This specific time in our lives calls for efficiency in many forms. A certain level of efficiency, by default, means we turn to others with high levels of specialization to perform the exact task we need, freeing us to manage the rest of our responsibilities.
Just because our world has changed doesn’t mean our desire for human connection and the creation of a legacy hasn’t.
So what role can a “personal jeweler" play for you in our socially distanced world? Consider their role in the same way you would a personal assistant, personal shopper, or personal chef. You can expect a chef will know the very best place to source each variety of food, have intimate knowledge around what is in season, and know what kind of quality she can expect from each vendor.
In the same way, a personal jeweler has knowledge, connections, and expertise that general consumers do not. Because they have been trained in their understanding of gemstones, style and fit, history, current trends, and value, they are the most informed source for securing pieces in a streamlined and well-considered manner. Practically, a personal jeweler can act on your behalf to make adjustments, repair, restorations, and brokerage. Most importantly, they can take the guesswork out of creating and sourcing large and small pieces for your specific jewelry needs.
In our current “touchless” world, it is significantly easier to direct your specific needs towards someone who knows exactly how to meet them. Your part can be as easy as: "I want a 16th anniversary gift for my wife in the $500 range,” or, "My niece is graduating from college this spring and I'm looking for something that she will love in her career as a nurse," or even, "Here's a picture of my wedding dress and my mother's earrings I will wear with it. What are your suggestions for additional bridal jewelry?"
Utilizing digital tools for communication and design. Most steps for a custom project are now possible with no human interaction at all.
Your personal jeweler will take it from there, sending you options, meeting your price limitations, and steering you away from potential mistakes.Your job can be as easy as setting the parameters, then selecting from the pieces they pull for you. Remember that a personal jeweler works with you - it’s a partnership instead of a transaction.
Keith Field and daughter Hannah participating as lead sponsor at Curtis Contemporaries fundraising event early March 2020. Photo by Zoe Reyes.
Rather than depersonalize the jewelry buying process, the addition of a personal jeweler hones in on your exact personal style (or helps you discover the style you couldn’t quite pinpoint.) Just as an interior designer learns to understand you through a lens of materials and architectural details, a personal jeweler comes to understand you through their own specialized currency of knowledge. They will commit to diving deep into your style preferences, monetary parameters, and lifestyle demands to ensure that your needs are met efficiently and exactly.