What's New
Friday, February 03, 2012
BUY AMERICAN
Thankfully our nation's economy finally appears to be turning the corner and heading in the right direction. However many problems still exist. One thing we can all do to enhance our country's future is buy American.
Housing crisis, unemployment, and outsourcing are some of the economic challenges we hear about daily in the news. These tough issues often leave me incredibly frustrated and asking myself what can I do to help the situation? The answer is buy American.
There are so many fantastic American jewelry designers and manufacturers. Some of these outfits are quite small, only employing a handful of people, others are large with hundreds on their payrolls.
Spiegel and Son actively pursues American suppliers. When I purchase products from domestic suppliers and you in turn buy their jewelry from me we are insuring that jobs are staying in the U.S. and taxes are being paid to our country. We are contributing to a positive business climate. Nine of my ten major suppliers are based in the United States.
Another reason I buy American is customer service. Elite customer service is my core business value, it is what I have staked my reputation on. I can only give you the superior service you deserve if my suppliers take good care of me. Dealing with overseas manufacturers can be a real challenge. Time differences, language barriers, shipping delays, and a general difference of opinion on what constitutes quality is just the tip of the iceberg.
I deal with American suppliers who offer outstanding customer service. If I need a rush order they do everything they can to meet the deadline. If an item has to be modified or custom made they will get the job done. There is tremendous value in literally and figuratively speaking the same language as your supplier.
To ensure a better future for all of us please join me in buying American.
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
A DIAMOND IS FOREVER
Last month the jewelry of the late screen legend Elizabeth Taylor fetched 137 million dollars at a Christie's auction. The highest price for any item was 11.8 million dollars for the "La Peregrina", a pearl necklace designed by Cartier, which husband Richard Burton gave Taylor in 1969. The pre-auction estimate for that piece was 2 – 3 million dollars. At the same time analysts from the Consumer Electronics Association projected that sales of consumer electronic devices may have approached 1 trillion dollars in 2011.
There is a real and growing concern in the jewelry industry that young people today are losing interest in luxury items like jewelry and instead opting for the latest smartphone or tablet. Although anyone who knows me can tell you how uncomfortable I am with any form of technology, even I realize the power and benefits of these electronic devices. These items have transformed the way we run our businesses and live our lives. Their importance cannot be overstated.
But when it comes to finding that perfect gift for that special person nothing can compare to the ultimate gift of love, a beautiful piece of fine jewelry. The brilliance of a dazzling diamond, the intensity of a vivid colored gem, the look of awe in her eye when she opens that tiny box is absolutely priceless. A stunning piece of jewelry is something she can wear and cherish for years to come, and be passed down for generations and generations. You definitely can't say that about last years iphone!