Everything You Need to Know About the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show! - Episode #45

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Jewelry Resellers Podcast, your go-to source for all things shiny, sparkly,

[00:00:06] and of course profitable.

[00:00:07] I'm your host Desiree and I'll be your guide on this dazzling journey through the world

[00:00:13] of reselling jewelry.

[00:00:15] We'll be diving deep into the art and science of reselling, uncovering valuable tips, insider

[00:00:21] secrets, and sharing stories from successful Jewelry Resellers.

[00:00:26] We'll explore market trends, industry news, and even discuss how to find those hidden gems

[00:00:32] just waiting to be discovered in thrift stores, estate sales, and beyond.

[00:00:37] So if you're dreaming of turning your hobby into a hustle, or if you're a season pro looking

[00:00:43] to stay at the top of your jewelry reselling game, join me each week for insights, stories,

[00:00:49] and more on the Jewelry Resellers Podcast.

[00:00:54] Okay, so Michelle, welcome. Welcome to the podcast.

[00:00:59] Thank you. I'm delighted to be here.

[00:01:02] Yes. So today we are going to be talking about one of my favorite things which is or are jewelry shows.

[00:01:10] And Michelle, I know we have a show, a big show coming up.

[00:01:15] We sure do.

[00:01:16] And I'm so thrilled. This is my second year attending.

[00:01:19] So before we get into that, why don't you go ahead and introduce yourself and let us know what you do.

[00:01:25] Okay, sure. My name is Michelle Orman, and I handle the PR and communications for all of Emerald's Jewelry Shows.

[00:01:34] So Emerald is a parent company.

[00:01:36] And so those jewelry shows are the Couture Show, the US Antique Show events, and J.A. New York Shows.

[00:01:44] So we're here to talk about US Antique Shows.

[00:01:47] So the upcoming event is the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show, which is taking place at Win Las Vegas, May 30th to June 2nd.

[00:01:56] So it's around the corner.

[00:01:58] Yes, yes. And I have to tell you, I went for the first time last year and I was so overwhelmed.

[00:02:05] It is a lot.

[00:02:08] Yes, I did not know what to expect.

[00:02:12] And I was surprised at how huge it was.

[00:02:16] Yeah, I mean, it is, it's big. It's not the biggest, you know, I would say that our original Miami Beach Antique Show, which takes place in Miami Beach, usually in January every year is a bigger show in terms of numbers and

[00:02:29] numbers and numbers of goods and goods.

[00:02:31] But at the original Miami Beach Antique Show, which we use the, you know, Ambus as our, you know, so many acronyms in this industry.

[00:02:38] We also have an addition to jewelry and watches. We have antiques, home decor, that kind of thing.

[00:02:44] So you're going to have to mark your calendar to go down to Miami for that event because being in Miami in January is also not a bad place to be.

[00:02:53] So the show is a consumer show. So that's open to consumers, whereas the Las Vegas Antique Jewelery and Watch Show is a trade only show.

[00:03:01] So that's a big distinction. And the trade only show that only has jewelry and watches.

[00:03:06] So we probably have, you know, 300 dealers, you know, some people have shared booze and that kind of thing, but it is, it's a big show and it can be overwhelming.

[00:03:18] And I think the biggest mistake people make is they don't carve out enough time. They get there and they're like, oh my God, I want to be here for, you know, all four days as opposed to I just popped in for half a day and then they realize that that's not nearly

[00:03:30] enough time to discover everything that we have.

[00:03:33] Yeah, so I guess let me start asking that then. Why would someone want to attend the show?

[00:03:44] Because usually the people I know who love jewelry, they're like resellers or they sell on consignment. But there's also a lot of people who are collectors.

[00:03:55] So is this type of show good for all of those people who have the different aspects as it relates to jewelry?

[00:04:03] Yeah, yeah, absolutely. So again, it's trade only, but that means that it can be resellers, it could qualify resellers.

[00:04:12] It could be, you know, retailers that have a small section of vintage antique and estate jewelry within their stores or a lot of times.

[00:04:22] And I know you won't find this surprising at all. A lot of the designers from the Couture show actually go over and shop the Las Vegas antique jewelry and watch shows.

[00:04:33] So people do this for a number of reasons. You'll often see Tom Heyman from Oscar Heyman and, you know, he'll be over at the antique show shopping for his own product.

[00:04:46] Because it, you know, if you're, you know, when you're looking through the antique show and you see in the cases, you'll see the name cards that identify branded or signed pieces.

[00:04:57] Oscar Heyman is, you know, a jeweler that you'll often discover. They've been around since 1912.

[00:05:04] So you'll see some, you know, vintage pieces of an antique pieces, essentially of Oscar Heyman.

[00:05:11] But then a lot of our designers really take a lot of inspiration from the antique jewelry.

[00:05:17] So as you know, a lot of contemporary designers, the reason they got into it was because they first fell in love with vintage jewelry.

[00:05:23] So this is a really great place to go for inspiration. I've heard that some of our designers instead of, you know, mood boards, they'll have actual like boxes with hanging pieces of antique jewelry that just kind of gives them inspiration.

[00:05:38] Oh yeah. And I remember too, I met a girl last year and she said she was a jewelry design student.

[00:05:46] So there's, because I think there was some type of a competition or something like that, because they were, they had all these designs that were, I guess, submitted for awards or something like that.

[00:05:57] Well, that is with the Couture Awards. Yeah.

[00:05:59] Oh, okay.

[00:06:00] Yeah. So Couture and the Las Vegas antique jewelry and watch show both take place at different parts of the win.

[00:06:07] So Couture is now part of the newest event space at the win.

[00:06:12] Whereas at the Las Vegas antique jewelry and watch show is in what we like to call our legacy space.

[00:06:17] So Couture was in that space where the antique show is, we were in there for, you know, since the hotel opened until the new space opened.

[00:06:26] So as an attendee for the of the antique show, you may have come across the entries into the design awards.

[00:06:34] So yeah, we have a lot of, you know, those pieces on display, but you know, a lot of our emerging designers, we also have, you know, GIA students that come in through, you know, through GIA.

[00:06:46] And they're really looking at the antique jewelry to kind of study the way things were done.

[00:06:51] I mean, and also Desiree as a jewelry lover, you know that like if you're looking at antique jewelry, there used to just be so many different types of jewelry, right?

[00:07:03] Now we're kind of like, we've got rings, we've got cuffs, we've got earrings, we've got bracelets, necklace pendants, but you know, brooches, they used to have just different adornment for anything.

[00:07:15] You know, there'd be, you know, things that were specifically for your waist or things that were specifically for your hair.

[00:07:22] So there's so much, there's so much more.

[00:07:25] There's just such a wider palette when you're looking at antique jewelry.

[00:07:30] Yes, and I get a lot of questions too because people ask about men's jewelry because it's becoming so much more popular now, you know, because we're seeing like celebrity men wearing brooches and necklaces and all this stuff.

[00:07:43] Yes, yes. And so I was really surprised at how a lot of the jewelry pieces, like they're not really gender specific, it's just whoever wants to wear it, you just wear it.

[00:07:55] Yeah, well, and that's how I've come to think about men's jewelry.

[00:07:58] I feel like it's whatever jewelry a man is wearing, right?

[00:08:02] I mean, I think before it used to be like it had to be on a leather cord or it had to be, you know, chunky silver but now it's like brooches, strands of pearls.

[00:08:13] I mean, it doesn't whatever a man is wearing that's men's jewelry.

