Questions

Ok, you’ve done some research and learned a bit about the jewelry you are interested in and now you are ready to put that knowledge into action and do some shopping. If knowledge is power (and it is) questions are the source of that power. Asking a lot of questions will build on your knowledge and put you in control of your jewelry purchase instead of just being sold what some jeweler wants to sell you.

A good question has layers of benefits, and can often reveal a lot of information beyond the specific answer. Certainly by asking a lot of questions you will learn something you did not know or you will expand your knowledge of something you already knew.

But there is more to it than that; how your question is answered can tell you a lot about a jeweler’s commitment to helping you find that perfect piece. A few questions will help you determine the level of professionalism and knowledge of a store and its staff. Questions will help you cut through the hype, sales pitches and half truths that plague the jewelry industry. Many of these pitches cannot stand up to even the most casual consumer scrutiny and, of course, they don’t want you asking too many questions.

Not every jeweler you talk to is going to love you asking a lot of questions. As I mentioned in the previous paragraph HOW your question is answered can often be as important as the question itself. Anyone who makes you uncomfortable or seems annoyed that you are asking questions should be avoided. Anyone who acts like your question is foolish or responds with something to the affect of “why would you ask that,” should be avoided. A scripted or rehearsed, “one size fits all” answer should be viewed with suspicion.

A good jeweler will be happy to, and even invite, your questions. I know I do, I love’em!  There is no such thing as too many.

Asking questions is one of the most important tips I can give. I cannot even begin to count the number of bad buying decisions I have seen that would have never happened had the customer asked just a couple more questions.

Keep an eye out for my next Top Ten post - Shopping.

Till then, that’s how I see the world of jewelry from Rochester, NY.

David West Nytch CGA  www.westandcompany.com

Comments

[Mark Robbins]

I've been a fan of Kathy's for years and just found out the she just partnered with Dame Elizabeth in a jewelry line. I have her lamps, rugs and furniture. I would like to find out where I can find her jewelry since it's that time of year, I'm hoping her jewelry has the same value as the rest of her products.
Please let me know
Mark

[David West Nytch CGA]

Hi Mark,
Just so everyone knows what we are talking about, you asked where you can find the line of jewelry designed by Kathy Ireland in conjunction with Elizabeth Taylor. You can find both Kathy Ireland’s as well as Dame Elizabeth’s line of jewelry by going to www.hotj.com. All you need to do is click on the store locator tool on the home page to find a retailer near you.
Take Care, Dave

[Doug Floyd]

Thanks for this series you're presenting on how to buy jewelry. I think you're offering a unique perspective that goes beyond simple technical knowledge. I particularly like this statement: "As I mentioned in the previous paragraph HOW your question is answered can often be as important as the question itself."

Very helpful in thinking giving people confidence to do more research when making purchases.

Doug

[Tom]

With New Year's Eve parties upon us, I was wondering how many men out there wear a tuxedo any more, not just to social events but certain occasions throughout the year. I suspect it might be many. After all, a tux is the incomparable way to look great for special events. I happen to know that David West Nytch earned an international award for his original designs of fine men's jewelery. That is tough to do, for most men's designs turn out either feminine-looking, or over-large, chunky,and crude. David has a knack, which I do not understand, of having his men's designs always look masculine, yet in good taste and in the best fine arts tradition. I know, because I have a stud and cufflink set that always draws comments from colleagues: "Simple," "elegant," "exquisite taste," are remarks I hear every time I wear a tux. So, for the special guy who cares about the way he looks, David is the fellow to see. His men's jewelery, from cufflinks to rings, are second to none in the whole world. I know, because I have several of his one-of-a-kind designs, and I also know, because I'm his Dad, and he does not know I'm posting this blog. Thomas F. Nytch,

[jack]

I have what I am shure is 262.2 carets of uncut untreated blue zircon.
How ever I am in Asia where I bought the stone from a mine worker and no one wants to sa. the stone for Me thay just want to buy it right on the spot for a very low price,how can i tell if the sone is zircon or not also the stone is about 1and a qater ench cube thanks jack