[Jewelry making - Article 01098] - Re: [Orchid] Trying to Educate Customers

[Silverspotstudio]

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>     To act egotistical about our knowledge alienates those we depend on
>     to survive. 

    Well put, Nanz - I do think it's important that we keep in mind that
    while our customers may not know everything about jewelry and its
    manufacture, they may be highly educated in areas in which we're
    totally ignorant. Many of my designs tend to appeal to educated
    people of many backgrounds, some of whom might not know the
    difference between fine silver and sterling, but who could name all
    the kings of ancient Egypt in chronological succession. 

    It seems that folks like us who have an interest in a very specific
    and somewhat esoteric field run the risk of "geekishness." Think of
    those odd people at Star Trek conventions who try to suppress their
    laughter when you can't recall the name of the captain of the
    Potemkin.... 

    All the same, I think we should reserve the right to chortle over
    customers' comments, as long as it's not to their faces. I had the
    pleasure, at a recent (and pretty bad) show, of watching a friend
    field the question, "Are those made with REAL rhinestones?" 

    I burst into an ersatz coughing fit as my friend patiently
    identified gemstone beads and Swarovski crystals, and even did a
    little discourse on the history and physical properties of leaded
    crystal. She maintained a crisp, professional demeanor the whole time
    and was not the least bit condescending. Once the shopper was out of
    sight, of course, we looked at each other and burst out laughing ;) 

    Cheers, 

    Jessee Smith (who believes that life is short, and should therefore
    involve lots of chocolate) 

www.silverspotstudio.com 
Cincinnati, Ohio

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