[Jewelry making - Article 00627] - [Orchid] How to present dyed pearls?

[brenda]

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Dear All,

    I think we all can agree that disclosure of materials is important
    and expected. I sell at juried arts shows, and 90 percent of my
    designs are in 14k gold, with the remainder in sterling silver and
    niobium. I do one of a kind pieces set with genuine gemstones. I
    really love pearls and as such I work with them quite a lot. Many of
    todays freshwater pearls are dyed, and I feel compelled to pass this
    info along to people shopping in my booth. Somehow, even though I'm a
    pretty tactful person with a pretty good command of the English
    language, I have difficulty conveying in a positive way that the
    pearls are dyed. When asked about the pearls, I relay that they are
    freshwater pearls, and that the color is enhanced or produced with a
    permanent dye, that the process is proprietary so I can't explain
    much on how it is actually done, and that the dye is permanent. I
    tell them I experimented for about a year before introducing them
    into my line, having family members wear them on a regular basis, and
    that I feel confident the dye is permanent. People find the
    experimenting part sort of funny (many ask if they can be part of my
    next experiment). Still, people seem less excited about the pearls
    after we chat about the color. What do all of you do? 

    Also, when selling colored gemstones, do you find it important to
    tell the person the sapphire they are looking at is heat treated, or
    is having a general disclosure on the receipt good enough for you? If
    you bring it up, when in the conversation do you mention it? Right
    away, after you are certain they love the piece, or what? 

    Several times this year my booth has been next to other jewelers
    booths, and I overhear a decided lack of info about what is being
    sold. I need to figure this out so I'm comfortable and so my customer
    base understands what they are buying, without being freaked out by
    the info. 

Any advice?

Brenda Nesheim-Fuller
Nesheim Fuller Design
http://www.sunrisejewelryoriginals.com
Mason City, Iowa

 
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