Chain Store Versus Local Artisan

When a person wants a piece of jewelry, say for an anniversary, for engagement, birthday... they usually think of the chain store in the mall that provides the sparkly diamonds in the brightly lit and neat and tidy store.  Some actually will hunt out the local jeweler that has his own storefront. Very few people seem to think of the person that works out of their home or small studio for the gifts or even their own jewelry purchases.

I'd like to explore the differences between the three different types of jewelry makers, to take a look at the varied types of work, their contributions to the jewelry industry, and to give some perspective to why each is a good choice from which to buy your jewelry.

I've been introduced to people over the years that make jewelry on different levels, some do simple beading, some extraordinary beadwork, some simple metal work, and some intricate metal creations, some that set stones and then those that have the extraordinary jewel encrusted work... and what I find is that they are all creative, in their own right.  They are all creative and love what they are doing. I've met people that are simply gifted with working with metals and gems, and that is what we think of when we buy a ring for engagement, and sometimes, that person isn't at a large store like Zales, or Bulgari or Jared, or Brian Gavin... they don't want to work for a large store. They produce their wares in either their home, or in their own studio, possibly sharing studio time with other artists... but they don't quite 'fit' what we think of as a "Jewelry sore".

There is the independent spirit that wants to create and work for themselves, people like Joe Silva, who owned his own jewelry store for many, many years, an actual storefront, that was quiet, dignified, and carried work that was extraordinary, not run of the mill chain store work.

Mr Silva made pieces that were unique and what he loved. He did a lot of casting, a lot of nice stonework, and even Rosaries. Sadly, he has passed away, or I would introduce you to him. But I have to say, He inspired me a lot. His eye for what was aesthetically pleasing brought in customers from all over the country. He inspired other jewelers and artists as well.

In the jewelry business there are artists like Scott Schreiber, who do only commissioned work are simply extraordinary. I spoke with Scott about his work, he says that he has made a living from working on his own, after apprenticing for years at a local jewelers, his independence allowed him to venture into business for himself. He has made a living creating unique designs for each customer, not cookie cutter pieces. His eye for detail is extraordinary, he captures the majesty of each stone when he sets them, and he creates the settings for each stone that mimic that majesty.  His work will stand the test of time, being timeless itself, not just the passing fad, and will be a testament to his talent.

Artists are found all over the place. Jewelers that are classically trained, those that apprentice at the feet of other jewelers, and those that are taught in classrooms, working under the tutelage of  jewelers that have the knack for teaching. There are those people out there that are self taught, who bring a freshness to the art. They might think out of the box, so to speak. Someone like Richard Salley, who is pushing the boundaries, making jewelry that speak to the generation. He has that flair for the whimsical, the eye for what makes your mind think about the piece, not just admiringly, but to evoke memories and sometimes to make you chuckle.

When a person goes to an individual to buy a piece of jewelry, say an engagement ring, they find that they are entering into a world of technical and emotional jewelry. Technical, since it will be exact, the mathematically correct, exact workmanship, but... also into the emotional side of the piece. It is a choice that will last the life of the marriage, so it needs to remind the person wearing it, as well as the person giving it, of the overwhelming feeling of love... and that is what an independent jeweler can do,
Making a ring that is perfect for the person receiving it is their specialty.  Telling them about what you want, what you feel, what you envision, what the person receiving the piece is like, what they enjoy, what they love... all those factors can go into making the ring... It will be a piece that no one else shares.

This is not to say that the larger stores, the chain jewelry stores should not be considered. Working in tandem with a jeweler is not for everyone. There are some people that do not want to take the time to delve into their emotions... and that isn't a bad thing. There are people that just don't do 'that'.  A company like Brian Gavin Diamonds would be right for that person. They have stunning work, each piece is hand crafted, and their workmanship is precise and exquisite.  The woman receiving a ring from her suitor from the company would be overwhelmed just as much as with a custom made ring from an independent jeweler.

 It isn't a contest, but.... I tend to lean heavily toward the independent jeweler...

Or could you tell?

Whichever one chooses, the sentiment is behind the jewelry. Nothing says "I love you" quite like a diamond, and nothing says that better than on a ring that symbolizes eternity, faithfulness, loyalty, and commitment. 

Please stop by a local independent jeweler in your area to see what beauties they have. There are some wonderful artists that are  to be discovered.