The jewelry business is a thriving market with many different types of products and services. Some jewelers specialize in one type of jewelry, such as diamonds or gold, while others focus on a specific style or brand, such as fine watches or artisanal pieces. Some companies also offer jewelry customization and repairs. Some jewelers work at large chain stores, while others are independent.
Large jewelry chains often have a wide selection of jewelry and a national presence. For example, Zales is a well-known name that has long been a staple in malls across the United States. It is renowned for its high-quality, competitively priced offerings and provides customers with after-sale services. Another large jewelry chain is Tiffany & Co. It offers a full catalog of fine jewelry and watches, as well as custom design and repair services.
There are also a number of independent jewelry stores that are highly regarded for their quality and reputation. Many of these independent jewelers are small, allowing them to create close relationships with their customers. Developing this relationship helps the jeweler understand their customer’s needs and make recommendations accordingly. This can be a great benefit when it comes to finding the perfect engagement ring.
Many jewelers are also able to offer customers unique experiences that aren’t available at larger jewelry chains. For instance, some jewelers have a 3D technology that allows consumers to try on and visualize a piece of jewelry before making a purchase. This can help reduce decision-making dilemmas and shorten sales cycles.
Other jewelers have in-house engravers and artists who can add monograms to jewelry or alter pieces to make them more personal for each customer. These jewelers can also sell jewelry that isn’t found in other jewelry stores or online shops, such as one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.
Regardless of whether the jewelry is made in-house or not, most jewelers will provide their customers with a limited-time guarantee. This is to help ensure that the pieces are of the highest quality and will continue to look beautiful for as long as they’re worn. Many of these companies will also offer cleaning, polishing and inspection services for their jewelry.
Some jewelry brands are extremely popular, but their popularity may not necessarily translate to the quality of their products. For example, Catbird is a New York-based jeweler that specializes in minimalist sophistication. Its pieces are made in the city and feature ethically-sourced and conflict-free gold and diamonds. The jeweler has also been credited with helping launch the permanent jewelry trend with its in-house “Zap” appointments, where they weld dainty metal chains onto wrists.
In addition to these independent jewelers, there are a few other retailers that provide high-quality products and exceptional customer service. These include Net-a-Porter, which carries fashion and semi-fine jewelry from top designers (think Roxanne Assoulin, Jennifer Fisher Pomellato). The retailer also offers a range of in-store and digital browsing experiences. Customers can use the MagicBook app to customize a watch or jewelry design and then share it on social media.
