That Chinese Stuff

Haven't typed in awhile but thought I would today.  I recently acquired some newly manufactured Chinese pins.  Now my bag is vintage as you know and has been for years.  Once in awhile I want to see what all the hubbub  is about and how to they do things so - humm - well cheap. 

I've been in my profession since I was 18 - started out working in my Auntie Paula's jewelry shop selling diamonds. Point being I have watched the procession of jewelry making for many years.  I miss the days when everything was made in RI by Americans who took great pride in their craft. I miss being able to call someone up be it caster - plater - stone setter even the model makers. You could tell them what you needed and they would simply make it.

In today's market there is a distinct language barrier - since manufacturing started leaving the USA since the 70's that little problem has never gone away.

First stop overseas was Taiwan. People were shocked that someone took their business overseas. Little did we know it was the beginning of the end. It didn't happen overnight. Actually it took years. Looking back these days on the quality of the merchandise the Taiwanese actually did a very good job and produced some fine items that garner a great price these days.

2nd stop - Korea - well the Koreans bless their little hearts - they gave it a shot but never quite got the hand of it. They produced poor quality merchandise. They did not have the expertise that the Taiwanese had because Americans actually went to Taiwan and taught them how to do it.  Korea didn't stay in the game very long.

3rd - Those tricky Chinese - they could see what was happening - it didn't take them long. Never having an original idea of their own at the time they set about simply copying other peoples work.  Sound familiar? Anyway it took them quite a few years to understand that Americans wanted a better product at a cheaper price.  Their plating was horrible in the beginning as well as their stone setting expertise. I have to admit that these days their actually pumping out some really great product. They have learned their craft well in the jewelry department. Some of the enameling is outstanding - they use stunning rhinestones - their slowly abandoning the regular roll over clasp choosing to utilize the old victorian type c clasp. That's not only a cost cutting measure but reduces damages.

So how do they do it so well cheap? Of course their labor is more affordable - however that being said their workers are getting smarter too and demanding better wages - and justly so.  Another factor is the actual size of the item is getting much smaller requiring less labor and material to produce.

4th - The new player on the block - India - they are in their infancy - sure they been making jewelry for hundreds of years but good gold jewelry - their just getting their feet wet with costume. They picked up on the fact that China creates 2 billionaires per day and they want some of the pie. They are actually aggressively going after that Chinese market. They call cheaply silver plated product sterling which is it not - I know I've bought some (curiosity killed the cat you know)  I always want to know how someone is beating the game. They trumpet dyed agates as real minerals rubies - emerald yada yada. Always remember when your buying something for virtually nothing that's probably what your getting. I can honestly say that I have yet to see anything come out of India that is worth hanging onto.

So the long and short of it is - I have some newly made Chinese import items - they are sample pieces sent to me - with free shipping and the cost of these items plus payment processing there's not alot of room to make money so I will be blowing off these new pieces for $10 - they are sample pieces - some are actually pretty cool but once gone gone. I love my old school vintage pieces.

Hope you enjoyed the jewelry history lesson - you might know much more than me.

Bonnie