[00:08:17] Okay, so you talked about the inspiration of the show.

[00:08:22] So what about if someone is trying to buy jewelry, you know, like someone wants to resell or whatever. Is this a good way for them to maybe purchase jewelry?

[00:08:37] Absolutely. And I do think that retailers increasingly and you know contemporary your traditional contemporary retail stores are increasingly realizing the benefit of carrying it.

[00:08:51] Of carrying a selection of vintage antique estate jewelry, because it's, you know, it's definitely something you can't find anywhere else.

[00:09:01] So it really does set one store apart if you're the one that has, you know, the selection of Suzanne Belperran or David Webb jewelry or whatever the case may be, you're really setting yourself apart.

[00:09:14] Also just in terms of the margins.

[00:09:18] You know, it's not you know when contemporary jewelry is being priced you're really looking at the, the current price of gold and platinum and the current prices of diamonds whereas that's not necessarily the case with estate jewelry.

[00:09:32] Right. So if a dealer is, you know, goes in and buys an estate, you know, a block of jewelry.

[00:09:41] They're able to price it according to what what seems fair and what kind of makes sense where they're able to make a little bit of a profit but you know, the retailer then can in turn make a little bit of a profit.

[00:09:52] So there's no real like sort of market value or somebody can kind of cross check and say well the same exact thing is that a store across town for less money because there is no same exact thing right.

[00:10:05] And then the other reason that I really encourage people who want to get into this, this sector of the industry attend our events is because it's really important to work with someone who is a trusted dealer.

[00:10:18] Right. You need somebody who there's so much information out there and it's impossible for you know one person who's just you know a retail store saying to know everything there is to know about everything well within the dealers of the antique jewelry and watch

[00:10:33] show.

[00:10:34] These guys, they do know all of the stories right and it's what's funny is that they're very modest about it too and I don't know if you've ever heard that expression, their knowledge was an inch wide and a mile deep.

[00:10:47] So a lot of these people will say like well I know about Art Deco and I can't tell you anything about Victorian well they could probably tell you a lot more than most people could, but they don't want to, you know, put themselves out there as an expert

[00:11:02] unless it's something they really are an expert about.

[00:11:06] So not only are they telling you the things that you can look for how you can identify things that you know the hallmarks, you know stamps where it's telling you what the you know the goal is, but they can also usually tell you an interesting tidbit

[00:11:21] and interesting story about the piece that you can then in turn convey to your customers and that really can be the selling point and you know, in closing a sale.

[00:11:31] Yeah, so true because I remember last year I went to the Hermes booth.

[00:11:37] And this lady was like so knowledgeable about Hermes like she literally gave me Hermes 101 lesson right there on the spot.

[00:11:46] And I was blown away.

[00:11:47] You know, I was just so blown away about the history, the background.

[00:11:52] And there was a lot of that going on.

[00:11:55] I mean, not just her but there was just so many opportunities to learn to connect with people who love the same thing who know the same thing.

[00:12:03] And I was just like so blown away.

[00:12:06] So even if you don't buy anything just going for the experience and the education is priceless 100%.

[00:12:14] And they you know I always equate it to like going to a museum.

[00:12:17] I don't know if you go to like the Met Museum has a really spectacular selection of jewelry.

[00:12:22] You go into these museums and you've got this, you know, the case is there and you're looking and you're peering and you're trying to see whatever you can see.

[00:12:29] Well in this case, they'll take it out.

[00:12:32] You can try it on.

[00:12:33] Yes, put it over they'll show you the details and so it's like going to a museum but you have the opportunity of a personal guide.

[00:12:40] And you can, you know, actually try the pieces on or you know feel the heft of them that kind of thing.

[00:12:46] So yeah it's really it's really fine.

[00:12:48] It's a great history lesson going into that show.

[00:12:51] All right so one of the booths or vendors I saw their last year was eBay and I was really surprised to see that big eBay corner.

[00:13:01] And I know a lot of us a lot of the people who watch or listen to this podcast they do sell their jewelry on eBay.

[00:13:08] So let's talk about that and as it relates to you know selling on eBay or maybe another reselling platform.

[00:13:16] Yeah, so I don't have all of the talking points in front of me but in advance of our original Miami Beach antique show I had the opportunity to record a webinar with the head of jewelry for us for for eBay and they're doing some really interesting things in terms of authentication.

[00:13:37] So essentially, as a consumer and again forgive me eBay people because they don't have the talking points right in front of me at one point I did have them committed to memory.

[00:13:47] But essentially as a consumer, if you're selling a piece of jewelry, Desiree, you know, seller on eBay is selling a piece of jewelry.

[00:13:57] I'm buying it. It will go to a central authentication place within eBay, and then it is sent to me.

[00:14:06] So it's their authenticity guarantee. And it can really you know it can really set your mind that is you know especially you know that's a benefit of going to the antique show right is that you're able to establish relationships with dealers.

[00:14:21] You know who you can trust, you know that you can call on, you know Gus at Camilla needs Bergeron to, you know find out information about X, Y or Z or you can talk to Steve neckman about something else you know you know the experts.

[00:14:34] But if you don't have the opportunity to do that because you're not part of the trade.

[00:14:39] Um, you know eBay is a great opportunity to you know know confidently that you're getting what they're saying you're getting.

[00:14:47] Yeah, and I think that creates a lot of confidence. You know in the buyer and sometimes the seller to because at least they know okay someone's going to make sure that this is what I say it is.

[00:14:59] Yep.

[00:15:00] And then they're going to get paid because I think that's a lot of things. Well that's one of the big things that people worry about is like they're going to get scammed.

[00:15:07] Yeah, there's so much trepidation about direct consumer sales you know and I you know having you know touched on that at various points in my career I know you're worried about you know does this person exist why does their zip code not match up with their credit card you know there's all of

[00:15:23] that kind of yes that you have as the person who's doing the selling. And so yeah eBay is a great resource for you know mitigating that kind of concern.

[00:15:33] Yeah, I agree you know and so many people are familiar with eBay so they already trust and know the name and it's been around, you know forever.

[00:15:41] Almost.

[00:15:42] Yeah.

[00:15:43] So there is a lot to be said for if you are trying to figure out how to sell your jewelry maybe start with eBay until you, you know learn more or feel more comfortable and then you can consider other options but I do think that it is good if if you're just beginning or maybe you don't know,

[00:16:00] or maybe you have one particular piece that you know you can get a certain amount for but maybe you can't do it on your own. Maybe you do need a platform like you do.

[00:16:09] Oh, talk about expanding your marketplace right I mean it's one thing to try to sell something in your town, or even with whatever reach your online you know your website might have but yeah I mean there it's expansive I mean,

[00:16:23] billions of people are on that platform. So, yeah you're definitely expanding your marketplace for sure. And I think they do make I mean there are qualifications that you have to meet in order to be considered one of these you know authenticated

[00:16:38] vendors. But once you meet those then yes I think it's probably a great a great way to test the waters before really you know and maybe you know learning a lot establishing yourself I mean I think it's probably a great resource for that for

[00:16:52] totally agree totally agree. So about how many vendors or exhibitors are at this show the Las Vegas show. So I think it's around 300 but you know like some people double up on their booths so you know it's hard to say exactly, you know how many, you know and then some alternatively

[00:17:12] some dealers take up more than one booth so. But yeah it takes over the two main ballrooms Lafitte and Latour, and but it is a, it is a very curated group right so we do have a waitlist for this show.

