[Jewelry making - Article 00042] - Re: [Orchid] A Jewelry Buyer's Guide

[Dave Sebaste]

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    There is no sense in competing with the stuff that is coming in from
    India, Bali, Thailand and Mexico.... that the stones are almost never
    high quality and they are seldom artisically cut. 

    I have to echo Ron's comment on this. On a recent trip to
    Charleston, I was looking forward to checking out some of the jewelry
    shops and boutiques in the historic Market District. I was dismayed
    to find little-to-no American made jewelry. Almost everything was
    produced offshore. 

    I was, however, surprised to find the quality of the metalsmithing
    has improved dramatically over what I had seen in the past from this
    type of jewelry. Almost scary, considering the retail price points...
    until I looked at the stones. Kind of on a par with the junk stones I
    toss aside for my daughter to play with when she gets a little older. 

    I think that's still our greatest opportunity to differentiate
    ourselves. Until those folks source and start using decent quality
    gemstones, we'll continue to have the upper hand with discerning
    clients. 

All the best,
Dave
Dave Sebaste
Sebaste Studio and
Carolina Artisans' Gallery
Charlotte, NC (USA)
dave AT sebaste.com 
http://www.CarolinaArtisans.com 

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