The jewelry industry is changing rapidly. Critical consumer trends are driving a new reality that jewelers must embrace or risk being left behind by more agile competitors.
Whether they work in retail or manufacturing, jewelers need to have excellent interpersonal skills to communicate with customers and help them choose the right products. They also need to be adept at operating equipment. A high school degree is usually sufficient for most entry-level positions, although some jewelers receive informal on-the-job training in a store or at a factory. Others train in a technical school program that lasts from six months to two years. There are also college art programs that last four years and lead to a bachelor’s degree in fine arts.
Jewelers must be aware of emerging consumer trends in order to stay relevant in a post-COVID world. For instance, shoppers want transparency about jewelry origin and pricing, and they expect omnichannel brand experiences that allow them to seamlessly transition from offline to online shopping. This requires that jewelry players adopt digital tools such as 3D configurators and virtual try-ons to offer a more convenient shopping experience.
In addition, jewelers must ensure they are providing a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. They must provide the proper safety equipment, implement health and hygiene practices, and keep up to date on industry best practices. They must also be aware of potential customer complaints and resolve them quickly to maintain a good reputation in the community.
For example, if a customer complains that a piece of jewelry isn’t as shiny as advertised, the jeweler should offer to replace it. Likewise, if a customer doesn’t like the design of a piece, the jeweler should be willing to modify it according to the customer’s wishes.
Some retailers also offer services such as diamond resizing and appraisals. They may also offer insurance policies to protect consumers against loss and theft. These services can increase sales and make the buying experience more convenient for consumers.
Locally owned jewelry stores support the economy and contribute to a community’s sense of place. They typically employ more people than chain stores, and they generally pay their staff better. As a result, they tend to have more dedicated employees. The more committed and motivated a worker is, the more productive they will be.
In contrast, large chains often use call centers to handle customer service inquiries. This can be frustrating for customers, especially when the person answering the phone doesn’t know the product. Small jewelers are run by real people who care about their customers’ satisfaction and strive to deliver a positive customer experience.
A family-owned jewelry shop in San Dimas, for example, will often have a friendly and knowledgeable staff that goes out of their way to guarantee great customer service. They may also offer a higher level of craftsmanship than their larger counterparts. These shops might also use natural gemstones more frequently than their chain-store rivals, or they might feature designs that you won’t find anywhere else.
