4/11/2011 ...
A special note to my jewelry customers:
I am a normal, real person, and even though it is not always good for 'business' to mention shortcomings, I try my best to be totally frank and up front with my customers and fans. This year has been a scary ride so far in terms of making jewelry. The base price of silver fluctuates daily, much like the stock market. Trading dictates the price per ounce at the end of each day... and I have been watching with no small worry as silver prices have skyrocketed!! Added on to the base cost of the silver are such considerations as the cost of refining the silver into wire that I can use, and the added cost of the Argentium alloy that I use. This all adds up to mean that since I last made a batch of Jewelry in 2010, my silver costs have more than doubled and I am finding myself unable to afford the purchase price (or, if I do, I will need to buy very small quantities). I am also concerned about passing that cost onto my customers; if I do not raise my prices for any new pieces made I will losing money, and quite a lot of it, which is also something I cannot afford.
Therefore, it is with regret that I must temporarily halt jewelry making until such a time comes that I can afford a small silver order (or if silver falls in price which seems unlikely). Even then, jewelry pieces will be made in much smaller quantities.
I will not be increasing the cost of the few pendants I have left. I made them at a lower cost than today's silver prices and will sell them as such.
I apologize for any inconvenience or disappointment this may cause you! It has been a depressing realization for me, too.
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