[00:17:29] This show traditionally prior to.

[00:17:34] I think it was in 2021 we have that weird year like that you know post COVID year where we have events at the end of August, and the antique group was with us for that. Then they moved back to the Las Vegas antique.

[00:17:48] Sorry the Las Vegas Convention Center which is where this show had been held for many, many years.

[00:17:54] A lot of the dealers having tasted the wind and the environment of the wind were not happy about going back to the convention center they wanted something that was a little more intimate a little more curated.

[00:18:06] So in 2023 we made the determination to co locate both of those shows at the wind. Well with that it's obviously a much smaller event space, you know a convention center versus the hotel you're always going to have a lot more square footage and a convention center.

[00:18:24] So we had to make some tough decisions in terms of who we were allowing to exhibit with us at the event. So we have, it's not just our internal sales team I mean we have a whole committee of exhibitors who go through the list of people who quality you know who are applying to be part of the show and they

[00:18:45] can also be part of the show and qualify them and say like these are people that you know have true period jewelry, true estate vintage antique jewelry. We don't you know while there are a handful of loose gemstones there.

[00:19:01] And so we don't have to see you know big sweets of loose diamonds and that kind of thing, because we just, you know we simply don't have this space for that and so we also don't have reproductions.

[00:19:14] You know we don't have people that kind of maybe toe the line between vintage and vintage inspired. So these are all proper vetted antique vintage estate jewelers.

[00:19:26] And so we have to be aware of the cream of the crop and that's not to say that everything is extremely expensive right so we still have some very, you know we have great selection of unsigned pieces we have some deal this is where you get into trouble right because

[00:19:40] you know, and be like oh it's $300 like I guess I won't have to eat ramen for a week to deal you know. And then of course we have pieces that are millions of dollars and you know huge historical significance so yes it's not about the price point it's not about the price of the merchandise it's it's

[00:19:58] more about the quality of the dealers that we have at the show.

[00:20:02] And it's funny you mentioned the price of some of the pieces because I noticed that several of the booths had their own security, you know, yeah, you know guarding.

[00:20:12] And I was like wow, so it wasn't like hotel security this was their own personal security people.

[00:20:20] And in addition to all of the security that we also have so obviously, you know jewelry shows these are high security events right and it's just you know the state of the world the last few years especially.

[00:20:34] We've really had to clamp down on our security so we do this at all of our shows now where we cross check a government issued ID against a badge, and no we won't accept, you know, a PDF of it on your phone it has to be your

[00:20:49] ID so whether you know a state license or a passport. So that way we ensure that no one's making it onto the show floor unless that that's happened. And then of course we have a really heavy presence of Las Vegas Police Department

[00:21:04] and we have our own internal security and everyone works in tandem with one another we're also in constant contact with the jeweler security Alliance so any kind of credible threat that's happening in the in the city at that time we do know about it.

[00:21:19] And that you know so everyone's extremely cautious but yeah some of our dealers then go above and beyond that and hire also their own security detail.

[00:21:28] It just helps people to put their own mind at ease these. It's a lot of value and a really teeny tiny object right so that even the more eyeballs like making sure that something didn't drop on the floor even is always a good idea.

[00:21:42] Yes, and plus two because you got to figure when someone wants to see a piece.

[00:21:48] You know someone can turn their back and it's real easy for someone to drop it in their purse or throw it in the pocket or something so I totally understand that and I feel, I feel good because I remember what I was, you know going in and like between the two different rooms.

[00:22:02] They said, okay show me your badge and show me your ID.

[00:22:06] There yeah.

[00:22:08] They had to make sure that that my badge and my ID matched. And literally I was just like, you're walking five feet. Yeah, exactly. Well, in one of our retailers said to me pulled me aside last year and said Michelle. God, the security guards are really hardcore and I started to apologize and she goes good.

[00:22:28] And I was like, yeah this is a woman who owns her own retail store and understands the importance of you know very strict. They're strict with me and normally you know you can kind of talk your way into not on not with these guys they do not play around.

[00:22:42] Yeah, they were. Yeah, they were on top of it I have to tell you that so. Yeah okay good good to hear I will report back to Geneva our head of operations because we're always you know it's something we, you know people are always asking us like, you know it'll be like

[00:22:56] February of February and they'll say oh are you starting to plan up. We start planning the day after the last show right so we have these very intense, you know post con calls we call them where we go through literally an alphabetized list of every touch point of the event and we

[00:23:14] start planning about how it went, how we can make improvements. You know feedback that we heard and we start planning right then and there for how we're going to make sure that the next year we do better.

[00:23:25] We love coming away from a show where everyone says everything was wonderful but we always find that there's room for improvement right you know we want to create an incredible experience for both the attendees and for the exhibitors.

[00:23:37] So we go through very, very detailed and we spend a lot of time specifically talking about security and making sure that we're running the safest possible show and creating the safest possible environment.

[00:23:51] All right that's so good that's so good because you know it it just makes me feel better to because last year I attended by myself and not that I felt unsafe at all, but it's just nice to know that you don't have to worry about you know somebody acting up or something

[00:24:06] crazy popping off for you know.

[00:24:09] You know this crazy.

[00:24:11] Make sure and so we you know and we all have to take training.

[00:24:16] Every year we have to take training about you know for what you know various potential threats right and how how would we you know how we respond to those so it's something that we're, we're all hyper aware of.

[00:24:29] You know just even things like if you see someone in a big parka in them it's it's Vegas at the end of making it.

[00:24:37] There is no these are all and that's why we have you know, you know rules about the size of bags that are allowed to come in and all bags are to serve the searches and that's that's really to keep all of us safe and you know people sometimes do grumble about it but it's like well you

[00:24:53] know grumble when you're going through airport security and they're you know I mean it's it's it's needed to keep all of us safe so we're not trying to be difficult.

[00:25:01] We're just trying to make sure that everyone that everyone feels safe and yeah when you when you walk out of there and you're by yourself and you're, you know, go into the bar to get a cup of coffee or something you want to feel like, you know, you're good to do that and you

[00:25:14] don't have to be looking around you at all times you know.

[00:25:16] Yeah, especially if you plan to make purchases there because last year that's what I did I bought some stuff there and it wasn't cheap.

[00:25:24] So I had, you know I was carrying it with me, you know, and so it was nice to know that there was security there, because I'm carrying expensive merchandise, you know, and so I mean, I still got to carry it back to my car right but,

[00:25:40] you know, yeah so for people who maybe do make purchases there.

[00:25:45] At least they know that maybe they could request.

[00:25:48] I don't know maybe when security could escort them to their car or something like that like because if you're carrying a lot of stuff or really expensive rare piece.

[00:25:56] You want to make sure you get it not only from you know the show but also to your car safely.

[00:26:02] Yeah, or back to your room or whatever well and they're you know the best the best thing is to ship.

[00:26:09] Right, I mean that's always the best thing is to use an armored shipper if that's something that you can that you can you know kind of arrange.

[00:26:17] I know we have I don't want to call anyone out right now but we usually have a partnership with parcel pro who can help with expediting that kind of things so that you can just ship pieces and you don't have to worry about it.

[00:26:29] But you know other things. Yeah, and other things to you know I'm just thinking about my jeweler security alliance, you know all of the information that I've garnered over the years.

[00:26:38] I'm really using the hotel safe not your room safe, but every hotel. If you go to the you know the front desk or the security desk they do have safety deposit boxes that you can use to you know store your merchandise securely overnight.

