Happy holidays from the Jonathan’s family to yours! Last week our own Keifer Nuncio shared what he loves most about working for Jonathan’s and what makes the buying experience so special for our guests.
This week he’s sharing what to expect upon your first visit to our showroom, a glimpse of our inventory, and the custom designed jewelry process.
Take it away, Keifer!
WHAT SHOULD A NEW CLIENT EXPECT ON THEIR FIRST VISIT TO JONATHANS?
First, we want all of our guests to feel at ease and comfortable in our showroom. Customers come to our store to make larger than normal purchases, and it’s our number one priorty to provide the BEST client experience. We never want our clients to feel uncomfortable, so we never suggest items above the guest budget unless requested.
We’ll ask guests a few questions to help as efficiently and accurate as possible. For example, if a customer is in the market for an engagement ring, some of the questions may include:
1)What shape center diamond are you looking for?
2) Which metal would you like the ring to be manufactured in? (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, platinum)
3) What finger size would you need the ring to be?
4) What is your overall budget for this project?
Our main goal is to foster a relationship with our guests based on honesty, peace of mind, and loyalty. We hope all of our first time guests return again and again for their next jewelry purchases.
WHAT SORT OF INVENTORY WILL CLIENTS FIND AT JONATHANS?
The majority of our inventory is composed of loose diamonds in all shapes and sizes. Our inventory separates us from other stores because we have the luxury of catering to clients of ALL BUDGETS. We’ve created engagement rings for less than $1,000 up to a six figure price tag. No matter the budget, we’re stocked and happy to help. Also, there’s nothing we can’t do when it comes to custom jewelry.
The majority of items we sell are loose diamonds, engagement rings, pearls, earrings, bracelets, vintage estate jewelry, and high end watch brands like Rolex.
We’re also known for buying large collections of jewelry from individuals or from stores that may be closing down or liquidating their entire inventory.
In general, we will buy anything and everything that there is a market for. We carry all the big names like Rolex, Tiffany, Cartier, Harry Winston, David Yurman, and more. Because of how often we purchase from stores or individuals, it’s safe to assume our inventory is constantly changing.
WALK US THROUGH HOW JONATHAN’S CREATES CUSTOM JEWELRY FOR CLIENTS.
When we’re first approached about a new custom job, the more information a guest can provide, the better. Budget, sample photos, size (finger size, necklace length, wrist size, etc), and metal (14k, 18k, PT), would be helpful for creating a custom design with us.
We are always willing to go the extra mile for our clients and ensure they’re beyond satisfied when they leave with a finished product. Our customers are involved throughout the entire custom design process. We require approval of each step before moving on to ensure we’re on the same page.
related: Custom Jewelry
Since most of our custom work is for engagement rings, let’s take a look at what the process entails:
STEP ONE: Once the main diamond has been chosen and design of the ring is finalized, we begin with the CAD process. The CAD process is a job assigned to one person in our manufacturing shop who strictly does computer jewelry design work. This CAD process allows us to enter the dimensions of a center stone diamond and create the ring design within the desired proportions.
The CAD process also allows us to properly accent or compliment the main diamond. An example would be ensuring the width of the band isn’t too wide or too narrow for the center stone. A common concern in ring design is maintaining focus on the ‘main diamond.’ Most individuals buying an engagement ring put the majority of their budget into one diamond, and the last thing they want to do is take any attention away it.
STEP TWO in the design process is the WAX mold, which is basically a 3D print out of the ring. The wax molds are typically green in color and fairly brittle. My clients love this step because they can hold this first ‘draft’ and actually slip it on their finger. It’s the best way to ensure the ring dimensions are what the client expected.
These initial steps put our clients’ minds at ease because it keeps them involved, which can be a priceless thing in such a massive decision making process.
STEP THREE: Once these first steps are approved, the wax mold is cast in the client’s chosen metal (white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, or platinum). Once casting is complete, we set all the diamonds in the ring. Finally, we give the ring a nice shiny polish, making it ‘presentation ready.’
This same process is applied to all custom jobs we produce and on average the entire process takes about 2 weeks.
FINALLY, ANY LAST MINUTE ADVICE FOR SOMEONE THAT MAY BE ON THE FENCE ABOUT SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT WITH JONATHAN’S?
We know how stressful a major jewelry or watch purchase can be, especially when it’s for a special occasion or holiday. Our number one goal is to put our client’s mind at ease by providing proper eduction and building trust.
This is what’s kept our guests coming back again and again since we opened our doors in the early 1990s. My recommendation for anyone considering us would be to read our previous client reviews.
All of us at Jonathan’s Fine Jewelers will be happy to help when you’re ready!
