[Jewelry making - Article 00106] - Re: [Orchid] Small Adventurers in the High-End Jewel Trade

[LSHancock]

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M'lou,

    you make some good points, but If we jewelers are going to ever
    break into the ultra-rich, high end market, we are going to have to
    suspend everything we know about why people like ourselves, the
    unsophisticated masses, buy things. ;) The people who spend the kind
    of money that a bracelet like that costs aren't like you and me. They
    have so much money to get rid of that the rules are suspended. Let me
    give you some examples. 

>     The bezels have sharp points where they are folded over the stones
>     but do not touch the stone surface. These points may jab or scrape
>     the wearer, making the piece uncomfortable. 

    Ok, first of all the affluent are used to being uncomfortable. They
    wear stiletto heels or ties with starched collars all day. And really
    have you ever had to sit on a wallet that was so stuffed with cash
    that it just destroyed your spinal column? Why do yo think there are
    so many chiropractors in rich areas of the country and none in rural
    areas? It's because being rich is painful, they're used to it. This
    also explains why there are so many plastic surgeons in Beverly
    Hills. Rich people don't even call it surgery, they call it "going
    under the knife" they are so used to pain and discomfort. 

>     They may also collect lint or snag fibers from clothing. 

    Rich people would never admit to wearing clothes containing fibers
    that snag. If the clothes snag they toss them out and buy another
    $1750 sweater to replace it. 

>     The gapped areas where the bezesl do not touch the stones may
>     collect dirt, grease, and debris, making the stones look muddy and
>     dull. 

    The affluent are never anywhere near dirt, grease and debris. Why do
    you that Paris Hilton show was so funny. Rich people never go near
    the stuff. And if for some reason the bracelet did get dirty, say
    they loaned it out for a Katrina charity event, the store just sends
    it back to the artist for several weeks. When it comes back, the
    owner just throws it in the back of the drawer with the Faberge eggs
    and Cartier cigarette case. 

>     The stones might fall out of these merely partially-closed bezels.
>     There IS at least one "wrong" way to set a stone: so that it might
>     fall out. IMHO. 

    So a stone falls out, that's why they pay their lawyers all those
    contingent fees. That's also why stores like the ones listed in the
    Times article charge so much for their merchandise. It's not that
    they are greedy, they know that their clients demand to pay
    outrageous amounts of money for unnecessary, frivolous items. To do
    otherwise would compromise their clients sense of worth. I mean if
    they had to pay a normal markup they would feel insulted and debased,
    ordinary and pedestrian you might say. 

    My advise is for all on orchid who want to play in this market is to
    go out and get some ultra rich friends. You'll learn a lot and make a
    lot more money that hanging out with your current lower middle class
    friends who can't afford to buy your work. 

    All in good fun,

    Larry
    who isn't signing his last name so it can't be held against him if
    someone googles him

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