Thread: Off the wall question--Jewelry

So I'm working with a jeweler about an hour away on a very special project for my girlfriend (if ya get the picture). The article is being custom designed according to my specifications, and the business has exhibited a level of customer service and courtesy unrivaled by any other jewelers I have worked with.

My question is: (and I know there is no such thing as a stupid question, but I feel like I'm on the verge of it here), has anyone ever heard of giving a jeweler a tip?

My thinking is, you tip a valet for just parking a car, you tip a maitre d' for finding a table, perhaps a tip is appropriate for the gentleman crafting a ring which will represent the rest of your life?

I can already feel the "That's the weirdest question I've ever heard" crowd out there.

I somehow don't think a tip is appropriate but maybe if the charge is, say, 1000 dollars write a check for 1200 dollars saying, "this is what I think its worth" or give them tons of referrals.

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