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4 comments

1
freetoken  Aug 4, 2015 • 12:35:34pm

Jewelry as fashion definitely has its ups and downs.

I think the big trend into non-precious-metal jewelry really took root when gold prices skyrocketed a few years ago.

The artist working in metal and jewelry has been a tiny subset of the industry (which produces most of their material in cheap-labor nations), but I notice that the local custom-jewelry scene also is not really growing.

The current young generation tends more towards self-modification (tats and such). If wearing stones they usually are not diamonds but a colored semi-precious stone. Leather work appears to continue to hold its place.

The top tier of society still covets fine jewelry though, yet they are a small fraction of the market (even though they buy the big ticket items.)

2
I Stand With Planned Parenthood  Aug 5, 2015 • 9:56:36am

I love jewelry —I love the glitter and the beauty of fine jewelry.

It’s an art form that utilizes some of most beautiful objects made by the Earth.

Jewelry is also history. From buying Manhattan with a string of beads to mythical curses on rubys, jewelry is part of our culture.

I do see fewer and fewer young people putting a priority on jewelry purchases. I think it is because the concept of the dowry is totally buried in the West. A women used to be able to show her “value” by the jewels her husband gave her. This was brought forward into the 20th century at some level, if not actual cash value, but a sign of the husband’s success, a good woman, a good marriage.

I think it’s a cultural meme that has died.

Women buy their own jewelry, if they want it.

3
sharonsj  Aug 5, 2015 • 3:30:48pm

I make extra money buying and selling second-hand jewelry (gold, silver, collectible costume). I find stuff at flea markets and yard sales for a fraction of their value.

I didn’t realize precisely why I was doing so well until I wandered through a department store one day and saw the prices of truly ordinary silver jewelry. Even on sale, the jewelry was overpriced, it absolutely wasn’t worth the cost. And it was more than double what I was charging.

Designer costume jewelry is even more outrageous. I get numerous fashion magazines and see stuff (that I could make at home) being priced at hundreds of dollars. I have no idea who has the extra money to buy a slice of agate on a macrame cord for $200 other than a movie star. (The actual cost of the agate is $3.)

When the majority of people have to choose between food, medicine, housing, and electricity, it’s no wonder jewelry stores aren’t selling.

4
I Stand With Planned Parenthood  Aug 6, 2015 • 7:19:23am

re: #3 sharonsj

I make extra money buying and selling second-hand jewelry (gold, silver, collectible costume). I find stuff at flea markets and yard sales for a fraction of their value.

I didn’t realize precisely why I was doing so well until I wandered through a department store one day and saw the prices of truly ordinary silver jewelry. Even on sale, the jewelry was overpriced, it absolutely wasn’t worth the cost. And it was more than double what I was charging.

Designer costume jewelry is even more outrageous. I get numerous fashion magazines and see stuff (that I could make at home) being priced at hundreds of dollars. I have no idea who has the extra money to buy a slice of agate on a macrame cord for $200 other than a movie star. (The actual cost of the agate is $3.)

When the majority of people have to choose between food, medicine, housing, and electricity, it’s no wonder jewelry stores aren’t selling.

Most of the people buying department store jewelry do not know the market prices for precious metals. While I am willing to pay for extraordinary design and craftsmanship, I am not will to pay $200 for $10 worth of silver. If others are, well I’m glad those involved are making money and have jobs.


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