December Jewelry Sales

As we near the third weekend of the month I have asked a number of jewelers how their December sales are coming along. Unfortunately their answer as well as mine is quite unanimous…..Bleak.

Although jewelry continues to be the best commemorative gift presented, the skyrocketing price of gold coupled with a hobbling economy and high unemployment has made jewelry a true luxury item. Diamond earrings are taking the backseat to items consumers have deemed as priorities, like iPads, and buggy iPhones etc.
Unfortunately, unlike jewelry items, within a matter of months these articles will be obsolete. By the same token, bring me any gold item I sold you ten years ago and I will probably give you more for it than you paid……ask that of Sony a year from now when you go trade in that LCD flat screen you just purchased.
My optimism runs high because in a market where almost all “name brands” have been bought out by faceless conglomerates with vast amounts of working capital and marketing schemes there are new stories being written by small independent business owners that are surviving this crisis.
These are the stories that will propel these small companies into becoming future industry giants and legends with today’s generation. After all, I for one cannot relate to the fact that Cartier sold a watch to Louis Santos back in the 20s. Or that Elizabeth Taylor purchased a number of charm bracelets from Bulgari in the 60s.

Origins “Dum Spiro, Spero” DaVinci Cuff Collection

The origins of the North Carolina State Motto, "Dum Spiro, Spero"-As Long as I Breath I have Hope-is not clear but it has been traced to it’s use as a Clan Motto by one of the oldest Celtic Clans, the MacLennans.

My Da' Vinci Cuff Collection represents a new level of sophistication in jewelry adornment and gift giving.
Made in solid .925 Sterling Silver and Inscribed with the Latin Phrase "Dum Spiro, Spero" (As long as I breathe I have hope) This beautiful cuff is not only an attractive adornment for either Men or Women, but a personal statement by the wearer to keep to themselves or translate to those they care to inform. These cuffs are 9mm wide and should easily fit a 7" wrist.

If you are interested in more information please Click the link below and go to my eBay Store or to my new website

                       

Celtic Influence

Throughout history Celtic Culture has endured despite invasions from countries as far away as Scandinavia and Rome as well as their own clannish infighting. Made up of a number of tribes the Celts not only survived attempted Roman occupation, Norse raids and English rule but nurtured a culture and religion that was symbiotic with nature. 

With this rich history in mind I created in solid .925 silver in an eternal circle the Celtic Thread Pattern representing the interweaving of man’s premeditated destiny. The pattern is cut deep into the silver so that the design will endure as much as the culture has. It is “channel-walled” representing the wall erected by Roman Legions in order to keep the Picts isolated to their unconquerable homeland.
The medallion is suspended from a silk cord but can be fitted into whatever cord the wearer wants to wear. The cast “LA” Louis Alexander Logo assures you that it is one of my original designs.

Interested in purchasing? Click this link to take you to my eBay store.

Da Vinci Cuff Collection: Carpe Diem

The Latin phrase "Carpe Diem" originated in the "Odes," a long series of poems composed by the Roman poet Horace in 65 B.C.E., in which he writes:
Scale back your long hopes to a short period.
While we speak, time is envious and is running away from us.
Seize the day, trusting little in the future.
Carpe Diem
Various permutations of the phrase appear in other ancient works of verse, including the expression "Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die," which is derived from the Biblical book of Isaiah. At the close of "De rosis nascentibus," a poem attributed to both Ausonius and Virgil, the phrase "collige, virgo, rosas" appears, meaning "gather, girl, the roses." The expression urges the young woman to enjoy life and the freedom of youth before it passes.

Honored as one of our "Da Vinci Silver Cuff Collection" this bold statement is represented in our hand cast, beautifully finished .925 silver cuffs. Our Da' Vinci Cuff Collection represent a new level of sophistication in jewelry adornment and gift giving. This beautiful cuff is not only an attractive adornment for either Men or Women, but a personal statement by the wearer to keep to themselves or translate to those they care to inform.

Eternal Quest to Live, Love, Laugh Debut

The continual rise of the price of gold has pushed many jewelers to seek “alternative metals” to express their designs.
I have used this opportunity to bring up designs that are both contemporary and that provoke profound ideas and with this in mind I am launching my latest.

Enjoy.

A  simple daily mantra for those who grasp to the simple yet elusive answer to life now etched into a 26 mm diameter (Circle stands for eternal) .925 silver disk.