[00:26:53] That's a much better option than using the safe in your room.

[00:26:58] And then also you know just you know kind of common sense things don't wear a lot of jewelry. If you're, you know, carrying a lot of jewelry make sure you're kind of on the deal. As far as your appearance.

[00:27:10] Whenever I'm in a cab or an Uber, I never say that I'm at a jewelry show.

[00:27:15] You know sometimes the cabbies are the Uber drivers or whatever can be a bit chatty so I always you know I say something about fashion it's an accessory show.

[00:27:24] You know just to kind of throw them off the sense. Not that I don't trust you know but it's just like you know you don't want to you know put a, you know want to put a bullet you know any kind of attention on you that you just

[00:27:37] I'm not a jewelry show so I always think it's it's best to just you know not talk about it publicly you know and not you know and I know it's like it's hard to do because you're excited to show your girlfriends a piece that you bought or what you know whatever it is but you know make sure that

[00:27:50] that happens in the privacy of your hotel room or you know other secure areas or you know on the show floor any kind of business that you conduct on the show floor you can feel really safe.

[00:28:00] But yeah it's it's always good to just be vigilant, you know and just be hyper aware of your surroundings.

[00:28:06] Yeah those are some excellent tips so I appreciate you sharing that especially about the hotel safe because I didn't know anything about that I knew about the room safe but I didn't know the hotel has is totally

[00:28:15] Hotel hotel safe and I know that the temptation because if you've got a, you know, a 7am flight and you have to leave for the airport. I know the temptation is there to just leave it in the hotel room safe.

[00:28:27] But if you're going out to dinner.

[00:28:30] Don't do that just bring it to the hotels, you know just it takes it doesn't take that long they're usually very accommodating. You get your own key it's like a you know like a proper safety deposit box like you'll see in a bank and just put your items in there and then you then you can forget about it and then you can

[00:28:46] Feel free to have a glass of wine and enjoy yourself and not have to worry about as we refer to it as the baby that you're carrying around.

[00:28:56] You can just not not think about it for a little while and enjoy your dinner.

[00:29:01] Okay, so let's talk about Ben some tips and advice for a first time attendee like what would you tell someone who's going to the show for the first time because I do know a couple people who are going for the first time this year in Las Vegas

[00:29:16] And what would you tell them to help make it an even better experience.

[00:29:21] Oh gosh I'm so excited for them.

[00:29:23] Um, I think that probably having an aesthetic in mind is probably a good idea and to do some research.

[00:29:32] You know, like if you're if the aesthetic is a lot of filigree and you know cool metals.

[00:29:39] Um, you know maybe you're you know wanting to look at some Georgian if the aesthetic is you know big chunky gold maybe you're wanting to do some something that's in the retro vein you can also look at you know just I think

[00:29:55] If the people are jewelry aficionados like looking at some of the major houses right so even if it's Bulgari or the band, Cliff and our pals to be nice.

[00:30:07] David Webb, you know, she's not a house but Suzanne Belperran Renee Blavante, like look at some of these designers some of the most notable designers and I think a lot of times like with fashion today you know people are inspired by other you know some of these

[00:30:24] houses so I think it's always a good idea to do some research to kind of have an idea of what it is the aesthetic that you're interested in. And at least that way you're going to be armed with questions right because sometimes you don't know enough to even know the question to ask

[00:30:39] Right. So to be able to like really kind of have a blanket understanding I guess of you know the genres that you're interested in. You can follow on Instagram us antique it's at us antique shows that's our Instagram handle.

[00:30:56] And, you know we feature products from you know from our exhibitors obviously and usually there's some detail within that so you'll you'll understand that something came from France and the 18th century or you know whatever it is.

[00:31:09] So to at least have a blanket understanding of what it is that you like.

[00:31:15] And that that'll help I mean I would also say, leaving enough time to be able to roam around and get a sense of where everything is.

[00:31:26] Yeah, that's a big one I would think like also coming in maybe doing a loop, like kind of walking through we always call it the museum walk you know like when you're walking in a museum you walk at a particular pace.

[00:31:39] And so I like to do a round of the show at a museum walk pace and then go back and kind of dive in where I've really seen something that caught my attention.

[00:31:48] As opposed to, you know, if you've got a particular amount for your open to buy you don't want to, you know spend it all on one booth and then you know 10 booths over you're like oh my goodness I really really like that piece even better.

[00:32:02] It's also it's okay to negotiate to a degree.

[00:32:06] It's also okay to ask the dealer if there's something that you're really interested in, but you're just not really really ready to commit. You can ask them to hold on to hold a piece back for about an hour.

[00:32:18] And they and they will do that they'll honor that it's always a great idea.

[00:32:23] If you determine you don't want to go back and get the piece. It's always polite to go back and say you know I've changed my mind.

[00:32:29] But if you don't end up going back and you've asked them to hold it back for an hour and you don't show up, it goes back out into the, you know, the general population can look at it and potentially scoop away your piece.

[00:32:40] But it's okay to do that and most most of the dealers will honor that request, unless it's something that they're like sorry we can't like you buy it now or the next person might buy it.

[00:32:50] But that clear communication I think is is really key.

[00:32:54] Yeah, and I noticed that too a lot of the dealers or the vendors were very, very willing to work with you know like because because they know you're going to be looking at however many other booths or whatever.

[00:33:06] And so they were very you know accommodating I noticed and they were just so helpful and so nice.

[00:33:13] Yes, wonderful.

[00:33:15] Yeah, they really they really are and they are an interesting bunch right there. They're here they're doing it because they're passionate about it right.

[00:33:24] Right. So even if it's a multi generational business and we do have a lot of those I mean I think the jewelry industry generally speaking has a lot of multi generational businesses.

[00:33:34] They're not doing it because they felt compelled or strong armed by their parents or their grandparents it's something that they love.

[00:33:40] It's something that they caught the bug maybe they caught it from an early age. Maybe their parents were dragging them to the original Miami Beach antique show from the time they were five and now here they are they're doing it themselves but

[00:33:51] there is a lot of their their passionate they're incredibly passionate and there's a lot of kindness there, and there's a lot of, you know, they're happy to bring new people into the fold they want they want you there, you know, they're

[00:34:06] not it's not this kind of like well if you don't know about this I'm not going to. I feel like that sometimes that fabric stores if I'm being honest I'm like well I'm not I don't know how to do you know and I feel like she out of there

[00:34:16] I'm like I don't know what a yard is.

[00:34:19] But they really are. They want you there and they're they're excited to share their passion with you.

[00:34:25] And the other thing too is I think they get so excited that somebody's actually just as much interested in the stuff that they are you know because that's how how I felt like when I had conversations and I was meeting people.

[00:34:39] They were just so thrilled to you know spend 1015 in some cases even 2030 minutes.

[00:34:46] Just telling me everything about everything that they had.

[00:34:49] And then is still telling you they're still there there's still talking. Yeah, you get a lot of people that you're like I asked one question and now I'm getting a dissertation.

[00:35:00] Yeah.

[00:35:02] But I love it.

[00:35:04] I love it. It's like I'd rather have more more contacts than than not but yeah and I think like, you know, going back to like the pre research like looking at our Instagram account following some of those those vendors, but also

[00:35:18] understanding a lot of our dealers are their old school in terms of their approach so some of them are not on Instagram some of them are not on you know any kind of social media or their websites might not be totally up to date and it's part of it

[00:35:32] goes into their, their, their level of integrity. And I will ask for pictures right because we need to promote the show so we'll say can you send me some high you know high quality picture.

