It has been a long 9 weeks since we were forced to change the way we did business. I hope this finds you all healthy and safe.
Many people have asked how I got into the jewelry business. Most people who have been involved in the business long as long as I have were brought up in a family business. I was not one of those. I began working at a small local jewelry store in New Haven, Jerold’s Jewelers, when I was 14 years old. I was cleaning their cases and windows, vacuuming, and setting up their stock shelving the back of the store. Back then, many jewelry stores had “bridal rooms” where women who were getting married would register for china, silver and crystal. So jewelry stores had to have a large area to store this inventory. As I showed more interest in the business, they taught me how to do some repairs. I learned to solder charms to bracelets, polish jewelry, and restring pearls. I gradually worked my way up to the sales floor where I loved to sell, especially diamonds and colored stones. When I was 18 the store owner decided to retire and had a going out of business sale. I was sad but college was calling. I ended up getting a degree in Business –Economics. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do for work then it dawned on me while looking through some older jewelry magazines I saved from the store that closed. The jewelry business was something I enjoyed so it made sense to try and make a career out of it. I began working at Michaels Jewelers, a family owned company with 13 stores at that time. I began in their appraisal department and completed by graduate gemologist degree. I ended up working my way up to managing the department and became one of the first Certified Gemologist Appraisers in the country. This is the highest title awarded by the American Gem Society. I moved into the estate buying and sales division and helped make it one of the largest estate dealers in the country, specializing in antique and estate jewelry, diamonds, coins, watches and silver. Last August, after the Michaels family sold their business to the Hannoush family, I felt it was time to follow my dream of running my own business, so on August 15, 2019, DW Gem Services, LLC was established.
I wanted to give you some background so you can see my passion for this business. I chose this business right out of college and developed my talents over the 35+ years I have been involved in this industry. I have seen the highs and lows but I have never seen a time like this. Now it is time to get back to business and I wanted my friends, neighbors and future customers to know that I am here for you.
Are you looking for a diamond? I can help you find the perfect stone at a price that will work best for you. Before you buy anywhere else, contact me. I will be honest if I feel the deal you are getting is a good deal or not. Typically, I will be able to beat most of the “deals” you are being offered. I have low overhead so I am happy to sell diamonds at a very low markup compared to most stores who have higher overhead and are forced to charge more. I have many diamonds in stock and have access to thousands of others at the same prices that most jewelers are buying for. I will make sure you get the best price and quality you can.
If you want a custom design setting, I can work with you on the design, or you can choose from the many different designs I already have available. Be careful of falling prey to the “designer settings”. Many jewelry stores will try to sell you on their “designer” line. I will tell you, from my many years of experience, the only reason they call it a “designer” piece is so they can charge you more money. All settings were designed by someone. Most of those “designer” pieces” are very similar to other pieces that are readily available but because they put their name on it, they will cost you more money. In the past 3 months, I have sold 4 custom made pieces that were similar to these “designer” pieces but I was able to sell them for 30% to 50% less than other jewelers, usually with better quality diamonds.
I take pride in what I sell so I would never sell any inferior quality piece of jewelry. I will work with you until you are happy with the item you choose.
I have found that this business can be cutthroat but I choose not to get involved with bad mouthing my competition. I prefer to show my customers the quality, fairness and value they will receive when they choose to work with me versus others. I know this business very well and since I have so much experience working for one of those larger stores, I understand costs and margins and I know I can do better for you.
DW Gem Service, LLC is a full service jeweler who can help you with any of your jewelry needs. Whether you want to liquidate your jewelry, gold, diamonds, coins and watches, or if you need an insurance or estate appraisal, I am here for you. We can also do high quality repairs at reasonable prices. We can custom design anything you have in mind. Do you have a large, high end piece of jewelry you would like to sell? If it is something that I may not be able to use, I have connections with dealers from around the world and I can broker the sale.
On this Memorial Day weekend, I want to remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. God Bless America!!
Please feel free to contact me if I can help you in any way. don@dwgems.com
