[Jewelry making - Article 00055] - Re: [Orchid] 14 K Chrysoprase ring

[Derek]

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    The discussion about this chrysoprase ring recalled a feeling I've
    been having lately about jewelry purchasing and how we in the trade
    are doing ourselves a disservice.  I sell some jewelry at a local
    crafts center.  The manager there has been pointing out to me that
    my prices on various jewelry is in her estimation too high and
    showing me how gold should be more than silver and what stones have
    greater value.  The typical stuff.  But it occurred to me that there
    really are not too many other crafts or productions in which the
    cost of raw materials enters into the final price of the finished
    product.  Maybe houses and cars.  Since I used to carve wood, I
    remember that no one ever thought to wonder what I'd paid for my
    logs.  How many people consider the cost of the clay and glazes in
    pottery?  Does a purchaser of Van Gogh consider the value of the
    paint and canvas?  

    For that matter, does anyone decide a computer purchase based on the
    value of the materials that go into it, denser plastic?  What is the
    relative resale value of a plum tomato versus a cherry tomato?  

    On this Independence Day, I'd like us to consider declaring
    independence from the yoke we jewery-folks and lapidary artists wear
    and that we've taken on willing .  Let's look at the artistry equally
    as much or more than the perceived intrinsic value of the materials. 
    Let's treat what we do more like other arts or commodities.  The
    value of a piece of jewelry is how it makes the wearer feel while
    wearing it.  The resale value should be secondary. If it's beautiful
    and there is excellent workmanship in it, it's worth the price.  I
    ask you all to hold your fists in the air and denounce the tyranny or
    the appraiser 

Unless of course you do appraisals for a living.  Ah well. 

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