[00:35:43] Well that piece sold. Like, well yeah that's okay but as long as it represents the type of thing that you sell. But they don't even want to do that they don't even want to be they don't want to put one Cartier love bangle that sold,

[00:35:56] even though they probably have another one by the time the show comes around because that particular one sold and it's like well that's, you know, so they just it's their sense of integrity they don't want to

[00:36:06] mislead somebody they don't want you going for that one particular Cartier love like bracelet and then you're like well that's not there was a scratch right there and that's the one that I want you know so

[00:36:16] Right.

[00:36:17] But, but yeah so they're not it not everybody is on Instagram so it really does require coming in person to see what everybody has. Yes, because that may be the only way you meet that particular vendor or exhibit or whatever or that maybe the only

[00:36:32] way that you know about their store or their merchandise or whatever. Yeah, so yeah I think that's that's really good to keep in mind because sometimes this might be the only way you're going to see this particular piece or this particular

[00:36:46] whatever. Yeah, so you really got to keep that in mind. Now, last year I didn't spend as much time looking at the watches so this year I'm really going to.

[00:36:56] Okay, to make a concentrated effort because I just got so overwhelmed with jewelry.

[00:37:03] But I didn't want to leave so let's talk about the watches because I know a lot of jewelry sellers also sell watches and they collect watches so it is a huge part of our events. And if you kind of follow even

[00:37:22] even in the smallest way you follow what's happening in the watch market. And it's something that really kind of accelerated during the pandemic, getting new watches whether it's a Rolex a paddock, it's almost impossible to get what you want.

[00:37:39] So you know, there's just they don't have the inventory right so you have to be, you know, a very good customer or you have to have a weight you know your name is on a wait list, especially for these, you know, particularly

[00:37:51] when you're working with the most coveted watches. So you might be waiting, you know, three or four or five years to get your hands on a watch whereas if you go to the antique show. And you're working with one of the trusted dealers at the Las Vegas antique jewelry

[00:38:06] store. And so in the watch show, you may have access to pieces that you wouldn't be able to buy new at retail, even if you had all the money in the world. And so it really is about access and these watch collectors. Oh my gosh, when first of all I want to preface this when I say

[00:38:24] I'm not going to say that I'm going to be the highest form of a compliment. But talk about specialized right and, and these are people these watch people. They're not necessarily nerdy about it's the most expensive or, you know, it was made in platinum and it's, you know, got a diamond face

[00:38:43] and it's not they will get just as excited about a Casio as they will about a patikfully right. And it's all about the functionality. They're really, they're really looking at condition of the watch they're looking at and that doesn't necessarily mean high polish shine on everything

[00:39:01] they really it's it's about the authenticity of the piece as well. So it might not be a good idea if you have a watch to, you know, swap out the crystal on the face or to swap out the band that actually detracts from its value.

[00:39:17] This is obviously not my area of expertise and there are so many experts out there and at our show that can really explain all of that to you but it's, it's really about you know the the story behind the watch its functionality.

[00:39:32] It's, you know, the complications, and then the condition and they're not looking at necessarily has to be pristine obviously something that's new inbox with papers pristine obviously that's going to fetch a higher price.

[00:39:44] But a watch that has some signs of being worn isn't necessarily a bad thing, you know it's sometimes adds to the price, especially if it's worn by, you know, if it was worn by a celebrity or something like that which a lot of you know movie.

[00:39:58] Like story kind of.

[00:40:00] Yes.

[00:40:01] It adds to the story it adds to the value.

[00:40:04] Yeah, I remember I met a guy and he was he was had a bunch of watches there and I was looking at them.

[00:40:11] And I said something I said something about the watch and he's like, no, no dear. This is a timepiece.

[00:40:21] And I said, Oh, okay so you were telling me that there's watches and then there's timepieces.

[00:40:29] That's I guess that kind of is very similar to what you said about the nerdiness of these guys because he corrected me. I wasn't supposed to call them watches I was called in timepieces.

[00:40:39] Yeah, and they I mean they are it's, they have groups they get together their clubs for watches they talk about you know I don't know what they're talking about but they get really really excited.

[00:40:50] And so honestly it's one of those things I can write about jewelry all day long and I do. And I do watch right about timepieces from time to time.

[00:40:59] Yes, but I get very nervous when I'm even writing about timepieces and there are a number of journalists who that's our area of expertise with whom I'm very close friends so before I publish anything that has to do with watches I will send

[00:41:15] a message to the audience that I wrote by one of these people because you know how have no fury. Like the watch collector where you know they feel like you've misrepresented something when you're talking about the movement of something or the nuances of a particular piece so

[00:41:30] These are experts in the field. But again if you, you know if you showcase an interest. They are so excited but talk about still talking right they're going to be.

[00:41:43] Yes, I can for a while but I don't know if you follow grin from dime piece that's.

[00:41:50] And I will now.

[00:41:54] She's fantastic and she's one of the there are there are women within this this world but I think she has a particularly unique voice, especially for you know a younger female collector.

[00:42:10] And she can really speak to the nuances of you know why something is special and then she keeps it really light hearted and fun and really funny. Her content is really funny.

[00:42:21] So, you know I really recommend following her and, and it might give you sort of a baseline of understanding so that you can again ask the right question, you know where you can, you know, you know to ask is this automatic is that you know like

[00:42:36] so much that you know so much so much technology in horology that I just don't understand, but any one of our watch dealers would be more than happy to give you a master class in.

[00:42:51] Yes, they will right there on the side. Yeah.

[00:42:55] What was her Instagram again. It's dying piece.

[00:43:00] And so, yeah, let me just double check on. Yeah, because I want to make sure I put a link in the show notes and in the description and stuff so that way if people do want to find her they can.

[00:43:12] Yeah, she was just in.

[00:43:15] Yep, it's dime piece DIME PI EC E.

[00:43:21] Okay.

[00:43:22] And she was recently featured in GQ. She was profiled in GQ. And I think, you know, again it's a it's a bit of it's still a bit of an anomaly to have a woman so, you know, so active and vocal in that space.

[00:43:42] I think it is still like, you know, territory that women are increasingly becoming a part of another close friend of mine Victoria Gamelsky. She's a writer for the New York Times and the International Hero Tribune and she writes about watches as well.

[00:43:57] Roberta Nass she's another pronoun, you know, very esteemed journalists within the the jeweler of the watch world.

[00:44:05] Barbara Palombo from what's on her wrist. So there are a lot of women that are in that space not a lot but there are an increasing number of women that are in that space but I think it's, it's always great to hear it from one of ours.

[00:44:18] You know, just sort of the approach to the you know, watch collecting timepiece collecting sorry to whoever that dealer is they don't want to offend him that corrected you and saying timepiece versus why.

[00:44:30] I don't know if he just meant his stuff. I was supposed to call timepiece but he corrected me he said no no my dear.

[00:44:39] And I have no doubt he said the my dear to.

[00:44:44] Yes, but you know hey I'm I'm there to learn. So please I appreciate him enlightening me. Yes.

[00:44:51] Exactly. Exactly.

[00:44:53] Okay, so I want to go back to the Miami show really quickly because that's the one you said is open to the public because the Las Vegas show is trade only.

[00:45:04] Correct.

[00:45:05] But the Miami show. That's the one where you said whoever has an interest in this they are welcome to attend.

