September 27, 2010

Zale's Did Better Than Expected

Zale's jewelers posted a narrower net loss of $28.5M in Q4. Analysts were expecting a drop of about $1.21 per share, but only lost about 89¢ per share. (via TheStreet)

Win a Pair of Tacori Smoky Quartz and Prasiolite Earrings

Luxist is giving away a pair of Tacori smoky quartz and prasiolite earrings (valued at $880) on behalf of Since1910.com. The earrings are from Since1910.com's Tacori collection.

For your chance to win, just visit the post at Luxist.com and leave a confirmed comment before 5PM (EDT) on October 4, 2010. The winner will be selected at random.

September 26, 2010

New Watches from Bedat & Co.

Bedat & Co. is back with a vengeance this holiday season with the beautiful model 883 Extravaganza edition watch. With a mother-of-pearl face and 11 carats of diamonds, this elegant timepiece will brighten up any lady's arm.

(via Luxist)

December 29, 2008

Tips for Pricing Your Jewelry

Do you make your own jewelry? Have you wondered how much you should be charging? It really doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, if done right, pricing your jewelry can be quite simple and quick. 

Let me give you an example. Have you ever spent $20 on supplies and then doubled the sales price? That sounds logical right? The problem is, you'll never be profitable that way. Sure you're covering the cost of your supplies, but are you making a fair return for your time? Are you covering your rent? Insurance? Business license fees? Taxes? Do you show your jewelry at shows? There's a cost for that as well. If you're working hard to make a quality product, you deserve to be compensated (and your customers will agree).  

Here's a better way, first calculate the cost of your supplies. Then calculate how long it took you and multiple that by how much you should be making per hour. Now multiply the result by about 10 or 15% (to cover other overhead). 

Does that seem expensive? Worried you'll lose customers? That's a valid concern, but remember that people's priorities can change quickly when they find something they really like (or that goes with multiple outfits). Try this, create 3 (or more) necklaces of varying levels of quality. Now use a different pricing strategy for each. For the simplest one, use your regular pricing strategy. For the nicest one, try the strategy outlined above. Price the other one somewhere in the middle. I think you'll quickly see that people aren't that bothered to spend quite a bit more when they find something they really like. 

What do you think? Have a better strategy? Think this is unfair? Add your comments below. 

December 26, 2008

GIA Donates Over $8000 to Charity

Voices for Children received some happy news this holiday season; the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) donated over $8000 worth of food, gifts, toys, and other supplies to the non-profit organization who assists abused, neglected, and abandoned children. GIA has been raising money for Voices for Children since 1996 and has contributed a total of $61,000. (via: JCK Online)

September 28, 2008

The World's Largest Diamond?

A newly discovered 478-carat diamond (and the 20th largest ever found), could become a new "world's largest round cut diamond". Initial analysis suggests that the stone may have a flawless center and could dwarf the "Kohinoor" diamond that is part of the Crown Jewels which weighs in at 150-carats. <via>