Confucius said "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." And that's just how I feel about starting a blog. Oh, not that I don't have enough to say. On the contrary, it's more like there is so much I'd like to share about the jewelry business from the view point of a goldsmith that I feel as overwhelmed by a "cyber-journey" as perhaps an early explorer venturing into the unknown.
Foremost is the thought: would anyone really be interested in reading these ramblings or am I doing it for my own vanity? I've thought for years I ought to write a book. A complete "tell it all" not only giving hints to the average consumer but explaining the way things really work in the jewelry business. I could spice it up with stories about some of the wacko and not so wacko people I've had contact with. I suppose it might alienate some business associates or some of my customers might think I am pointing a finger of ridicule at them. And that's not the point of this blog. The point is to disseminate information, educate, and put you at ease while dealing with your family jeweler or someone in the jewelry business. If we both have a bit of fun along the way, so much the better.
Perhaps I should tell you that I am a third generation goldsmith. I started working as an apprentice for my father before I graduated from high school. That gives me forty (!) years of experience behind the bench, actually making, setting, repairing, designing and appraising every type of gold, platinum and silver jewelry and gem stones. I do this for a very select clientele and several major and minor retail jewelry stores and antique dealers. My hands are stained black and full of cuts and callouses. That's because I actually pick up tools and work with my hands on hot metals. Unlike the salespeople you meet at most retail stores I do not wear a tie, my shirts have burn holes and acid stains. My shop is just that, a shop. Tools and dust everywhere. In contrast to the dustballs residing under your bed at home, the grime here is valuable for it is the byproduct of gold polishing.
My pedigree isn't too bad either. My grandfather Magnus, was personal jeweler for the king of Denmark before he and my grandmother emigrated to the United States in the 1920's. My grandfather worked for Georg Jensen in New York City before moving upstate to become the goldsmith for a well respected guild store in Albany, NY by the name of Van Heusen Charles. Some time in the 1930's he opened a wholesale-retail trade shop on Maiden Lane, downtown Albany. It was around this time that my father as a boy started his apprenticeship. My grandfather passed away in 1960 leaving the business in my father's hands. Eventually my father moved the business to Colonie on the outskirts of Albany. In the 1970's both my brother and I started in the family business, which my brother still runs today. I started my own business in 1980 or so, in Delmar, NY. This is where I still am today.
Besides fourteen years of apprenticeship, I have completed studies with the Gemological Institute of America, and SUNY Albany, and am currently working with CAD design of jewelry. During my forty years on the bench I have seen just about everything, heard every story from my clients. I've seen the good, bad and ugly when it comes to jewelry. While I may not know everything, I know more than you, so listen up!
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