Thread: Off the wall question--Jewelry

Well, first of all realize if you dealing with a retail establishment Jewelry stores have the highest markup of just about any area. When they have a 1/2 off sale they are still making too much.

Most sales people in Jewelry stores earn commission so it depends is this a salesperson, the owner or an actual designer. If he's a sales person and you think he actually went the extra mile for you, though not customary you could give him a tip. If its the owner the answer is no and if its a designer they usually make a handsome salary so I wouldn't there either.

I don't think you need to give a tip, it's a bit upmarket for a tip.

I do think though, that a simple letter of thanks goes a hell of a long way when dealing with people who earn a good living and are also highly skilled.

I've bought quite a bit of jewelery over the years, having been married once, and being nearly ready to get engaged for round #2.

You should ABSOLUTELY give your jeweler a token of appreciation, but you don't tip them the same way you might tip a valet.

Jewelers don't pay their rent by selling you "an item" as you put it.

They make their bread an butter through return sales, and referrals.

So, if you really appreciate the service from your jeweler, do a couple of things.

1. Tell them how pleased you are. If the guy is crafting a custom item, he'd appreciate hearing how pleased you are with it, just as some the resto gurus around hear like to see how much people respect their work, and just like I love to get possitive feedback and thank-you cards after photographing a wedding.
2. Take several of his business cards. Whenever you talk to somebody about jewelery, especially if they are looking for a jeweler, pass along one of his cards, and give the guy a good recommendation.
3. As the years go buy, and you find yourself looking for anniversary, birthday, and christmas presents, go back to him. And when you go, remind him who you are. He'll be proud to have made a loyal customer, and you may get a better deal for being one. Everybody wins.

I'm with VeeDubb on this one. I'd say a good tip would be, depending on the type of person you're dealing with, a box of high end chocolate, a handwritten thank you card, a bottle of liquor (wine, etc).

Thanks, guys. I'm already spending my last dollar and wanted to make sure there wasn't some piece of etiquette I was missing. The referrals, though, those won't be a problem

I have never heard of tipping a jeweler. Do you tip the custom razor maker? I would imagine the answer would be the same to both.

Originally Posted by Leighton

I have never heard of tipping a jeweler. Do you tip the custom razor maker? I would imagine the answer would be the same to both.

I for sure won't show up empty handed if I ever go to Italy to meet Mastro Livi, and pick up a custom.

I agree with others regarding tipping him with money... doesn't seem right to me. IMHO it wouldn't show your appreciation as much as a small gift might.

If I had been working closely with him and I was utterly pleased with the entire process, of course I would give him referrals, but as a token of my appreciation I might get him a little something. You might find out from his coworkers what he's into.. maybe he's a scotch drinker and I'll get him a nice bottle of scotch. Maybe he's a SR shaver and I'll have a nice blade professionally restored for him . That's the sort of "tip" I would have in mind anyway

I had my wife's (then girlfriend) engagement ring custom made by a jeweler who is not usually retail, but sold through retail establishments. We have a family connection to them, so they helped me out. They took an incredible amount of time with me, educating me about stones, then working with me on the setting, and picking just the rock for the ring (and the budget). Through our time together, I found that she was a lover of French wines. When the final product came to my door, there was a bottle of very nice Bordeaux going to her. It was a courtesy, and a token of my appreciation and friendship, I wouldn't say a tip.
As they do not take many retail customers, I can't refer many people to her. I do praise their jewelry and service, and when I hear of someone that has a unique or interesting request, I do call her to see if she'd be interested. She's taken me up on that once or twice, and has always been very appreciative.