See more details on my website-Click Here LAJlrs.com

Rolex Submariner

The Rolex Submariner was introduced by Rolex in 1953. The design took full advantage of the Rolex Oyster case that had been invented back in 1926 and at that time it was the first watch that could be taken to a depth of 330 feet. In 1954 Rolex introduced their signature "Triplock" winding crown and the watch's water resistance increased to an amazing 1000 ft of depth. Since then the Rolex Submariner series have set the standard for all sports watches.....

Click the link below if you are interested in reviewing purchase details of this watch on my website.

Click Here to Visit my Website and Read Watch Purchase Details

 
 

Rolex Datejust Stainless Steel

Rolex is perhaps the best watch on the market to purchase in a Pre-owned condition. Because of the constant demand, the resell value for these watches is always high. 
For years I have specialized in Pre-owned watches. 
I have just refitted this Authentic all Swiss Rolex SS Datejust Circa 2001+ (K Series) and it is on sale. 

This model features the fluted bezel on stainless steel case, silver dial protected by high impact resistant sapphire crystal, quick date set and original Rolex manufactured "Jubilee" style dress band. 


If you're interested to know more about this watch follow the link below to our eBay Store.

See More Details in My eBay Store Click Here

Gold Closing 1327.00 Friday 10/22/2010

Gold prices plummeted in the past few days as the Feds raised the interest rate to 4.25. I have been hearing that rates would be going farther down and this amounted as an unexpected move from my viewpoint.

This unpredictability is leaving many scratching their heads however I feel the “Gold Bubble” is far from bursting yet. If you study the price of gold closely it will begin climbing back up again because of the supposed “good news” of rising interest rates. One has to study that the Feds raised the interest rates in an effort to push banks into making loans and not hold money for so long. Unconfirmed was a report the Feds would be charging banks interest on money they held. We also have to consider the real good news that unemployment claims have dropped in 23 states. However although rejoicing at the news I am a bit skeptical and wonder how much of this is politically motivated as a last push by Democrats before the November election.

I for one would love to see the price of gold plummet. This would make jewelry affordable once again and a sure sign that we as a nation are on the economic rise once again an economic trend that at the end can be considered for the greater good and that’s worth money in the bank.

Have a great weekend everyone. And be sure to get your VOTE done.

Hard Times, Hard Decisions-Written in 2009

 

The following was written in 2009 as I came head to head with the recession. Although this occurred in the past it might be noteworthy to review it like I have and perhaps learn a lesson or two. One thing I have learned is that after two years I still have to cling to most of these ideas. Read closely.

You haven’t heard from me since November (2008) and all I can say is that I have been using all my knowledge to survive what has definitely turned into one of our most challenging times remembered.

This December (2008) sales were down 48%. As I have written in previous chapters I have been preparing for a slowdown but I can tell you I never expected it to be this severe. However the good news is this…sales were down 48% but gross profit was down 30%. These are the factors that went into controlling this loss.

1-It was Christmas and I was aware that whoever walked into the store was going to purchase. Reaction to the recession, although strong was definitely not severe enough to hold back some consumers. I controlled myself from giving deep discounts.

2-The inventory I prepared was merchandise that was both low priced and high profit margined.

3-I prepared inventory that I knew I could sell for February if it would not sell for Christmas-this was one of the best moves I made!

4-I reviewed my past Christmas buyers and made sure to send them an extra dose of advertising.

5-I had been sure to explain to the extra help I hired that I would guarantee their jobs till December 24. When the date came there were no hard feelings.

January came in and things were still almost at dismal levels but I decided to offer what everyone was needing….cash. Yes, I offered cash for used merchandise that I could meltdown and sell for scrap. Along with repairs, this approach helped maintain a positive cash flow and small profit. I also concentrated on my internet sales. Unfortunately things have been quite slow overseas but although it is a small amount it is welcomed income all the same.

Everyone has been waiting for the Bush administration to move out and bring in Obama and his hopes for “Change”. Although I have welcomed the new administration with open arms I’m quite aware of the political rhetoric that follows and reminded myself that none of these people are business owners. Most politicians are lawyers and politicians. How many can we say have worked to maintain a business? Hope for the best but expect the worst!

