All,
I have been following this “sad fact” string and am amazed that some
pretty obvious realities have not surfaced. ( Did I miss something ?
) I am refering, of course, to the global economy and NAFTA.
Jewelers in America are getting less money because jewelers in third
world countries get next to nothing. At one time America was a major
player in jewelry manufacturing. Now we are jewelry importers.
Therefore, because jewelry has been cheapened, it no longer commands
the respect that it had when craftsmanship was esteemed. For the
most part, jewelry has become a commodity and, to some extent, is
getting close to becoming a disposable commodity !
I also concur with those of you who have suggested that our
champagne taste is a victim of beer pockets. Not only have American
workers had to get along on less income but, at the same time they
have been cajoled into believing that life without a cell phone, a
dvd player, electronic games, a digital camera, a Harley Davidson
and so on is not worth living. To some extent this disparity has
been smoothed over by using credit cards but sooner or later we will
have to again witness the erosion of our disposable income as we pay
off giant amounts of interest.
The old cliche’s about starving artists also come into play.
Unfortunately, no matter how good you think you are, your product
has to sell if you are going to eat. You also have to come to grips
about managing your affairs. Like it or not, balancing a checkbook
is one of lifes’ necessities. It may even be that one must get a
grasp of fundamental math !
Any way you look at it, all of us are going to have to take a second
look at our economic prospects because there are things happening
that will challenge us all. One of the biggest problems is the fact
that housing is getting so expensive that fewer and fewer people
will be able to own even a modest home. Our local median priced home
is now at $425,000.00 ! We have had a massive loss of doctors in our
county because they couldn’t afford to live here.
Another big challenge to our financial security is the rapidly
escalating cost of medical care. One serious medical episode can
put you in the “poorhouse”
Another factor that plays into the lives of younger jewelers are the
trustfunders. These are the children of the wealthy who are
attracted to the lifestyle aspect of the jewelry trade. For them
becoming a jeweler is a fun thing to do and a great way to
legitimize their existence. They may not make any money , but they
sure as hell make it difficult for a hard working but impecunious
competitor.
Most of the things I am talking about are applicable to all of us,
but making a living in a so called lifestyle business can be doubly
hard because there are too many people doing the same thing. I am
nearing the end of my career and I would do it all over again if I
had the chance. Owning ones own business is one of the few ways one
can be realtively independent. Being in the jewelry business provides
you with the opportunity of creating with your own hands, bringing
happiness to hundreds of people,involves traveling to exotic places
and surrounding yourself with beauty. The trick is to make enough
money to stay afloat. It is still possible, but you had better damned
well be prepared to burn a lot of midnight oil !
Ron Mills, Mills Gem Co. Los Osos, Ca.
