Our Industry Needs a New Generation of Jewelers

The salary is a huge issue. Many new graduates (including myself) can earn much more money in other industries. So why wait years and years to earn what you can all ready get? The only young people who stay put are the ones that are passionate for what they do and jewelry retailers should recognize this. As an under 25 masters graduate with 5 years of experience, you'd think people would take me more seriously. I could make 60K in a marketing job yet I still apply at the 25K jewelry jobs. Why would I do this especially considering all the money i've paid for this education?? cause I know I have what older staff doesn't!! I am motivated to learn and work harder, I am moldable, I now the latest and have studied the greatest, I have new fresh ideas that will expand the minds of all those who are around me. Thats why you need young people as part of your staff.... cause they are different and they bring new things to the table. In this changing industry, wouldn't more retailers think it smart to get the next generation in and trained??

I just found this post very thought provoking... It is sad to see the days of handshake deals go - but it is a new world and the future is full of new ideas. We need to see how they translate for this industry.

I just found this post very thought provoking... It is sad to see the days of handshake deals go - but it is a new world and the future is full of new ideas. We need to see how they translate for this industry.

Your are Great. And so is your site! Awesome content. Good job guys! Interesting article, adding it to my favourites!

I'm not sure what the age demographics of the jewelry retail industry, but I know being successful in this business demands a high level of trust, honesty and integrity. I know many people who pay their attorney big dollars and don't really trust their advice. I don't know anyone who will give a jeweler two cents if he doesn't trust them. You can't build trust overnight. It's accumulated one day at time.regarding jewelry,there is too much that needs to be learned, the 4 c's and knowing whos hot is too scant in having a sound platform to sell upon. There are young ones that want to learn , the question is, is there anyone left to teach it? Marc@eyeson.biz

I agree with the salary issue. I've invested well over $100k in my own industry education, and its a slap in the face to be making less than half of what the equivalent makes in other industries. I'm at one of those dying independents. The owner is pushing 70, but in the past few years his daughter, in her mid 30's has brought a new outlook. Her influence has brought a much broader and far more interesting mix of inventory in the store and its moving. My fear is the majority of our clientele is 55 and up. They trust the store, but their children aren't familiar with our new approach, and despite our best efforts, still consider us an outdated unappealing place to shop. Anyone have any ideas on how to overcome that hurdle? At this rate we'll be closing our doors in less than 5 years.

There are many new ways that jewelry is sold in today's market place. Unfortunately the trade organizations in the jewelry industry are slow to recognize them. Not all fine jewelry is sold in brick and mortar stores. It is time that we all open our eyes to new ways of doing business. It is time that the industry respects those who are doing business in a non-traditional manner. Take a look at all the business that is being done over the Internet, or home shows, or private brokers, or auction houses, craft shows, or home shopping, or mass marketers. Many customers have made a shift away from traditional guild type stores because they are looking for something different. Computers have been very good at telling us what sold best. This in turn led everyone to carry the same merchandise. Guild stores today are virtually the same all over the country no matter where you go. They all have the diamond engagement rings, Rolex watches, gold chains and strands of pearls. What happened to all the rest? I say there are many young people in the jewelry business, they just do not want to run grandpa's jewelry store.

A good place to start would be with a better pay scale. JCK's annual Salary Survey (November 2006) shows that industry salaries have gone up more than in previous years, but unfortunately they still lag far behind comparable salaries in other retail fields, not to mention non-retail fields. It's not a very compelling argument for choosing jewelry sales as a career.

My response is Upping Your Store's Fun Factor under JCK Voices.