Two Out of Three Surveyed Jewelers Say They Don’t Follow Celebrity Jewelry News

do you or don't you: Others say it’s valuable information for working with clients.

Published

9 months ago

July 21, 2023

INSTORE Staff Instore July 2023 Issue

Do you follow celebrity-related jewelry news?

Yes: 35%

Only what I read in INSTORE or JCK. — Don Unwin, Sterling Jewelers, Wethersfield, CT
It is good see what the trends may be — good or bad. — Joseph Villarreal, Villarreal Fine Jewelers, Austin, TX
Because it offers talking points with customers when selling and projects possible upcoming trends our industry should prep for. — Rebecca Larson, Barry Peterson Jewelers, Ketchum, ID
A little. For instance, the attention to two-stone rings a la Jackie Kennedy might be something to riff off of with remounts and new rings for the mature aged customer. Young people don’t know Jackie. — John Carom, Abby’s Gold & Gems, Uniontown, PA
Yes, but to a point. I try to see what jewelry “stars” and “celebrities” are wearing plus know enough to maintain a conversation with customers and associates about them. — Jon Walp, Long Jewelers, Virginia Beach, VA
I do, but in small doses. I like knowing what is happening with trends, but it doesn’t influence our “conservative Midwest” shopper all that much. — Michelle Thompson, Craig Husar Fine Diamonds and Jewelry Designs, Brookfield, WI
Always need to be aware of what the public is seeing. — Joel Wiland, J. David’s Jewelry, Broken Arrow, OK
I find it interesting to see what celebrities choose. Confession: I started watching The Bachelor/Bachelorette to support our friends at Brevani and to see and admire what young, fashion-forward people are wearing. — Jill Keith, Enchanted Jewelry, Danielson, CT
We definitely get young women in who want to see engagement rings similar to what someone “famous” recently got. So it’s good to be somewhat fluent in that. I also like to see what is hitting the auction houses and if it was worn by someone of note. This is moreso just out of curiosity than anything! — Melissa Quick, Steve Quick Jeweler, Chicago, IL
It’s fun to see what celebrities choose to wear. — Gloria Horn, Donaldson’s Jewelers, Topeka, KS
Some, but I do not seek it out. We need jewelry in the public eye, and people who are in the limelight are not only influencers of our industry but also a gauge to what may be in style and selling in the future. — Amber Gustafson, Amber’s Designs, Katy, TX
I can show clients a celebrity has their necklace, ring, earrings or bracelet. — Bradley Marks, IW Marks, Houston, TX
Celebrities are trendsetters. Clothing, makeup, hairstyles, vacations, jewelry, etc. People want what the “cool kids” have. — Jeremy Auslander, Roxbury Jewelry, Los Angeles, CA

No: 65%

Usually when something becomes a buzz, only one or two clients are interested. — Scott McQuaid, In House Jewelers, Jacksonville, MD
We pay attention to trends, but they take a while to reach the Midwest, so it doesn’t always feel terribly relevant. There’s so much else to read/learn, celebs don’t speak to our clients. — Lucy Conklin, Toner Jewelers, Overland Park, KS
It is all big B.S. A subculture of emptiness. — Mark Rozanski, Goldart, Ottawa, ON
So many of the celebrities are people I can’t relate to at all. — Laura Sipe, JC Sipe, Indianapolis, IN
Celebrities tend to wear jewelry that’s unattainable for most. Plus, my market couldn’t care less about what Hollywood wears. — Marc Majors, Sam L. Majors, Midland, TX
Dumb people with no brains follow celebrities. — Barry’s Estate Jewelry, Bardonia, NY

What’s the Brain Squad?

If you’re the owner or top manager of a U.S. jewelry store, you’re invited to join the INSTORE Brain Squad. By taking one five-minute quiz a month, you can get a free t-shirt, be featured prominently in this magazine, and make your voice heard on key issues affecting the jewelry industry. Good deal, right? Sign up here.

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.”