Zircon gems to the rescue is
a timely thought in this environment of a shrinking economy.
Natural zircon gems come in a large variety
of colors, and they boast diamond-like sparkle.
(Zircon gems are shown in the four photos in this article.)
Zircon Gems To The Rescueas
a subject for this month's lead article is prompted by a convergence of several
events...
- We've just received a few blue and yellow zircon gems from
a lapidary in Thailand. We have used this faceter in the past with good
results. The gems just received will add to our current stock of whites,
reds, yellows, and other fancy colors.
- We are expecting a shipment of red, pink, and white zircon
rough from Tanzania this month.
- Zircon Gems To The Rescue is
the title of an article in the current issue of Colored Stone magazine's GemMail
publication.
That article asserts that "Recession is taking a
big bite out of the self-purchase jewelry market."
It quotes an Ithica, New York goldsmith as saying “People feel guilty
about buying anything that isn’t necessary, So easily rationalized diamond
engagement rings are pretty much all I’m selling.”
The story goes on to point out that many of the diamonds
sold are fancy colored... champagne, yellow, and coffee colors are mentioned.
Then the article turns it's attention to zircon gems... a
traditional, popular, and effective look-alike for diamonds.
Later in the article, our friend Raja
Shah of Color First is quoted... "You get diamond-like beauty for a
fraction of the cost of diamond," he says.
Zircon gem prices of $120 to $400 per carat for 4 to 5
carat stones in retail are mentioned. The
article speaks of "spice-colored" stones... cinnamon, nutmeg,
saffron - you get the idea. Personally, I like the blues,yellows, pinks, and
reds just as well as the spices.
White zircon gems continue to be our biggest seller as a
diamond look-alike. A pair of round white zircons in 4, 5, or even 6 millimeter
diameter mounted as stud earrings make a tastefully showy statement.
Zircon gems in round, oval, and other shapes are often used
in rings and pendants.
Zircon Gems To The Rescue is shaping up as a theme
for the Tucson Gem Shows. The dealer-to-dealer "jump start" has been
underway since late January.
Zircon gems of all colors are receiving added attention
and interest from these dealers. As wholesale buyers gather in Tucson for the
official gem shows, these gems will make their way to to jewelry stores near
you.
A Google search using the search box below
and the keyword phrase zircon gems (or similar keywords) will show you a number
of links and ads. Just remember, we beat everyone else's price.
Gem Industry News...
Retail Jewelry Gloom
Retail jewelry gloom continues to dominate the news in industry publications.
Retail stores are shedding employees, retail chain jewelry stores are closing.
We read about it in the business section of newspapers, in Modern Jeweler, and
other magazines.
There is no doubt the economy is contracting, and the jewelry industry is
shrinking right along with the rest of our economy.
When the big chains and independent stores sell less, the manufacturers and
suppliers also must reduce output and expenses to survive.
The Tucson Gem Shows will undoubtedly be impacted. The "jump start"
seems to bear out these assumptions.
Next month we'll report on our observations and conversations with dealers
and buyers.
Personal note: My husband would like your help in encouraging Google
to re-list a couple of pages that have been mysteriously dropped from their
search engine index.
If you would click on the links below, that would help.
These pages are from his hobby site about the region known as South of
Flagstaff Arizona.
Now is the time to begin planning and
replenishing your depleted inventory. If you'll be in Tucson, let us know. Maybe
we can get together for a lunch or dinner.
Also, Valentine's Day is coming. The big stores are hurting because
people are cutting back. But gift occasions don't stop. Birthdays,
anniversaries, and many other reasons to buy nice jewelry at a great price just
keep on coming.
I hear that the dollar menu at Burger King is doing well. This is an
opportunity to attract new customers to your "quality jewelry at a low
price" menu.
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Want to (gulp) unsubscribe?
and let me know
what you want to do.
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article in the current issue of Colored Stone magazine's GemMail
publication.
yellows, pinks, and
reds just as well as the spices.
