2008 - The Year The Independent Jeweler Died

Ok, I'm not suggesting that this jeweler or any particular independent jewelry store died, but with the bad economic news we're hearing everyday on the local & national media, it very well could happen to many of my fellow jewelry store owners!

So how do we keep our stores successful in these difficult economic times? Here are a few suggestions:

1. Look for a way to differentiate yourself from the "Crowd". Define what it is that makes your store different from all the chain jewelers and forecast that message in everything you do. Some marketing gurus call this your "USP" or Unique Selling Propisition. Here at The Gold Mine we put our USP or elements of it in every piece of marketing we do.
2. Realize that just like a lake that dries up when the streams that feed it are clogged our stores must continually have new streams of business coming into it such as: looking for corporate clients to sell corporate awards to, selling & buying scrap gold, silver & platinum, going after your local high school/college classring business, etc.
3. You must make yourself or your store more visible in the public and local community by supporting local charities, being available for speaking events regarding the jewelry industry and honing your store's message that it is an active member in the business community at-large.
4. Don't rest on your laurels, constantly be looking for new products and new ways of informing your clients about them. Almost daily, we hear of a new type of media or way of marketing and we must get in tune with it or die!
5. Realize that your new customers, those under the age of 30, are getting their information about your products on the internet first! Make sure you have a good online presence...study the internet and become proficient in the multiple ways in can enhance or hurt your business.

I'm thankful to my faithful clients who shop with us and I'm always looking for ways I can bring massive rewards, benefits and information that better serves them to them. We as independent jewelers must realize that we are in the "Marketing of jewelry & jewelry related services" first and foremost rather than just "being" a jeweler. Times are a changing and we must change with them or 2008 could be the last round in the fight for our way of doing business.

I challenge all independent jewelers as well as specialty retailers at large to take a good look at their business and rethink ways they may better serve their clients!

Sincerely,

Bill Warren, President/Registered Gemologist Appraiser

The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc.

545 Main St. Hudson, NC 28638

828-726-1009

email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

website: http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/

"CHAMILIA JEWELRY" A Must See!

In an effort to continually bring our customers the latest and best in jewelry, we have added a new line to our store known as "CHAMILIA". You will be excited to see and learn about this beautiful jewelry line featuring european bead bracelets and necklaces with 14k gold, sterling silver and murano glass. Of course, this new line compliments the already large selection of european bead jewelry we currently offer and gives a distinctive new flavor to our inventory.

What is Chamilia? The name Chamilia is a more feminized word pointing to "Chameleon", which demonstrates the ability to change and adapt to the enviroment and surroundings. Chamilia's inspiration originates from european styling. Designers create each design which are then handmade by experienced craftsman. Chamilia offers both "Classic" and "Trendy" styling. Chamilia jewelry allows one to design and customize their own bracelet, necklace or anklet, each having unique character and style. Select individual beads from a constantly growing selection of the highest quality, sterling silver, 14k gold, murano glass and Swavorski crystal. One can start with just one bead or as many as you desire.

How much does it cost? Starter bracelets range from $27-59 while the individual beads range in price from $20 to $100.

Who's wearing Chamilia? Such celebs as Usher, Paris Hilton and Shannon Elizabeth just to name a few.

Are you a fan of Disney? Chamilia also offer a complete line of Disney inspired beads to compliment their line.

I invite you to visit Chamilia at their website: http://www.chamilia.com/ and take a look at all of the gorgeous jewelry you find there. Of course, once done, stop by our store and "See it Live"...try it on and just have fun exploring! Mention this online offer and receive $10 off your first purchase of Chamilia!

Sincerely,

Bill Warren, Registered Gemologist/Owner

The Gold Mine

545 Main St.

Hudson, NC 28638

828-726-1009

http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/

email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE! At least for this jeweler..

Christmas time is here you say? Yes, its true at least for this jeweler! With only 4 months to go until the big day...jewelers everywhere are getting ready for the holiday season. My wife Angie and I traveled to the southeast's premier jewelry convention and show in Atlanta, Georgia this past weekend so we could prepare ourselves for just that!

What does the Atlanta Jewelry Show have to do with Christmas you might ask? Well, you see, we have to already be thinking well in advance of Christmas to prepare for jewelry purchases, customers needs, new jewelry trends and by going to this large event...we get to see what is going to be hot this Christmas season. We count ourselves fortunate to have such great customers and we always want to stay on top of whats new in the jewelry industry. In Atlanta this past weekend, we were able to view up close the most exciting new jewelry this year!

You'll be glad to know that we made our purchases well in advance while at this show so we could offer you, our valued clients the best jewelry at the best prices and the best selection anywhere in our area.

What's hot you might ask? Let me tell you some of the things that will be including: European bead jewelry such as Chamilia and Trollbeads, both of which we'll be stocking in our store to a large degree as well as beautiful diamond cocktail and engagement rings, colored gemstone jewelry that will excite the senses and of course our very own brand of Caldwell Time Company watches in the newest and latest styles. The "Elle" jewelry line is another item of interest for those who enjoy extremely fashion forward sterling silver jewelry with a hint of "Hollywood Elegance". Of course, this is only a very partial list of the things we purchased in Atlanta just for you.

Our customers dictate the styles of jewelry we purchase and we've listened closely to them this year and look forward to serving you with extremely well prices, exciting jewelry that you'll only see at The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts of Hudson.

So go ahead, make ready your Christmas plans and don't forget to stop by soon and see what's hot this Christmas by the jewelry store who is already thinking ahead for it!

See you soon,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc.
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
website: www.hudsongoldmine.com
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

This message was brought to you courtesy of Santa's premier jewelry consultants at The Gold Mine!

