Where are today's markets and customers

[Marianne]

I am sorry but there are no quick and easy solutions. For jewelers
to prosper, we need rich people. The more the better, but in
today's environment when politicians trying to save their political
skins blaming everything on "the rich",...

UH-OH!! Don't let's get started on politics...I may never shut up!

The market may be turning up! I just had an exhilarating show, which I interpret as an indicator that people are becoming more optimistic and confident. Even though my work is fairly expensive for the realm I show in, my clients are not, for the most part, rich. They are primarily middle class. Customers who buy above an easy financial reach buy out of passion for the work, not just to alleviate boredom. Many of my clients use layaway, and I'm very patient. I always welcome anyone rich or poor, who enjoys my work. Rich people make things easier, but I would be in dire straits if I neglected the rest of the audience....I could even sneak in a reference here to the "other 98%" to whom I am indebted for their support.

And, Leonid, I believe you are referring to old school progressives like me, when you mistakenly say that "the rich" are being

blamed...no, no..they aren't being blamed; lack of regulation and skewed systems are being blamed. Perhaps you and I disagree on which politicians should be replaced, but I remember a time when political opponents in Congress and elsewhere behaved with some courtesy and good faith. Better way to get things done.

Marianne
Marianne Hunter
http://www.hunter-studios.com

[leonid_Surpin]

And, Leonid, I believe you are referring to old school
progressives like me, when you mistakenly say that "the rich" are
being blamed...no, no..they aren't being blamed; lack of regulation
and skewed systems are being blamed.

We probably living in different universes. In mine, I cannot turn a page of news publication without seeing it is the rich who screwed up the economy. And as far as lack of regulation, - in my universe progressives telling me how much soda I can drink and how much salt I could have. Recently, I was helping someone to open a restaurant in New York city. Do you know that it takes 56 licenses to open a restaurant here.

To the larger point. I generally do not care about politics, but I do care about economy. When I see that economy is been sacrificed on the altar of political ideology, it is time for any sane person to take politics seriously. If we reelect the same politicians for another term, they may push our country to the point of no return. Greece today may become America's future.

Leonid Surpin
www.studioarete.com

[Bill_Wismar3]

Customers who buy above an easy financial reach buy out of passion
for the work, not just to alleviate boredom.

I find this statement very unfair, I have many rich customers that buy out of passion and love to have nice pieces. I have more middle and lower class customers that buy above their price range because they want to feel like they can have what the rich have. Yes there are a few of the rich that get their money from using the system, but most of the rich work very, very hard for what they have, they have taken chances and sometimes they paid off and sometimes they did not. The next time you watch PBS or go to the hospital look at the name of the donor who built the new wing, if all these rich people that some love to hate decided out of boredom to stop buying and giving to charity this country would suffer greatly.

Now just for a little fact, if the top 1% was taxed at 100% it would run the USA for 3 weeks.

Bill Wismar
www.metalbendersgallery.com

[Cameron]

I will step in even though I think politics is the new religion and fraught with emotionally based mine-fields...

While I do think corporations and the wealthy have tax loopholes that should be closed, I am less inclined to crucify them as I am to crucify the politicians in Washington. I find myself furious that while we work and live with in certain parameters and concerns, those who work for us in Washington, have insulated themselves from those very same concerns - they have medical: they get absurd pensions: they break laws and get "censored" (without losing their benefits), etc, etc., but the bottom line is two fold:

1. We have a voting public that is motivated by which party can give them the most money and both parties cater to it.

2. Federal government should stay focused on national security and from there it should break down into regions - let states with similar priorities/geographic concerns decide how they want to spend their funds. The country is too large now - there are no common denominators.

I am sure I am going to regret stepping into this conversation but, there you have it...

[Stephen_Walker1]

As an American jeweler, even in heavily regulated New York State, I am very glad that somehow the busybodies that regulate things generally leave jewelers alone. My impression is that the jewelry business is doing modestly better than the economy at large. I think this is more due to the fact that individuals and companies that earn our daily crust this way are adapting and being creative about coping with our own situations. I personally prefer the freedom our industry enjoys from the indifference of politicians, to the sort of concern that would invite well intentioned meddling from the government.

Stephen Walker
WalkerMetalsmiths.com
Andover, NY

[pat4]

Dear Stephen; I agree totally. We are also a Me generation. It is a time to find ourselves, and if that means adornment, well we will buy the expensive stuff, or the Walmart stuff, it comes down to taste. I am finding alot of jewelry on Etsy.com I am listed under

AlaskaStixsnStones.

[William_Mollohan]

You have hit the nail right on the head, I can remember my
grandfather telling me, "son you mybe the next President, well that was the old old way, now special interest, lobbyist, and now they open the door for big money pacts giving out millions, I wonder what gifts they will get for all that money?? What has anyone done for the small business's. Again you are absolutly right on.

God Bless
Willie