I have been working with stones: cutting and polishing specimens and
cutting and polishing cabs for many years. I have also done some
jewelry work in both SS and in gold. (Even some jewelry repairs.) I
have not tried to sell much of my jewelry. Most goes to family and
friends. Jewelry can be marketed (priced) adding an intrinsic value
based on creative effort, unique design, and technical skill. This
can make the selling price (cost for the customer) higher resulting
in a higher profit for the jeweler. A stone is a stone. If it is
polished well, it is still a stone. There isn’t any special reason
for making the customer pay more for it since it is just a stone.
Looking at this situation from the money end, would it be better to
concentrate on developing a marketing plan for jewelry more than the
polished stones? It seems there might be more profit in it.
A stone is a stone. If it is polished well, it is still a stone.
There isn't any special reason for making the customer pay more
for it since it is just a stone.
ah larry -
after reading your post it occurred to me that either you have been
cutting the wrong stones or you need to get away from the workshop
to brush off the burnout ashes. i had beginner’s guilt about
fabricating/forging $10.00 worth of sterling, using about $1.00 in
melee stones with a $1.00 to $5.00 stone i cut and polished, and
pricing the finished piece at $400.00 to $500.00 - what got me over
the guilt was that they sold! and repeat customers who continue to
pay my price - one reason is customers can tell that i love what i
do and they come back again and again to see - and buy - the latest
project.
so, if you think ‘a stone is a stone,’ etc. consider hiring a rep
between you and customers, who can usually feel “if he’s not happy
with what he does why should i spend money for it?”
so when is a stone not “just a stone”? when it brings pleasure to
someone who wears it.