Diamonds not always a girls best friend...

In these times of economic turmoil it looks like the "Diamonds are Forever" tag line of the industry is working against it.   Shoppers of high end baubles are unanimously saying "not now, maybe later" as they head into the start of the holiday season.   Jewelers are feeling the pinch more than almost any other accessory or fashion category.  With all due respect, the gorgeous creations from Ice Men like Cartier, Bulgari, and Van Cleef appeal to a very select few that most would not feel so bad for if they too are on a budget this year.    Marilyn Monroe gave the industry a serenade that kept on giving for 40 years with her infamous tune - I actually love the Nicole Kidman version in Moulin Rouge.

A short walk down Madison avenue this past Sunday afternoon made the situation crystal clear to me - too many options.   Store after store after store - shrines of marble and granite lit up like times square on New Year's screaming LUXURY.. which I say with as much tongue in cheek as I can type.   What happened to luxury retailers?  Where is the class?   Where is the distinction?   Where are the real housewives of Atlanta when a jeweler needs to move some tacky merch???   Apparently, they are not shopping.   Recent additions to the Madison Avenue Gem alley - Kwiat, Mauboussin, Graff, Leviev, & Asprey. 

I hope that all of us can learn from the situation that is ripping through the banking, auto-motive, real-estate, and now retail sectors - BIGGER IS NOT BETTER.   Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle.  That goes for paper, fashion, jewels, friends, you name it!    Enough with the disposable economy mentality.   

One last note.   Abercrombie posted it's numbers and there sales tumbled in the 3rd quarter sharply.   Is this a surprise to anyone?   I love the brand and what they were able to create - they changed the face of marketing for the denim world- but if you can show me one new idea that has come out of that darkroom in the past 4 years ... I'll actually force myself to stand in the 5th Avenue store for an hour which will certainly render me deaf and devoid of my ability to smell again!  I mean how many pairs of torn up jeans for $100 does the average American tween need?   Why not head to the MOMA gift shop instead this holiday season and buy a gift that actually inspires thinking....Merry Christmas!

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