[Jewelry making - Article 00447] - Re: [Orchid] Employment in the Metal arts/Jewelery Field

[David L. Huffman]

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Hi Bru;

    Sorry, it's a little worse than the 2 former employees. There's also
    what I know from personal experience with Sterling. Unless the people
    at the top are an entirely different crew, which, I'll grant, is
    possible, I don't have much respect for the entire company. But
    things may have changed, it's been a while. I just suspect the
    business model hasn't changed. And so far, you haven't really
    contradicted some of what I've said and some things you haven't even
    replied to. 

    1. are you salaried for that 48-58 hours per week? 

    2. is that 40 jobs no-matter-what policy in effect for your shop? 

    3. do you have a laser welder? The shops I heard about didn't. 

    4. I never said you shouldn't have to pick stones out of the sonic,
    just that it shouldn't happen so often that it puts undue pressure on
    a jeweler to keep up. 

    As for quality, perhaps the cheap stuff came from Kay's or one of
    the other's under Sterling's umbrella, but I have no doubt I was told
    the truth. From what I understand, Jared's working shops are hubs for
    repairs from the other Sterling brand stores. 

    These people I spoke with had nothing to gain telling me what they
    did, and having been in the trade as long as I have, I know there are
    just some stories that can't be made up. I was also not at all
    impressed with the wages one of the jewlers was paid, considering
    what I know his skill level is. I think it was off by at least 10
    grand. I guess if you're saving that much on wages, a little all
    expenses paid vacation isn't going to break the bank. And to my
    thinking, 48-58 hours a week without overtime, or worse, for salary,
    means your real hourly rate is probably pretty low. I'm glad you're
    happy with your position. But I'm still recommending that people
    avoid working for mall chains, in general, and I'm still very
    suspicious that Jared's is not a good career move. 

David L. Huffman
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