Don't Forget This Summer Jewelry Advice!

Yes, its true....regardless of what you may have been told in the past, its never a good idea to wear your gold jewelry into the swimming pool! But why you may ask? Its always so shiny when I get out of the pool!!! Ahhh yes, but what you may not realize is that the chlorine chemicals used in most swimming pools is very much like acid on the gold your jewelry is made of!Prove it you may say! Ok, I will! Sometime ago, I took a piece of scrap 14k gold and submerged it into a jar of chlorox, much like you'd use in your washing machine and also much like the chlorine chemicals added to your pool. The results were staggering...in little over a week and a half...it was gone! Disappeared! What had happened to it? The gold was attacked chemically by the chlorine in the bleach and ate it away, much like an acid! Now I must admit, my little experiment was probably to the extreme but needless to say, gold and chlorine/chlorox should never mix!So go ahead, wear your white or yellow gold jewelry into the pool this summer...it may even look shiny when you get out...but you'll be coming in soon to see me to repair it when little holes & pits start appearing in your jewelry...and guess what? Many times a piece of jewelry that has been exposed to the chemicals in your pool cannot be repaired because they have been weakened so much by the exposure.I hope you found this little known jewelry tip enlightening....take heed and take your jewelry off before entering the pool...it will save you money later!

Sincerely,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine of Hudson, NC
(828) 726-1009
Email: goldman86@bellsouth.net
Website: www.hudsongoldmine.com

Jewelry Is A Great Father's Day Gift!

Mother's aren't the only family members who enjoy jewelry! Jewelry is fashionable among men as well...so why not treat "Dear Old Dad" to a new ring, necklace, watch or bracelet this coming Father's Day? It will create a memory he soon won't forget....Many guys often ask for time on the lake, time with family and they don't want anyone to go to any trouble...but let me tell you....many of the father's I know couldn't believe it when their family show them how much they love "HIM" with a special gift of jewelry along with the gift of "Quality" family time for Father's Day!

For the young father, might I suggest one of the new and ultra popular italian stainless steel bracelets or cross pendants? Stainless steel bracelets have also been the "rage" among young guys as well as they "Love" the masculine, gun barrell grey color.

For the more mature dad, how about a beautiful timepiece to keep him "always on time". Check out our new "Caldwell Time Company" watches at this link for some ideas: http://www.hudsongoldmine.com/Caldwell_Time_Co.php

Maybe a new wedding band is in order to replace the one he has worn for years....I would enlist Mom's help if you choose to go this route!

Sometimes a simple gift of the keyring or moneyclip engraved with a special father's day phrase or his name or initials also makes a wonderful gift!

Whatever & however you choose to show him some appreciation...let "Dad" know you love him this Father's Day!

Sincerely,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
Hudson, NC
Telephone: 828-726-1009
website: www.hudsongoldmine.com
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

Hand Created Jewelry Show With You In Mind!

ATTENTION HAND CREATED JEWELRY LOVERS!
Mark June 6th & 7th on your calendars now be­cause you’ll not want to miss our 2nd Annual Jew­elry Trunk Show with famed, award winning jew­elry designer “Jerome Glassman” from Landrum, SC.
When Mr. Jerome finishes a piece of fine jewelry, he feels as if a song or a painting has been created. He brings pleasure to the senses of the beholder with his well-executed pieces of designer jewelry. When a woman from any walk of life reviews his work she will desire to wear and own an original work of beauty that suits them. The Professional woman seeks his jewelry because it contributes to a striking first impression. They know important-looking, simple jewelry equals a powerful, profes­sional demeanor. Jewelry should make you feel intriguing and powerful.
The stones he chooses must attract his eye and evoke feelings from his inner being. The attraction must be immediate; they must “speak” to him. “Beauty, color, and shape are my criterion to pur­chase precious, semiprecious and ordinary lapidary stones common throughout the world. I do not tend to buy the ordinary, overpriced or what is sought after by the usual buyers.” He actually understands the special qualities and properties of these products of the earth and then decides to incorporate them into a design.

We look forward to introducing you to designer Jerome and his gorgeous works of art!

Sincerely,

Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
www.hudsongoldmine.com
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net

THE GOLD RUSH IS ON!

Whew!!! After this article hit our local newspaper, the "Gold Rush" was literally on! Not that we haven't already been busy with the buying of gold....now the flood waves have hit! Yes, I know, I know...I've already talked to you about this before, but hey gang, really, if you have old gold laying around the house....now is the time to sell it for optimum return on investment to you. This opportunity may not happen again for a long time...so go "Gold Mining" in your basement or attic and lets turn it into cold, hard cash!

On another note, I've had many folks coming in to our jewelry store to do Mother's Day shopping and bringing their old gold to trade in toward a new piece of jewelry for Mom! They are pleasantly surprised to discover that often times, I end up paying them extra money plus giving them a new jewelry item.....now thats a real win/win situation! Its not often that you leave a jewelry store with more money than when you came in.....

Spring time is certainly in the air and as temperatures start to go up...I find that I'm spending time looking at new & exciting jewelry lines for my customers. Is there a particular new jewelry line of interest to you? Would you like to see something we currently do not stock? Drop me a line and let me know.....I'm always interested in your thoughts and opinions! Thats all for now...take care and have a great weekend!

Success,
Bill Warren, Owner/Registered Gemologist
The Gold Mine Fine Jewelry & Gifts, Inc.
545 Main St.
Hudson, NC 28638
828-726-1009
email: goldman86@bellsouth.net
website: www.hudsongoldmine.com