Speed

Jewelry Discussion
1

Pet peeve time.There seems to be an eternal one-up-man-ship when
it comes to speed.We seem to need a quantitative measure of our
ability.He did 10,She did 20,and I did 30.Invariably,these
discussions are centered around the least demanding of
tasks.Basic stone setting,sizing,ect… Qualitative
measure,degree of difficulty,and complexity are thrown out.

Speed and efficiency are the means by which we make our trade
profitable. However,it is the quality of our style,beauty,and
craftsmanship that make our work endure.

In short,we achieve that which we seek.If we seek speed,we will
achieve speed.In the process,we will train ourselves to use the
fastest method.sometimes this yealds good results,sometimes
not.It almost never yealds the best results.

If we place quality as our priority,we will train ourselves to
achieve quality.In the process,we gain proficiency that also
brings us speed.The path of quality is the slowest to
develop,but gives us the most in the long run.

The next time someone says they can set 100 stones per hour,ask
them how many of the were large,high quality,emerald
cut,emeralds. So much for my soap box.

         Scott Hepner
2

If we place quality as our priority,we will train ourselves to
achieve quality.In the process,we gain proficiency that also
brings us speed.The path of quality is the slowest to
develop,but gives us the most in the long run.

I think you just defined the Master Craftsman’s attitude.

Thanks,

Sharon

3

Hi Scott,
Jim Zimmerman here. In what I’ve seen of the speed issue on
sizing it should be and is in my shop only a primary step. I
averaged 65 per day (ups & downs, no polish, emerald in, high
fashion) by the way. So so. What all this speed is supposed to
lead to no hesitation when the jeweller is asked to construck a
ring from stock. Usaully beating the time it takes to make a
wax. There by cutting out a step when doing special order work,
thus saving money. Which means extra profit on the sale. It
also a confidence builder that the name of the game in
compentance and reputation. It also may get you throw the JA
test in a small way. I mean the no hesitation thing. Sort of
like compressing a file taking out the gaps. Jim