Jewelry has played many roles in the history of human culture. This blog aims to talk about not only the material objects of jewelry but also the ways in which jewelry is made, sold, and worn. I welcome anyone to send their comments and questions.

As a third generation jeweler, I have had the unique experience of growing up in a jewelry store (anyone who grew up in any family business can image though!). I am, what the jewelry industry so lovingly refers to as, a jewelry brat. It means I started cleaning jewelry cases before I started Kindergarten. The business gets handed down from generation to generation and it is a very precious thing. To take over the family business is to take on the responsibility of the life effort of generations of your family before you. The business is more like another member of the family than just a way to make a living. And the responsibility of keeping that family thriving becomes the central focus of your life. I know this because I have seen it happen and I am considering going down that same path myself.

It's not just the responsibility of the family though; in a small town you come to have a sense of resposibility to your customers, your neighbors, other small town merchants who have toiled alongside you for years. To fail during economic hardships, to give in because of the long hours real dedication exacts, to collapse under the wave of big box discount centers, is simply unthinkable.

It is sad to see customers go to some of these places to buy jewelry. I am sure it's the same feeling a small hardware store owner feels about the big home improvement places (I always shop at small hardware stores, food co-ops, small florists, etc. etc.). I have to say I even balked at the idea of people buying jewelry on the internet. I couldn't understand it. As the internet industry continued to grow though I realized people must be happy overall with what they are buying. With some exceptions no doubt, there have to be a lot of legitimate jewelers out there selling on-line. So here I am, pushing this Mom and Pop Shop (mostly pop, mom has other interests) onboard and on-line. I think there must be quite a few jewelers like me on e-bay and if you are one of them I'd love to hear from you.

My concern right now is how to provide the kind of customer service via the internet as the kind I give to customers face-to-face. It is a whole new realm! The customers I serve in person have known me for many years, I know their family, they know mine. They know they can come in and we'll take care of whatever they need. Patience and perserverence I guess. And consistant positive feedback too! Starting green on e-bay is like trying to get credit with no credit!

Until next time,

Nikki

(Oh, you can't spell-check this it appears. Unfortunate.) (sp?)