Gem Quiz

Whereas Most Jewelry Celebrates Life and Joy, I Help People Mourn What’s Lost

Dark as a starless night, I’m ready to take off again.

Published

5 years ago

June 3, 2021

Chris Burslem

LOVE, LIFE AND birth? There was a time when jewelry was also worn to signify death, loss and passage. Mourning jewelry it was called, and I was the dark prince of that trend. My heyday was the second half of the 19th century, and my chief promoter was Queen Victoria, whose grief-inspired fashion sensibilities set the tone for an age. Light and soft but as black as a starless night, I was perfect for making cameos, pendants and necklaces. In recent years, I have made something of a comeback, but this time in earrings, brooches and beads.

Who am I?

Closing With Confidence: How Bailey's Fine Jewelry Achieved Outstanding Results With Wilkerson

When Trey Bailey, President and CEO of Bailey's Fine Jewelry, decided to close the Crabtree location in Raleigh, North Carolina after 15 years, he knew the decision needed to be handled with intention and professionalism. The goal was clear: exit the location while maintaining financial strength and honoring the store's legacy. Having worked with Wilkerson successfully in the past, Bailey understood the value of their comprehensive approach. "They understood both the emotional and financial sides of the store closing sale," Trey explains. "Their reputation for professionalism, results and care made it a very easy decision." The results exceeded expectations. Wilkerson helped Bailey's sell through significant inventory while maintaining the dignity of the closing process. "They don't just run a sale, they help close a chapter in the best way possible," Bailey says, strongly recommending Wilkerson to any jeweler facing a similar transition.