Factoring sentimentally into the equation
Tom brought up one other reason to cast that I could personally relate to very well: the issue of recycling gold. Whether for sentimental reasons or for budget, I often recast old gold for clients. Not all popular jewellery metals are easily recyclable and I am particular about what I recycle. I also have a strict policy about not quality-marking any alloy for which I cannot personally vouch. Additionally, I always warn the client that in recycling old gold, I cannot guarantee finish characteristics. Many times though, recycling a client’s unused gold is a way to finalize a sale and there is usually little perceivable difference in the final quality of cast recycled gold and new alloy. Also, the sentimentality of having some portion of grandma’s old gold in a new wedding ring is an incalculable added-value to many clients. I’m reminded of one of the most touching moments in my 40 years as a goldsmith.
I was involved in the design and production of new wedding rings for an older couple. One of the first things they asked before they initiated the project was whether I could recycle their old wedding rings. They didn’t appear to be concerned about price and something seemed a little ‘special’ about their request. In my typically straightforward way, I asked why it was so important. They related to me they both had lost their first partners through death. While they were very much in love, they also both wanted to honour and give recognition to their first love. I was sincerely touched by the thought as they presented it. I suggested that not only would I be happy to recycle the old rings, I would let them watch the casting process if they desired. They were enthusiastic about the prospect and we set a date for them to come into the shop after-hours and watch me cast their flask.
When they arrived, I was not too surprised to see they had brought a bottle of champagne and a carefully prepared plate of cheese and crackers to my studio. Just before I began the melt to throw their flask, they asked me to pause for a moment while they said a simple prayer in observance of the special circumstances that had brought them together. I guess I’m sort of a romantic, but I had to wipe tears from my eyes as I melted their old lives into their new. Had I not been set up for casting, I never would have had that experience.
There are many factors involved in the decision to cast in a small shop environment and it may be difficult to effectively analyze the question in a manner that applies to every operation. Equipment costs, space, shipping, labour, and inventory may be tangible enough to quantify, but there are also intangibles, such as turnover time, level of service, and goodwill that are much more difficult to value. In the end, the final decision may be made on the basis of how much ‘magic’ you are willing to indulge.
Gary Dawson is owner of Gary Dawson Jewelry Designs, an online custom design operation that was once featured as a “Best of the Best” by Instore Magazine, as well as Dawson Distributions LLC, a supplier of CAD/CAM solutions for jewellers. Dawson has more than 40 years’ experience in creating designs that capture the personalities and stories of his customers, and he is a frequent contributor to MJSA Journal. He has also delivered seminars and presentations at numerous events, including AGTA GemFair, Portland Jewelry Symposium, and the Santa Fe Symposium on Jewelry Manufacturing Technology. Dawson can be reached via e-mail at gary@garydawsondesigns.com.
