Ok, you’re in love and it’s time to pop the question, but what are you going to do about the ring? Buying an engagement and wedding ring is more complicated than it seems, with plenty of factors to take under consideration. The size, style, cost and timing play a vital role in the decision making process, so before you pound the pavement at the mall, plan your work and work your pl...

Podcast: Play in new window | Download In this Podcast I talk about how to recognize good quality jewelry.   I cover rings, gemstones, and chains and this is a must listen to  for anybody who buys jewelry.  I teach you how to compare similar designs and learn how to spot manufacture short cuts that can have an impact on wearability and the life of your jewelry. ...

The Seven Deadly Sins of Jewelry Buying by Mike Stevens. Here are the transcrips of an interview I recently had about major mistakes made by consumers.  I will also be doing Podcasts that will get into more detail about the 7 sins . Paying too much.  Not comparing apples to apples. Impulse Buying. Over Buying. Not asking enough questions. Not understanding the warranty. TV Buying. Vacation Pu...

Podcast: Play in new window | Download Jennifer Kirkpatrick is the designer behind Bella Photo Jewelry, a company that hand makes unique and beautiful photographic jewelry.  Mike Stevens interviews Jennifer as she talks about her business and the process of her art. ...

Podcast: Play in new window | Download Before listening to this Podcast you should read the transcript of the interview “The Seven Deadly Sins of Jewelry Buying”.  This is the first in a series of podcasts that will go into detail about the Seven Deadly Sins of Jewelry Buying.  I have witnessed these over and over again in the past 30 years.  I hope my experience will help you, ...

I woke up early this morning and decided to start surfing the net. While I was surfing I came across an article titled “Jewelry is a Great Investment”.  Knowing what I know about jewelry I just had to read this, and  after the first few sentences I realized the author knew absolutely nothing about jewelry  and was just trying to fill up the page with words.  The one thing that I ...

Jennifer Kirkpatrick is the designer behind Bella Photo Jewelry, a company that hand makes unique and beautiful photographic jewelry. Jennifer with her Children Jennifer was originally a busy website designer working from home. After the birth of her son in April 2006, followed by her daughter in September 2007 she found her new role as a mother an extremely time consuming one, and was intent on f...

Save Even More Money Using Coupon Codes When visiting the jewelry store there really is no reason to pay full price.  The same goes for jewelry stores found on the Internet. Many online merchants create coupon codes to give their customers extra savings. Sometimes these coupon codes can be difficult to find and can require some hunting and searching the Internet. Jewelry on the Internet definitel...

Signs of increased buying pressure  Industries all over the world are looking for ways to increase their sales. The jewelry industry is no exception.  The tough economy has diminished retail sales all over the world. To try and combat this problem organizations like Jewelers of America, or JA, conduct workshops to try to choose and retain top talent. It is also safe to assume sales training will...

If you have shopped any jewelry store you have most likely asked the question,  ”What type of stone is that?”  The salesperson says “that’s a created ruby”.  Maybe you asked what that meant by created, or maybe you did not.  Either way you may not get the right answer.  A lot depends on the amount of training the saleperson has received on colored stones.  I hav...

Watch this before you sell your gold! I thought this investigation was a great way to show the difference between gold buyers.  All these buyers are going to receive the same amount from your gold.   I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again “go in with a plan” and shop around. ...

You’ve seen them online and in the jewelry stores, those jet black faceted stones with a mirror like reflection.  Some can be mistaken for Hematite but they’re not.   They’re black diamonds ,or carbonado, which is their technical name.   Personally, I have never really been a fan of the black gems, but I will say when used properly they can be very dramatic.  The interesti...