[Jewelry making - Article 00760] - Re: [Orchid] Sad Fact?

[MillsGem]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

All,

    I have been following this "sad fact" string and am amazed that some
    pretty obvious realities have not surfaced. ( Did I miss something ?
    ) I am refering, of course, to the global economy and NAFTA.
    Jewelers in America are getting less money because jewelers in third
    world countries get next to nothing. At one time America was a major
    player in jewelry manufacturing. Now we are jewelry importers.
    Therefore, because jewelry has been cheapened, it no longer commands
    the respect that it had when craftsmanship was esteemed. For the
    most part, jewelry has become a commodity and, to some extent, is
    getting close to becoming a disposable commodity ! 

    I also concur with those of you who have suggested that our
    champagne taste is a victim of beer pockets. Not only have American
    workers had to get along on less income but, at the same time they
    have been cajoled into believing that life without a cell phone, a
    dvd player, electronic games, a digital camera, a Harley Davidson
    and so on is not worth living. To some extent this disparity has
    been smoothed over by using credit cards but sooner or later we will
    have to again witness the erosion of our disposable income as we pay
    off giant amounts of interest. 

    The old cliche's about starving artists also come into play.
    Unfortunately, no matter how good you think you are, your product
    has to sell if you are going to eat. You also have to come to grips
    about managing your affairs. Like it or not, balancing a checkbook
    is one of lifes' necessities. It may even be that one must get a
    grasp of fundamental  math ! 

    Any way you look at it, all of us are going to have to take a second
    look at our economic prospects because there are things happening
    that will challenge us all. One of the biggest problems is the fact
    that housing is getting so expensive that fewer and fewer people
    will be able to own even a modest home. Our local median priced home
    is now at $425,000.00 ! We have had a massive loss of doctors in our
    county because they couldn't afford to live here. 

    Another big challenge to our financial security is the rapidly
    escalating cost of medical care. One serious medical episode  can
    put you in the "poorhouse" 

    Another factor that plays into the lives of younger jewelers are the
    trustfunders. These are the children of the wealthy who are
    attracted to the lifestyle aspect of the jewelry trade. For them
    becoming a jeweler is a fun thing to do and a great way to
    legitimize their existence. They may not make any money , but they
    sure as hell make it difficult for a hard working but impecunious
    competitor. 

    Most of the things I am talking about are applicable to all of us,
    but making a living in a so called lifestyle business can be doubly
    hard because there are too many people doing the same thing. I am
    nearing the end of my career and I would do it all over again if I
    had the chance. Owning ones own business is one of the few ways one
    can be realtively independent. Being in the jewelry business provides
    you with the opportunity of creating with your own hands, bringing
    happiness to hundreds of people,involves traveling to exotic places
    and surrounding yourself with beauty. The trick is to make enough
    money to stay afloat. It is still possible, but you had better damned
    well be prepared to burn a lot of midnight oil ! 

    Ron Mills, Mills Gem Co. Los Osos, Ca. 


____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________