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Category Archives: Business
Bead Stringing Needles, Bead Strand Lengths and Theft
Here is a copy of a note I sent out to my students. I thought it might be of general interest. I wanted to update you on a couple of developments occurring in the trade affecting pearl and bead stringers … Continue reading
A Kinder, Gentler De Beers?
On April 3, the Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal of the De Beers antitrust settlement and although there is a possibility that a second appeal might be filed, the case actually appears to be closed or close to … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Jewelry History
Tagged anti-trust, Argyle Mine, cartel, class action, De Beers, diamonds, Justice Department, retail diamond sales
Beading and Pearl and Bead Stringing
Pearl and bead stringing is a niche in the jewelry making trade. So, too, is beading. This can lead to some confusion because although they are distinct niches, the terms are often used interchangeably. Beading refers to jewelry that is … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Gemstones, Jewelry Design
Tagged beading, jewelry making, making jewelry, pearl and bead stringing, seed beads
Pearl and Bead Stringers: Be Wary of Bad Advice from “Experts”
The internet is wonderful for so much. However, and this is a big however, the publishing freedom it provides means that there is an awful lot of advice out there that is not only wrong, but destructive. I came across … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Gemstones, Pearls
Tagged destructive tests, fake pearls, gemstone tests, gemstones, nacre, pearl authenticity, real pearls
Platinum, Silver and a New Alternative
In an era where the cost of precious metals in a setting can often exceed the cost of the gemstone, it’s perhaps no surprise that manufacturers in the trade are moving to develop new and less expensive alloys for jewelry … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Jewelry Design, Jewelry History
Tagged alloy, Cartier, ductile, firescale, malleability, platina, platinaire, platinum, silver, sterling silver, tarnish
Key Concept for Making Jewelry
There are some tools and concepts that all jewelry makers, including pearl and bead stringers, should be familiar with. One of these is the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. The Mohs scale is named for Frederick Mohs, a German geologist, … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Gemstones, Manufacturing Tips
Tagged beads, breaking, gemstones, hardness, Mohs Scale, scratching, toughness
What’s in a name? Maybe trouble!
As small business owners, we try to think of everything. But we can’t. I was reminded of this by a post in a jewelry forum by a woman who was considering what name to give her business. She offered a … Continue reading
Posted in Business
Tagged business cards, business labels, business name, signage
Jewelry Industry Hits and Misses in 2011
From the Kimberley Process to new entries in the Guinness Book of World Records, the jewelry industry experienced its share of hits and misses in 2011. Here is my take on the year overall.
Posted in Business, Jewelry History
Tagged diamonds, gold, Guinness Book of World Records, Kimberley Process, Liz Taylor, pearls
Cashing Out of Romance Biz
That diamonds, more than any other stone, are associated with engagement rings, is the direct result of the efforts by one company and one family. In one generation, the Oppenheimers, who controlled De Beers for more than 85 years, changed … Continue reading
Posted in Business, Jewelry History
Tagged De Beers, diamonds, diamonds are forever, Oppenheimers