Great Jewelry Deals from QVC
Last night I watched QVC television for about a half an hour. The program airing was “Gold Rush.” The items being sold were 14k – 18k gold and diamond bracelets, necklaces, rings, and watches. Even though some of the jewelry was pretty common looking—Byzantine chains, for example—I wanted to buy nearly one of everything because the prices were dynamite!
An item I liked was a wide concave gold band with a little bit of diamond pave for $150. That’s a small price for a big look, in 14k gold no less. Not bad. Next, 14k gold watches with crocodile-embossed leather straps were offered at prices around $300. It was made in Italy, and a representative from the manufacturer was present and discussed how the watches were made.
I think QVC offers great values and looks to people with “real-income salaries.” Last year on a private tour of the QVC Studios in Pennsylvania, I bought several hundred dollars worth of Ann King sterling and 18k gold pieces in the gift shop. I felt like I was getting a great value for the jewelry I bought. And I’ve gotten tons of compliments on the pieces. 
Now I periodically cruise the QVC web site to see what other jewelry deals it has—and it has a lot! For example, a Tiger’s Eye, Citrine, and sterling bracelet from Judith Ripka is super cute, and offers a big look for a modest sum ($142). And her rings (32 of them) range in price from $36 – $168, what deals! And they’re SO cute! These items are made in Thailand, but they couldn’t be made in America for those prices.
I realize the typical independent jeweler can’t possibly offer this type of merchandise at these prices because QVC buys in such bulk, but there’s got to be a jewelry-store equivalent of QVC (or Banana Republic as Hedda says)—great merchandise and affordable prices. Perhaps this is a topic for a future article in JCK Magazine; reader, do you want us to research this topic and offer you some solutions?
fordgal4 commented:
I have been buying QVC jewelry for a number of years. Let me tell
you, the prices are great, the quality is obvious and the designs
are fantastic. You can not beat the Tacori look either!!! QVC is a
class act and the return policy along with any other complaints are
always handled satisfactory. I have received jewelry on the rare
occasion where a stone falls out. They happily replace the item! I
feel the quality of the product, with rare exceptions, holds up! I
purchased several pieces throughout their 6-10 show last night! QVC
rocks in my book! fordgal4
David W. Nytch CGA commented:
Your post brings up a good point. Independent jewelers are going to
have to look at new ways to merchandise and run their stores if
they want to remain competitive. The good news is there is plenty
of fashion forward, affordable, high quality jewelry available to
the independent retailer who recognizes the opportunity. I also
want to point out that while QVC and other mass merchandisers may
be becoming more fashion focused there is still problems with
inconsistent quality. It’s rare but I have seen some really
great buys. However the reality is much of the jewelry we see
coming into our store from the mass market is of poor quality and
will not withstand any more than the most occasional light wear.
These just two of the many subjects I plan to tackle with my new
blog “askdavewestthejewelryexpert.com”
Laura Finkelstein commented:
Very interesting and informative, Jen. I have often equated QVC
with cheap, non-fashion pieces...no longer.