[00:45:12] Yep, they we do sell tickets but if you're, you know on our mailing list for us antique shows.

[00:45:20] Typically will send out you know opportunities for free tickets. So you know you can and we also do promotions with you know pbs and you know other other outlets where we'll have promotional code so you can get around the I think it's either $25 or $50 depending on when you

[00:45:39] purchase the ticket. And again there are opportunities there are links out there to you know to get a free pass to to attend the show.

[00:45:48] So it's it's phenomenal. I mean it's a really fun show there's tons of I mean it's a jewelry and watch.

[00:45:56] Oh I'm going next. I'm going with you.

[00:45:58] It's like it's a dream. It is a dream. But then there's also you know antiques home decor. There's a vampire slaying kit. I mean all the things that you didn't know that you needed.

[00:46:11] Who doesn't need a vampire slaying kit that thing is very, very big and has a lot of things by the way I mean you've got your holy water you've got your steak. You know the wooden steak I mean all the things that you would assume but then there's all kinds of other

[00:46:25] potions and potions I'm like I don't know what those things do.

[00:46:29] At the last show we also introduced a small contemporary pavilion. And so we have some really great contemporary artists that exhibit their product at that show as well so it's just really fun it's a talk about a treasure hunt.

[00:46:42] I do have some you know I have friends that come every year we've had I think the show is 57 or 58 years going now.

[00:46:51] We have we have attendees that have been coming since the very first show. And so we have a lot of people that are local to the Miami area or you know South Florida area, then people that fly in from Europe they fly in from across the country, because it really is a global representation of antiques and jewelry

[00:47:11] watches.

[00:47:12] Oh wow. Okay, so, so there's not only jewelry there there's all anything antique pretty much related is at the Miami show. Yes, correct. Tiffany lamps.

[00:47:24] And wall sconces, you know, little chachki you know just like, like vintage cases vintage boxes. It's really a spectacular rugs. I mean it's got it's got all of it it's got you know a lot of Louis Vuitton trunks that kind of thing that people use for probably not so much travel but I think people

[00:47:47] don't really like Louis Vuitton rugs as a, as a, you know, they incorporate it into their home decor. So yeah it's a really it's a really exciting show. And there's, you know, I'll be there for the entire time it's a five day show plus we have dealer

[00:48:01] which is only open to our exhibiting dealers. And I'll be there the entire time and it'll be the last day the last hour of the show and I'll be like I haven't seen that, like I've been walking around the whole time and you know you just there's always just

[00:48:15] things just popping up I mean it's really really fun. It's a really fun treasure hunt. Yeah. Okay, okay yes I know I missed I think I missed the cut off for the for the free ticket but it's okay because

[00:48:28] you know, they're not that expensive and I think that the, you know, it's not like the ticket price. I think the ticket price it just like kind of ensures that the people that are there, you know want to be there, and then they're

[00:48:43] you know, on purpose. And that they didn't just stumble in off the street. But we also have, you know, we have really fun education series we did last year we did a really great talk.

[00:48:57] And so I'm going to be talking about some really great people who are really, really excited to be here. And I'm going to be talking about some really great people who are really excited to be here.

[00:49:08] And so Jeff has two heads up watches for Sotheby's couple of our dealers that are you know big time watch dealers and they did like sort of a panel discussion.

[00:49:17] And so we had a really fun panel discussion called tales from the trade, where I had a Kurt from Excalibur. Lori Geller from Geller and Co, and Frank Kravitz from Jural Jewelers and Northeast Jewelers.

[00:49:31] All three of them are fabulous personalities. They're, they're just, you know, they're very different in terms of their, you know, their perspective, but they're also very friendly with one another and we just did a

[00:49:43] panel discussion on the trade I said, you know, asked about, you know, someone doing a kindness for them to who their worst customer was.

[00:49:52] You know, and they had some really, really funny stories. I also did a talk with with Janice from Gemma Luthers, who is a historian he's an author he's a curator and one of the dealers from our from our show.

[00:50:04] And he really did sort of a blanket, you know, Georgian to retro. What are the things to look for what made them popular etc etc.

[00:50:13] So we have some really fun education at that show we have a partnership with Sotheby's where we have an appraisal day. So it's kind of our own antique roadshow you can bring in an item from home and all ticket I don't all ticket holders are entitled to get a verbal valuation on one piece.

[00:50:30] So it could be a chest of drawers. It could be a piece of jewelry.

[00:50:35] We should see some of the stuff that people bring in we're like, interesting baby and you know baby doll and a baby doll carriage but you know, these are things that people have and they kind of want to know what the value is.

[00:50:49] Yeah, well that's fun. You know I think everybody. I think that's kind of the thing is kind of like a different version of a lotto ticket right everybody thinks that I have this amazing thing and it's going to be worth millions of dollars and I'm going to be rich.

[00:51:03] Yep. And then yeah and sometimes it's like, but then other times you know other times people get information will they'll say you know this doesn't have any value yet, but keep it in good condition keep it in a, you know, a dry cool place.

[00:51:19] And in 20 years it's going to be worth something. And so I think that that's kind of, you know, that's good to know if you you know even if it doesn't yet have value to know like okay I don't want to put this in the dustiest corner of my basement.

[00:51:34] The dustiest mustiest corner of my basement I want to put it you know in a cool dry place make sure that it you know that it's in good condition and we'll wait it out in 20 years it might be worth something.

[00:51:46] Yeah, yeah. That's good to know too because then you know hey I'm going to keep this in the family, you know tell your kids don't throw this away.

[00:51:56] Exactly worth something someday so maybe my grandkids will be able to cash in on it or whatever. Exactly. Exactly. Well and some people go in thinking they're just you know like oh this was my mom's throw away brooch or something and they determine it's a really exceptional piece with a really great

[00:52:12] great story. And that's where it's really kind of fun when somebody has something like that and you're like, that there was a brooch last year I needed to get some information on it and I brought it to multiple dealers at the of the original Miami B

[00:52:26] Chantique show and then I brought it to the Sotheby's expert and all of them were noticing different details about it. That was just so interesting they were like oh okay so this particular cut of diamond didn't exist until this year.

[00:52:41] But this was probably a modification because it looks like at one time it was a pendant and then I mean the way it's like an excavation trying to get to the bottom of one piece of jewelry.

[00:52:52] And that's what so it's it's kind of intimidating but it's what's also so compelling about this part of the industry right because they can just there's so many hints and clues that somebody could make a determination like you know during this time.

[00:53:08] Platinum wasn't being used in jewelry because that was going towards the war effort or you know whatever it is that they're able to you know kind of surmise even if they don't know they don't have you know dossier on the piece they're able to surmise certain things based on you know just their

[00:53:26] empirical knowledge really of the industry and of jewelry.

[00:53:29] Right. Wow that's amazing I aspire to get to that point one day.

[00:53:36] Well I think you have to spend a lot of time. You know I don't know how I don't know how one would do it because it really is empirical knowledge right like you can learn only so much through books and through you know sort you know going through

[00:53:49] Instagram and following certain people you know you know obviously Marion phasel from the adventuring she's also another phenomenal jewelry historian and she can really break down the history of a particular piece I went to a talk that she

[00:54:04] had in the 90 seconds street why in November and it was on one piece of jewelry. It was the Tiffany Medusa one piece and it was an hour long lecture. She had you know other people on the panel with her, but the fact that you can just over one piece

[00:54:22] of jewelry just fill an entire hour and they could have gone on and on and on for another 10 hours it was fascinating discussion. So, yeah it's you know I think it's spending a lot of base time with these with these dealers and really that it's probably why there's so many

[00:54:39] things that you know because it does take a lifetime of you know sitting at your dad's, you know, dad's elbow and kind of learning what he's learning and you know having your mom point out particular details and then eventually that sinks in.

