I am always team gold, but the recent rise is really shocking even to me, someone who isn't a jeweler! I was just saying to my husband the other day that it makes me not want to purchase anything for now in the secondhand market, because pricing there is really reliant on gold prices. I do view new jewelry and secondhand differently though, and I think those are two different conversations. For me, buying something new doesn't have the same mentality as buying secondhand-- I know I'm paying for someone's labor, originality, and craft. Also-- re: price increases-- secondhand sellers are raising their prices quick, and these are on items that have been sitting on etsy for months, even years-- a ring I bookmarked that was $700 is now over a grand, and no one's bought it in over a year. And they didn't even make the ring! Just to say, I don't think any jeweler should feel guilt over something they can't control like the price of gold. Hindsight is always 20/20 but we don't know what we don't know, and can only move forward.
Really interesting conversation, and I have so many thoughts! Thanks for the post <3
Oohh wow, I honestly hadn't thought about the ways in which this has been affecting the secondhand market, so this is really fascinating to learn! I get why they increase the price of course, but at the same time it also feels a bit... unfair? For the same reasons you outlined. But I also don't know if that's a valid feeling! I have no idea how pricing works for antique/vintage jewelry.
Haha oh I KNOW you have many more thoughts... much to discuss at our next drink date 😈
Pre-mixed metals… I’m such a fan of that idea 🙈 One way in which I have tried to be more economical is by buying 10k pieces—I like the extra hardness and the paler gold color anyways (although the buttery 18k hue is hard so beat). I will say, it has been kind of sad to see some of my wishlist pieces get further and further out of reach, at least for the time being, but I try to remind myself that some of this craziness is a product of our times and ultimately things (hopefully) find equilibrium. Always appreciate your transparency and thoughtfulness, and I was so surprised to see my hand in this post!!! <3
Ugh it's so hard, it really does pain me (and my fellow jewelers) when we have to increase prices 😔 I do try to remind myself that jewelry is a lifelong love, and the right pieces have a way of finding us at the right time. And once you do make a purchase, at least it's something that will be with you forever!
Thanks so much for reading as always (and for literally lending a hand! 😂💅🏻)
I very much appreciate your two-week heads-up approach to price increases—it strikes a perfect balance from both a consumer perspective and a brand communication standpoint. Additionally, I’m a huge fan of mixed metals, and I absolutely loved the stack you shared!
I am always team gold, but the recent rise is really shocking even to me, someone who isn't a jeweler! I was just saying to my husband the other day that it makes me not want to purchase anything for now in the secondhand market, because pricing there is really reliant on gold prices. I do view new jewelry and secondhand differently though, and I think those are two different conversations. For me, buying something new doesn't have the same mentality as buying secondhand-- I know I'm paying for someone's labor, originality, and craft. Also-- re: price increases-- secondhand sellers are raising their prices quick, and these are on items that have been sitting on etsy for months, even years-- a ring I bookmarked that was $700 is now over a grand, and no one's bought it in over a year. And they didn't even make the ring! Just to say, I don't think any jeweler should feel guilt over something they can't control like the price of gold. Hindsight is always 20/20 but we don't know what we don't know, and can only move forward.
Really interesting conversation, and I have so many thoughts! Thanks for the post <3
Oohh wow, I honestly hadn't thought about the ways in which this has been affecting the secondhand market, so this is really fascinating to learn! I get why they increase the price of course, but at the same time it also feels a bit... unfair? For the same reasons you outlined. But I also don't know if that's a valid feeling! I have no idea how pricing works for antique/vintage jewelry.
Haha oh I KNOW you have many more thoughts... much to discuss at our next drink date 😈
I would love a mixed metals version of the column ring! And as you know, I'm a big fan of 10K as a more affordable option.
Now the question is... which side of the ring should be which metal? 🤔
The thicker part! (that's what I say today, but ask me again tomorrow)
Pre-mixed metals… I’m such a fan of that idea 🙈 One way in which I have tried to be more economical is by buying 10k pieces—I like the extra hardness and the paler gold color anyways (although the buttery 18k hue is hard so beat). I will say, it has been kind of sad to see some of my wishlist pieces get further and further out of reach, at least for the time being, but I try to remind myself that some of this craziness is a product of our times and ultimately things (hopefully) find equilibrium. Always appreciate your transparency and thoughtfulness, and I was so surprised to see my hand in this post!!! <3
Ugh it's so hard, it really does pain me (and my fellow jewelers) when we have to increase prices 😔 I do try to remind myself that jewelry is a lifelong love, and the right pieces have a way of finding us at the right time. And once you do make a purchase, at least it's something that will be with you forever!
Thanks so much for reading as always (and for literally lending a hand! 😂💅🏻)
I very much appreciate your two-week heads-up approach to price increases—it strikes a perfect balance from both a consumer perspective and a brand communication standpoint. Additionally, I’m a huge fan of mixed metals, and I absolutely loved the stack you shared!
Thank youuu, I so appreciate hearing this feedback!
Thank you for the lil diagram 🤣
Sometimes my graphic design BFA still comes in handy 😂