[Jewelry making - Article 00013] - Re: [Orchid] Should Goldsmiths Unionize/Organize

[Richard W. Wise]

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David,

    Some good ideas. Certainly the old model won't work. The other
    problem is a shrinking market for true goldsmiths. Remember in the
    50s goldsmiths were almost as scarce as the Do Do. It was the Crafts
    Revival of the 60-70s that brought renewed interest in the
    handcrafts. The generation that sparked that interest is on the edge
    of retirement. Generation X, Y and Z seems more interested in brands
    and instant grat. 

    Not to be totally negative, there is a social dialectic and nothing,
    certainly not consumer preferences, is immutable. 

    On the plus side, I believe there is greater demand for the
    shrinking numbers of really good craftsmen and wages are up. 

Richard

www.rwwise.com
For Information and sample chapters from my new book: 
www.secretsofthegemtrade.com

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