[Jewelry making - Article 00060] - Re: [Orchid] Women and self-purchases

[margery epstein]

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    I've had assorted experiences, both in the context of personal
    appearances for a major high-end department store, and in private
    studio events. One that occurs with more frequency than I would have
    believed is that the husband (usually) would be ready and eager to
    make the purchase of an item which his wife admired, sometimes
    borderline begging to do so, while his wife would demure, saying it
    was too much money to spend (not necessarily saying it was
    overpriced, but that it was an impractical purchase) -thus, flatly
    queering the sale. I've seen looks of utter bewilderment, even
    embarrassment, on the faces of some of these guys as they walked
    away, often appearing to take it like a slap in the face. ( Sometimes
    I think it is actually meant to be.) Now that I really think about
    it, this has been the case only with married couples - and older
    ones, usually, at that. Maybe that's some sort of "code dance" they
    play with each other to make a "diplomatic" getaway from the
    situation (of rejecting a piece in the presence of the artist,
    perhaps because they weren't serious to begin with). More often,
    though, the men seemed very sincere. I think it rather a sad
    commentary: Here was a romantic gesture being shot down. But who
    knows what subtexts and complexities in the relationships - or family
    economics - may be in play in such a scenario? 

    With dating or engaged couples - the opposite is the norm. The women
    not only warmly accept the gift, but clearly "encourage" it. Here,
    the age of the players, even respective to each other, doesn't seem
    to enter into it. 

    Overwhelmingly, my clients are women. In many cases, they pre-shop
    their own gift, husband to come in and pay for it later (or buy it
    outright, saying that this will be their husbands'
    birthday/anniversary/ whatever gift.) Sometimes they even have the
    thing gift wrapped. Most just straight - on buy for themselves, for
    the sake of style, but also for the symbolic value inherent in the
    components which, clearly, resonates. Many have been avid collectors,
    over years' time, purchasing - or commissioning custom designed
    pieces -to complement their entire wardrobes. 

    My prices can range from well under $50 to several thousand. 

    The women (and the men who genuinely know* and love them) buy my
    work because it is highly individual, even those pieces that could be
    described as "classic", with a great deal of symbolic subtext of its
    own. It is not sexual status "bling" nor does it necessarily reach
    out to the fashion victim. (If they came over to me from out of the
    Chanel boutique, it was usually because they were losing altitude
    from wobbly 4-inch heels and needed a "sit-down" - or maybe were
    merely curious to know what the "fish-frenzy" around my display was
    about.) It appeals to women (and the men who genuinely know* and love
    them) who are comfortable in their own skins, fearless in their
    individuality.. (The dead giveaway that I will never, ever, see a
    sale from a customer is when, after gazing longingly - and long - at
    her reflection in the mirror, admiring one of my pieces, she gently
    hands it back saying "I absolutely love this, but I have to ask/talk
    to my husband". If she adds, "I'll be back." -that's a dead-on
    guarantee that I'll never see her again under any circumstances. Even
    on the street. If she includes the word "definitely" - I
    automatically think "witness protection program". 

    * Men who select according to the woman's taste, not necessarily
    their own, because they actually have paid attention, know what it is
    - and respect it.. These are the men who seem to be very jazzed about
    shopping my jewelry for their mates - especially the older ones.
    They're always so excited in anticipation of their wife's reaction ~
    I just LOVE those guys...! 

margery epstein
http://www.storyjewels.com


 
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