for top-of-the-line American goods, they won’t pay a huge premium when they can get a similar product from overseas. Chevrolet, PanAm, IBM PCs … I know how you feel.

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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.”