As we welcome a new year and kiss 2025 goodbye, I am thinking about what worked and what flopped in the last year.
Overly fussy designs, traditional halos, dated designs like clusters were flops.
I can’t even count how many of Grandma’s old cluster rings I melted last year. No offense to grandma; it was the bee’s knees in her era, but those days are over. Great designs to rework the small stones found in the old cluster rings are smile or curved bar pendants attached to a chain, or a new wedding band prong set or channel set. This lends itself nicely to preserving the sentimental value of the diamonds she wore for many years while giving them a more modern and wearable design. These projects worked out very nicely for my customers. My father was less than pleased about all the tedious diamond removal work I kept handing to him, though! Check your drawers, I bet you have one hanging around there somewhere!
As far as traditional halos go, I can’t say they’re out completely. Some of my favorite pieces I sold and designed last year were classic halos around a larger center diamond. I will say that my more mature clients tend to gravitate towards them, though. I think the modern bride is looking for something a bit more unique. Think hidden halos, or surprise elements like a decorative bridge or gallery rail, or embellished prongs, have been more of their style. Stop in to see for yourself; I have a lot of examples in the store. I think colored center stones, with a classic halo, are here to stay. Think Princess Di’s sapphire engagement ring. Double halos will always have a place in my heart; it can add a fun architectural look to the ring, accenting a gorgeous center stone nicely.
I love studying trends and helping people rework their old jewelry into something they will fall in love with again. Honestly, this is the future I see in fine jewelry. The days of a future groom walking into a store and picking out an existing ring are done. Personalized service, custom intentional design, and people spending their money to get exactly what they want are what I am seeing. I will always stock up with an exciting retail selection, but I am expanding my custom design services to suit the current demand. My father is leaning more into retirement, so I have assumed his duties when it comes to custom. Call the store to make an appointment with me so we can go over all the possibilities.
Our custom Marco Island map pendant has proven to be a certified hit! I can’t begin to explain how pleased my dad and I are about that! This is our most recent collaboration, and while I can’t say we didn’t disagree over a few small elements, the process of creating it went well. It has struck a sentimental chord with many of my island residents. We nailed it!
Lab diamonds for the win! Lab diamonds are in! I pity the jewelry stores who have turned their nose up to lab diamonds because they are missing out on cutting-edge designed jewelry, affordable designs that make their clients happy, and thrilled ladies that are excited to rock that big look on a budget. I’m sorry, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. Give the people what they want, and they will return every time there is a new need for jewelry. Relationship building and trust are the foundation of this business, and telling a potential client you don’t like lab diamonds is career suicide. I love lab diamonds, and if I am lucky enough to marry again in the future, you better believe I will be rocking the lab diamond ring of my dreams and my future groom will be thrilled with the savings. That’s just good business and I put my money where my mouth is. What’s good for the goose is good for the gander.
Quick cute story about lab diamonds…I’m very careful when selling lab diamonds. I want people to understand what they are buying. This story illustrates nicely what I mean. An adorable young couple came in and tried on a five-carat yellow lab diamond ring. She loved it, and they left telling us they may be back. I was busy with another client and didn’t wait on them personally. Near the end of the business day, she called and asked me for my best price on the ring. I did some math and offered her a wicked deal. It was Black Friday and I wanted to sell it. She loved the price and said she would be in to get it. Before ending the call, I asked her if she had done her research on lab diamonds and understood what she was purchasing. She paused for a moment and asked what I meant. I explained how lab diamonds are made by man, and we are paying for the labor to make them, and how they won’t increase in value over time. She exclaimed, “Oh yes, I know, but you can get a huge diamond for not a lot of money!” “Yes, girl! That’s it exactly, come and get your ring!” Let me tell you, this ring was meant for her. It fit perfectly and suited her strawberry blond hair and features. These are the moments I live for, matching people with the perfect piece. It brings me a sense of satisfaction that I really have never experienced in any other arena of my life.
As always, Marco Island, thank you! Our Christmas season surpassed all our hopes and dreams. Our store is well stocked for all your needs and wants for the upcoming season. Repairs are humming along, and while we can’t control gold prices, we continue to strive to be your go-to jeweler, doing our best to offer fair prices and reliable service.
Lindsay Ellen is the Jeweler’s Daughter and can be found at The Harbor Goldsmith, 680 Bald Eagle Dr, on beautiful Marco Island, FL. Call the store at 239-394-9275 or email harborgoldsmith@comcast.net.