Take a close look at this economy and the “recovery” will surely come, but don’t expect for business to be at the level it was four years ago and don’t expect business to bounce back rapidly. In fact I dare to say that things are going to get worse before they get better. Look at all the events that are taking place. Bailouts that will ultimately be paid by our children, increasing unemployment, tight credit (a blessing in the long run). Freely available credit has artificially been maintaining high prices. The only way this economy is going to bounce back is when prices start meeting consumer income. Face it folks, a cup of coffee just isn’t worth four bucks! But of course when you can put it on a credit card, you will pay for it. When that credit isn’t available you won’t buy and the price will come down! With this in mind this is the first suggestion I have for you…..

1-Negotiate your lease! Review your books and play with your budgets. Look at the possibility of revenues dropping by as much as 40%. Start cutting expenses and start by renegotiating your lease with your landlord. Get at least a six month reduction. Look at the number of hours that large companies are cutting their employees. Of course what large companies need to see is top management take a big cut as well. Let’s see if they really are “in this together”.

2-Call your vendors and get them to cut prices. Explain that your profit margin is dropping drastically and you need to be “competitive”. Perhaps they will extend “terms” but the truth of the matter is that “credit” is what you have to be running away from at this moment. You have to turn your business into a “cash based business” if you are to survive this episode.

Look at the businesses that have failed in the past six months. All of them have one thing in common, they were not able to secure credit to sustain their operations. Sorry but the truth is that “credit” is not the way to sustain a business. Business credit should be “short term” credit used in order to purchase merchandise and be paid off within a short time period. The moment you start using your credit lines to sustain business operations you are doomed!

Think you can figure a way out of this? Dream on. If you don’t get “small” and highly competitive you’re going to be extinct within the next four to six months. Feeling sorry about getting rid of your employees? Being the boss is tough, but the truth of the matter is that it’s your business and you are the one that has taken all the risks. Want to keep an employee? They better be producing revenues for you and not standing around to be someone you can talk your woes to.

Hard times, hard decisions.

Prophet Blue: A House Divided Cannot Stand

With the help of the Media, politicians, special interest groups and just about anyone that has some money today has twisted the truth to the point that we are approaching a general gridlock.


The number of issues along with the number of agendas, both public and secret are innumerable  
The Global mind set today could be defined as "What the Market Could Bear". Everyone from entrepreneurs to politicians to fisherman are trying to milk it ("it"=the environment, economy, system, etc)  for all that it's worth and more. Many bystanders are in a state of apathy at this moment and we should beware that a state like this could lead to further and deeper class divisions, extremisms, demagoguery, revolt and dictatorships.


As a new generation is handed insurmountable responsibilities in the form of national debt, lack of international respect and little education to perform above a mediocre level; unless we are indeed the "All Consuming Generation" we must wonder it the price paid for our so called "success" was worth it.


Over two hundred years ago, despite their own personal fallacies the founding Fathers of this Nation gave birth to the idea of a "Pluralistic Government". For decades we have prized and encouraged individualism. We have increased our tolerance for each other's differences from religion to sexual preferences only to have empowered beliefs that given fruit will smother our generation's social accomplishments. 


We, The American People, during our state of individual contentment have allowed ourselves to be led by Pied Pipers who have effectively colored a picture of unheralded success in the form of money and material acquisitions. At some point we must accept that the ideals of Democracy, Pluralism and Individuality have been eclipsed by the greed of many. We have to see that many in power believe that mankind in general must be placed in the constraints of a yoke, this being nothing more that justification for the betrayal of the power bestowed upon them by The People's belief in Democracy if a politician, by consumer's belief in a product if a business.


We cannot regress to the belief that "Man" in general cannot have "Free Will" and therefore we must exercise a degree of common sacrifice for the betterment of our fellow man. There has to be "Balance" by way of a common goal or this Nation and the idea of Democracy is headed into oblivion. History repeats itself and we have countless governments of the past to examine as case studies.
"Democracy" is a state of Utopia the human race can strive to achieve. But we, the public have to bear the responsibility to demand from those elected officials the trust we have offered and that they have "unselfishly" sought election to keep or indeed we are to be reduced to nothing more than yoked beasts.


"Quist Custodiet Ipsos Custodes?"-Who Watches The Watchmen? 

Ladies "Laguna" Sport-Diver's Watch

With the explosion of over-sized ladies fashion watches a few categories of Women's watch designs seem to have been left behind. Women today are more active than ever participating in a wide range of sports. With this in mind I have re-introduced the ladies "Laguna" Sport-Divers Watch designed with the idea of bridging the gap between a no-nonsense womans sports watch and  one that can be "fashionably acceptable".