[00:54:54] I think you're right you know you just kind of get assimilated into it when you grow up around it you know when you hear terms and conversations and you know things that you just don't hear every day but if you grow up hearing it obviously some of it's going to stick

[00:55:10] and you've been exposed to it your whole life I mean you know I only got into this a few years ago right I mean I've always loved jewelry but I never really kind of deep dived into it like I have within the past five years.

[00:55:23] But still you know I think wow I'm so late getting into this you know and the more I learned the more I realize how much I don't know that's exactly what I say that every day.

[00:55:35] So what was it what was it that gave you the bug, the jewelry bug and what kind of genre are you because I'm noticing you're not wearing a necklace.

[00:55:46] I'm curious about what kind of genre kind of jewelry you're into.

[00:55:50] Well I really love vintage jewelry and I got started because I actually had a bunch of jewelry of my own that I wanted to sell.

[00:55:59] I was selling it on eBay, and I did really well. And because it's something small and it didn't take up a lot of space in my home to store or to manage or to inventory.

[00:56:10] I said you know what this could really work. And then I just kind of dove in not knowing what the heck I was doing.

[00:56:16] But I just knew I loved it and I was attracted to it and I was drawn to it and I wanted to know more and I just, it's like honestly, if I could just talk about jewelry all day.

[00:56:28] Every day. I'd be so happy with that, you know and that's kind of why I started this podcast and all the things that I do because I mean at one point in my life.

[00:56:40] I just want to do this and that's it. I mean I'm not there yet obviously but but you know if I could just do this and talk about jewelry with people who love it just as much as I do.

[00:56:52] To me, that would be like heaven on earth.

[00:56:56] It is. So it's fascinating right I mean it is yes, it's such a.

[00:57:03] Yeah and I don't think people.

[00:57:07] You really you have to know a little bit to understand exactly how interesting it is right because you know adornments been around.

[00:57:15] Since the dawn of time.

[00:57:18] Talk about gemstones in the Bible to you know rubies and sapphires and all and gold and all this stuff. Yeah, yeah.

[00:57:26] Yeah, like it's just it's it's historical. It's also just craftsmanship it's learning about the materials it's it's learning about the symbology of it depending on what type of jewelry you're learning about.

[00:57:40] Like it's just there's just so much to learn it's so fascinating and I never get bored with it or talking about it or researching it.

[00:57:49] Yeah, well I mean there's so many there's so many avenues you could go down right or some people might call those rabbit holes.

[00:57:55] But there are so many places that you could go with it right it's also like sort of it's a cultural indicator of what you know what is happening at the time you know I mentioned you know platinum going towards the war efforts.

[00:58:09] So if you also look at you know pieces from Suzanne Belperran during that time when she was also just you know in terms of the interesting character.

[00:58:20] You know she had protected, you know friends from the Gestapo she had taken over the country or sorry the company from her partner who was Jewish kept it safe for him.

[00:58:32] And when the war was over the sun came back in the picture and she gave she relinquished her sole ownership of the company to him even though she didn't necessarily have to she was like safeguarding it so talk about you know just a powerhouse of a woman.

[00:58:47] But when you look at what she was designing during wartime, you have to assume that a lot of the gemstones were coming from her clients collection so she was probably breaking up pieces of their own so that she could recreate pieces.

[00:59:01] The innovation that people had to use when material wasn't available symbols you know you mentioned symbology but like, you know, during the war effort all of the pictures of birds in flight.

[00:59:13] You know that were coming out of France and it was an indication of we will get out of this you know and it's the jewelry really does tell such a.

[00:59:22] I mean it's just a profound story if you know exactly what you're looking for you know and people who make it now, like, you know, I mentioned to you before we started recording I have a podcast myself come to the couture show

[00:59:37] and I get an opportunity to sit down with contemporary designers and find out what their motivations are and what their watershed moments were and how they get their ongoing inspiration and what it's like to bring just one single piece of jewelry together, you know,

[00:59:54] The interesting thing about that is I have these conversations and one thing that people have told me is that after they hear the conversation if they didn't know the person already or were familiar with their work.

[01:00:04] They then look at their jewelry and they're like, Ah, of course, that makes sense you know it's so much an extension of who they are as people.

[01:00:11] And so what's exciting for me to think about is in another 100 years.

[01:00:16] They're going to be in museums, you know if they're not already you know people like Paula creviche who exhibit a tour. She's already in plenty of museums there are people that you know at the court show that are already in museums but

[01:00:28] You know this is their creating history right now.

[01:00:31] And whether or not they're aware of it it's you know but that's the thing and talking about fine jewelry. There's a permanence there. These are not unfortunately when I'm walking out on the street I see a lot of furniture being thrown out I don't see bags of diamonds and gemstones

[01:00:45] being thrown out so right.

[01:00:48] They say, and like you say they don't take up that much space I wish I had that problem that my jewelry just took up too much space in my heart.

[01:00:55] Me too.

[01:00:56] I had that problem.

[01:01:00] Alright, so let's talk about your podcast, you know because I know you briefly mentioned it but I want people to know about your podcast because I know they're going to want to listen.

[01:01:10] Oh, it's so fun. It's called the couture show podcast and I like I said I you know I have an opportunity to sit down with I think the first one with was with the designers behind Spinelli call Colin.

[01:01:24] But I and then after that I had a podcast with Victor bellion.

[01:01:28] Another fabulous contemporary drill he's a bit of a mad scientist in terms of being a metallurgist.

[01:01:35] And then the pandemic hit. And then we started recording in, you know, remotely so I talked to a lot of people throughout the pandemic so the nature of those conversations were kind of like how are you staying sane and how are you keeping the business afloat.

[01:01:48] But now you know I get to talk to any number of designers I mean my last one was, I'm going to apologize right now for the sound quality.

[01:01:57] But I was actually in Tucson for the gym shows, and I managed to do these kind of rapid fire interviews with designers retailers, taste makers from the industry.

[01:02:09] You know on the show floor in the back lot of the convention center in one case I ran into Lauren Godfrey from Harwell Godfrey and we had a quick discussion underneath the highway overpass so you know really glamorous surroundings.

[01:02:22] The quality of the sound was not fantastic but the content was so great that we decided to move forward with producing that episode.

[01:02:30] So yeah it's just a really it's kind of a deep dive into these designers these creatives these artists lives their inspirations and, and it really kind of showcases to me and I think that this kind of occurred to me more during the pandemic episodes that they're, they're small business

[01:02:48] owners right and they are they are putting food not only on their table but the tables of the people with whom they collaborate whether it's their their jewelers their marketing person their production person the person that's you know, handling

[01:03:03] their social media account I mean they are small business owners so I'm really proud to have an opportunity to you know give them a voice.

[01:03:13] So it's fun.

[01:03:14] Oh yeah, yeah you know and there's like I said there can never be too much jewelry information out there, at least as far as I'm concerned.

[01:03:21] Oh gosh and these these nerds. I mean you get them talking about a hinge forget about it they're going to tell you about this hinge for you know 30 minutes because they're so excited they get really excited about the, the tech part of it, even if they're not necessarily a lot of our

[01:03:37] designers, whether or not they're still doing it have a background as bench jewelers so they understand what it means to get hands on with pieces but even designers that don't have a background with Bench with being bench jewelers themselves.