The Laguna is a functional woman's dive watch that has a precision elapse timing bezel to record "time under". It also serves as a great parking meter elapse time bezel. 
Easy to read Date window, high impact resistant Sapphire crystal, Screw in crown, luminous hands-hour markers and a water resistance to 660 ft are features you will find in this watch. 

I have assembled a limited number of watches with metal bands and also offer a White color rubber.

While obviously this watch can be considered a "Water-Horse" it has a quite feminine Mermaid  size of  33mm Diameter from 9-3 with Crown Guard, 31mm from 12-6 and a 10mm thickness. Inside runs a hassle free Swiss Quartz Movement

You can see more of this watch and get purchase information at my website: 

LAJlrs.Com-Ladies Laguna

Chase Durer Special Forces UDT XLs Have Finally Arrived

Yes, after months of waiting I have finally been restocked with the most popular watch on the planet. I have a limited number of these and I have them featured on my eBay store. Check out the details and you will understand why the XL has reached the level of popularity it has.

On Sale at My Vvs1Blue eBay Store

Shipping to Austria

Since joining eBay in 1999 Louis Alexander Jewelers has sold items in over sixty different countries. I am now shipping to Austria.

Gold Closes at 1347.00 USD

Gold settled at 1347.00 USD at the end of Friday trading October 8, 2010. What can be expected next week? Perhaps more settling down if the Democrats continue to gain support for the November vote. For months Democrats have been attacked by the Republican sponsored media who has continually pointed out Democratic “inefficiency” at handling the current economic crisis.  This continual and seemingly unanswered tirade has made the mid-term elections a battleground for control of the Congress.

However the Democrats seem to finally awaken to the effect it has been having on the American public who is used to instant coffee, fast food and instant result and who seem to disregard the fact that it has been eight years of misgovernment that bought us here.

The Democratic response has pointed out the fact that indeed the much criticized economic stimulus plan has helped keep millions of Americans working and perhaps could be described as being “too small” to have been even more effective. The Democrats are also pointing out to  Republican reluctance to back up bills like the Small Business Stimulus Plan that would help small business get on their feet.  We have to point out that Democratic support of “TARP” has indeed helped finance large corporations during the crisis and has even returned a profit to the American taxpayers.

But we have to understand the Republican view on these plans as well. They point out that the government is seemingly giving money to businesses that have a high risk of failing. As a small business owner I can understand their point of view. However along with financing there must be an effort to make our nations small businesses competitive by embracing protectionist policies like raising tariffs on imports and not making it easy for American corporations to open their factories overseas in order “to take advantage of a Global Economy”. For too long I have witnessed this smoke screen set up the American Middle Class for decimation. It’s time to bring the factories home and concentrate on “American Production for American Consumption”.

Although it seems that Bush supported tax cuts for the wealthy Americans seemed to have taken a sort of backseat after the Democrats have delayed the decision to end them. Let’s remember that the decision has only been “delayed” and many Democrats are clearly pointing out at the billions of dollars being lost by continuing the tax cuts. When the time comes to “sundown” them in 2011 I am sure the majority of public support will be on the Democratic side. Many voters are worried about the amount of government spending and many groups point out the amount of seemingly wasteful projects the government has contributed funds to. But I have a feeling there will be an accounting and curbing of this in the near future when BOTH parties are pressured to streamline government spending. At this moment the American public is being made aware of the amount of questionable contributions that are being lavished on the candidate races of both parties. Worrisome is the fact that there are millions of dollars being made by foreign governments through such entities as the “American Chamber of Commerce”.

In conclusion all this “manning up” by the Democratic Party is being reinforced by the good news that there has been a drop of unemployment claims for the 3rd week in a row as well as a reported surge in sales in September by retailers nationwide. This has led to a glimpse of hope as consumer confidence seems to be increasing. For the time being we all must continue to keep an eye out to see if these improvements are sustained and then indeed we will come out of this recession.

Gold Climbs Higher 10/1/2010

A few days ago the Federal Reserve announced it plans to lower the interest rate even more and it was no surprise to me when gold closed at 1318.00 today.

There are many factors affecting the skyrocketing price of gold. It is often an indicator or mounting military tensions as well as indicator of the global economic instability as all currencies, not just the dollar, are loosing their value against the precious metal.

But at this moment it is a matter of instability as well as demand. The demand steming from the fact that it is the wedding season in India where brides are traditionally lavished in gold. Considering that India is one of the fastest growing economies it is no surprise that gold consumption in that country has reached new levels.

Consumption of gold has also increased in China where a growing middle class is consuming just about everything that can be purchased as well as gold.

Keep an eye on "Strategic Metals"-Platinum, Paladium, Copper etc and you will see a sharp rise in their prices as well.

As the value of the dollar continues to slide the price of all these metals will continue to rise. It is perhaps a good time for this government to strengthen the value of the dollar by embracing "Protectionist Policies" (raising tariffs on imported goods) and find a way to bring back the American Production Factories that were closed nationally and opened on foreign soil by the evolving "Multi-National" companies.

Chase Durer Special Forces XL Arrives Week of October 3rd Stay Tuned!

Just got notified by Chase-Durer: We are receiving twelve of the Chase-Durer Special Forces XL Chronographs. This is the watch featured on “Burn Notice” and it has become one of the hottest watches on the market. I will be posting the watch on the website and eBay store.

Click Picture to View Details and Other Chase-Durer Watches

LAJlrs.Com Update: 09/2010

Despite the "Great Recession"

Jewelry is still the most appreciated commemorative gift presented during proposals, anniversaries, birthdays and recognition of achievement events.

But If there is an item that has been greatly affected by these recessive times it has been the price of gold, the raw material we jewelers use to make all our products and with it's sky-rocketed price so has the cost of jewelry. Even the simplest of jewelry items have truly become "Luxury Items".

Today there are may so called "Luxury Retailers" whose products are nothing more than the sum of applied marketing schemes of some so called "Luxury Conglomerate" who has purchased an established brand. Many consumers are demanding more than a homogenized presentation of an item and aligning themselves with brands that truly have identified with them during these hard times.

Without a doubt this has been a time that has re-defined our core values including what we call "Luxury Items'. I hope that with my own marketing phrase for the 2010 Holiday Season... "Louis Alexander, We're with You from Start to Achievement", You, the consumer will find that my small company has a substance that very few big brand conglomerates can ever match.

Up coming by October:

I am happy to announce that I will be acquiring "Preferred Vendor" status for Acme Pens.

Acme Pens are considered the "Swatch" of the pen business. A relative young and successful company Acme Pens offer a variety of pens designed by contemporary living artists and are a great gift for anyone at anytime. I will be preparing an detailed write up within the next month.

Watch Function: Using the Elapsed Time Bezel

Watch Function: Using the Elapsd Time Bezel

Many of you have purchased a watch, usually a Diver's Watch that features an "Elapsed Time Bezel". That's a ring with numerals from 1-60 (usually in intervals of 5 minutes) that should rotate and click into place to the left.
When asked what this is used for the majority have no real idea and I hope this will clear up the questions and give you some great ideas to use this very handy feature.
Elapsed time is important to divers because after going deeper than 33ft gasses in the air you are conusming pressurized into half the volume that you went into the water with and will continue to do so every 33 ft deeper.
Diver's are taught to use "Dive Tables" that indicate how much time you may remain at a cetain depth without having to "Decompress".A critically important safety feature is that the rotation of the bezel only goes in one direction...to the left. When you learn to use your bezel you will notice that this means that if by any chance it is accidentally moved it will shorten your time frame instead of prolonging the event which could, depending on the situation, be a matter of life or death.So now how does this work? Very simple, at the start of the dive or event you want to time rotate the 12 o'clock marker on the bezel to the position of your minute hand on the watch dial. You will notice that from there on by reading the position of the minute hand on the rotating dial you will know exactly how much is your total elapse time.
Many of you aren't divers but this feature has an almost endless application. My favorite is to use if to time my parking meters. After inserting coins in the meter I simply align the bezel's 12 o'clock indicator to the minute hand and easily keep track of the time I have left on the parking meter! Working and living in the Coral Gables area this is a feature that has paid for itself in the course of time by helping me avoid costly parking tickets.
This feature can also be used to time yourself for warm-ups before working out and the actual workout time. Other uses are to keep track of cooking time, call back time, return or pick up times.
I'm sure once you understand the uses of this simple feature on your watch you will use it constantly.Hope this has been helpful and please post your comments!