[01:03:51] They get very immersed in the production process so that they can kind of understand that maybe they had an idea in their head and then their jeweler is telling them it's not possible it's not going to lay right that so they can really kind of

[01:04:04] informs their, their approach to the design process.

[01:04:07] So yeah it's really they get a little technical and nerdy but in the best possible way.

[01:04:12] Well I think that's even helpful you know as as a consumer as a buyer as someone who just appreciates it. I appreciate that type of little knowledge or tidbits because when I'm looking to buy a piece say for myself or for a gift or something like that.

[01:04:27] I want to know those details I want to make sure that if I'm wearing it I'm not going to struggle with the class or you know if there's something I need to know about or you know whatever the person I give it to I want to make sure they have a good experience with it too so I always appreciate that type of knowledge and those types of information tidbits like

[01:04:47] Yeah 100% and so many I don't want to give a percentage of it but so many of our designers and brands at Couture are women.

[01:04:55] And you know just like Suzanne Belperran, you know her approach as a female designer resulted in like the curve of a brooch, a slight curve of a brooch which male houses didn't do that right because they didn't realize it's not going to be comfortable it's going to be poking into you

[01:05:15] Suzanne Belperran spent a lot of time working on the backs of her earrings because she knew that women wanted it to be secure but she didn't want to be like squeezing their ear to death you know those kinds of considerations and I think the majority of our designers, whether they're women or they are surrounded by what they will test drive those pieces for a while.

[01:05:34] And make sure the class isn't pinching when you try to you know, you put on a cuff or something like that you know they're making sure that it wears well and they'll take it for a test drive for a while before it'll go into full production.

[01:05:47] Yeah because I always talk about how I'm picky about class because I don't want to have to ruin my nails to put my jewelry on right so I don't like those little old class I don't like certain lobster class because you literally have to ruin your nails to put it on.

[01:06:03] Yeah. Right. So give me a good toggle class for you know an S foot class or whatever. Yeah, I'm just saying like sometimes they don't think about that stuff because a lot of women have long nails or they have nails that they get manicured and you don't want to mess your nails up.

[01:06:17] Oh my god and then you're going to be mad at your jewelry like you know what's that I've been being mad at a bobby pin is one thing but being mad at my jewelry I don't want it and that's a particular thing a bobby pin ruined my nails probably 12 years ago and I'm still thinking about it.

[01:06:32] Yeah, I get it. I totally get it. It's right before an event. Anyway, but yeah no for sure or like you know I live alone I don't there's certain bracelets that I have a hard time putting on by myself so I want to make sure that you know you can put the jewelry on by yourself too and you

[01:06:52] don't yes be like knocking on your neighbor's door like can you help me with this. So yeah those are things that we have to consider. Yes.

[01:07:01] All right Michelle well before we close out any other final thoughts or tips as it relates to these jewelry shows that are so fantastic that I can't wait.

[01:07:11] I can't wait to yeah I'm so excited for you to go and to see everything that's that's on site this year.

[01:07:19] I don't. I mean I think just going with a going with an open, open mind, open to eyes.

[01:07:28] You know being open to you know like this the process of discovery I think it's you know, it's one thing you go into a store, you know, especially you know you go into a blooming dales or, you know burgdorfs or whatever and you're like I need a dress for this particular occasion and I want something black and I want it to be floor like right like that's, that's one thing

[01:07:48] but I think going in being open to the process of discovery is probably your best bet because you might find something that you had no idea you were interested in learning about right and there is a you know there's just so many stories there's so many.

[01:08:06] There's just such a an opportunity for discovery here and you know I would say like so being open and not being afraid to ask questions, ask pointed questions.

[01:08:17] The dealers they're going to either have the answer or they're going to say I don't know but this is what I speculate.

[01:08:24] And also if you have a report with someone and you're working with someone at one booth, but you're like okay I know I need to get X, Y and Z that they don't have these guys all know one another.

[01:08:35] So you might say like hey do you know where I can find whatever it is do you know who has some David web they're going to give you they're going to give you some leads right because they know what other people have because that's a big part of our of our event is that dealer

[01:08:49] today that trading among dealers is a huge part of this of their business model. And so that that day before the doors open to our batch holders, they're trading with one another so they're very aware of what merchandise other people have so don't be a free to ask those questions.

[01:09:09] Yeah, that's good to know that's a good tip.

[01:09:12] Okay. All right, well thank you so much Michelle I appreciate your time and I appreciate all of the insight and the information and just everything that you share today to really make our jewelry show experience fabulous because, like I said it's it's a little intimidating

[01:09:32] because I was intimidated last year and overwhelmed, but now I feel like, okay.

[01:09:40] I'm going with the plan I'm going to plan and don't it and don't be I mean you know obviously after you know you've got to qualify you've got to get the but once you've got that badge, they're going to be so happy to meet with you to see you.

[01:09:53] Don't be afraid. They're excited to have you there we're excited to have you there. We want to make sure that you have a fabulous experience so, you know, go ask questions.

[01:10:05] Don't be afraid to, you know, try things on and to, you know, to ask people to put things aside for you if you wanted if you want to think about it.

[01:10:14] But you know just have a good time.

[01:10:17] Yeah, absolutely.

[01:10:19] That's what it's for I mean, come on this is not we're all doing this because it's a it's a labor of love right we love jewelry we love what we're doing and so have a good time I know it's a grind and being at trade shows can be you know can be tough but.

[01:10:32] Yeah, I would say take take a nap too if you need it because I was exhausted with all that walking.

[01:10:39] It's overwhelming like see all of the things so yeah, we're comfortable shoes.

[01:10:45] Don't wear even if no matter how comfortable they are don't try to break in a pair of shoes at a trade show right even a pair of sneakers I made that mistake before.

[01:10:54] I'm going to go now with that one. So don't, don't you know wear comfortable shoes. Good thing sneakers are very much, you know, in fashion right now so we're comfortable shoes if you're a woman, bring a sweater or a wrap of some sort

[01:11:10] because those, you know the spaces tend to be air conditioned to the nines.

[01:11:16] So the other beauty of having the show at the win is you have a terrorist go outside breathe air. I think it's you know that's part of you know you go to Vegas for these these trade shows and you're like I haven't breathed real air and you know in 48 hours go

[01:11:33] outside and breathe some air.

[01:11:35] Yes, even if it's for five minutes make it you know make a quick call to home whatever you need to do to you know come back to earth.

[01:11:43] It's beautiful to you know even if you just kind of walk around.

[01:11:47] Yes, to get out of the trade show area just to, you know, beautiful yes and they spoil us with their customer service. I mean it is world renowned customer service for a reason, and it actually it ruins me for any other place like I'll go to another

[01:12:04] place and I'm like, well, obviously this isn't the one. I'm not really that big of a brat but that's what that my internal dialogue I'm like well when would never do this.

[01:12:13] So you know it's a fabulous hotel fabulous staff.

[01:12:18] You know every person there, you know whether it's the chamber maids or the person checking you in when you first get there or concierge I mean they're just lovely delightful knowledgeable people so yeah

[01:12:30] for sure. Yeah they're so helpful there and they're just so nice and very just very professional to you know and that says a lot.

[01:12:39] Yes, yes.

[01:12:41] Okay well thank you so much.

[01:12:43] This is really fun. Thank you so much.