Author Archives: Julianne Jacobs

After three years of decline, sales of women’s watches – the perfect combination of utility and fashion – are ticking up again. NPD Group, a national marketing research firm, reports that from January through May of this year, sales increased 2 percent over the same period in 2017. The numbers, said Karen Wood, vice president for service at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange, reflect what she’s been seeing at the company’s four North Texas stores. “A luxury watch is a great way to express your personal style,” she said. “More and more women are coming in to purchase watches for themselves, not just getting gifts from their husbands or boyfriends.” Wood said several factors are driving the trend. Women are wearing bigger watches, she said, “instead of the little petite watches like maybe your grandma wore.” That led some women to buy men’s models, which got the watchmakers’ attention. “So they’re focusing more on women’s style watches,” she said. “They’re not just making small versions of men’s watches. Some brands are designing more watches for women.” That’s smart, Wood said, because for women a watch is also a fashion accessory. “Of course it’s functional,” she said. “but they’re treating it more like jewelry than a watch.” Dallas Gold and Silver has a wide – and ever-changing – selection of pre-owned luxury watches, with famous names including Rolex, Cartier, Breitling and TAG Heuer, guaranteed in like-new condition and perfect working order. That’s not the only reason to come in. “We see a lot of women who want to make their watch more feminine, not just looking like a small men’s watch. So we’ll accessorize it with mother-of-pearl dials, diamond bezels, or other things. “We have beautiful watches right out of the box,” Wood said. “Or if you don’t want the same watch everyone else has, we can customize it.”

You’ve probably paid a lot to the jewelry business – and unless you’ve shopped at Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange, you’ve definitely paid too much for your bridal jewelry. But now the jewelry business wants to pay you. The Gemological Institute of America is awarding $2 million in scholarships next year, and the deadline to apply is September 30. “With changing consumer trends and technological advancements in the industry, it is now more important than ever to have professional qualifications,” said Duncan Pay, the GIA’s vice president and chief academic officer. “These scholarships help people follow their dreams and pursue their passion in gems and jewelry.” The scholarships range from partial to full tuition for GIA’s gemology, jewelry, and design programs, courses, and lab classes. Most are held at the Institute’s headquarters in Carlsbad, California, which is near San Diego. The money comes from individuals, jewelry companies, alumni associations and the GIA itself. For more information, click here. A sparkling future awaits.

We think that Dallas Gold & Silver Exchange is the best place to hunt for gold, because you’ll always find what you want. But if you’re more the old-fashioned type, and you have a competitive streak, join the rush to Hodruša-Hámre, Slovakia. That’s where the 2018 World Gold Panning Championships get under way on August 6 for six days of pressure, pride and prospecting. About 600 competitors from more than 20 countries are expected at the annual event, which features colorful opening ceremonies, a gold-themed festival – and serious competition. The championship dates from 1977, when panners from 10 nations gathered in Finland to transform their hobby into the inaugural shiny showdown. Last year’s WGPC was held in Scotland, and the year before that in Placerville, California, near the spot of the historic discovery that set off the California Gold Rush. Categories include men, women, juniors, seniors, two-person teams, three-person teams, five-person teams and national teams. Italy is the two-time defending champion. But no matter the classification, it comes down to a pan-off. Everybody gets a giant tub of water, sand and gravel into which officials have put between 5 and 12 bits of gold, depending on the competition. Whoever sifts all of them out the fastest wins. Jody Franklin, director of tourism for the El Dorado County Chamber of Commerce, which hosted the 2016 WGPC, said the event may be misunderstood. “It’s just a unique sporting event,” she told the Sacramento Bee. “When you think gold panning, they picture this little old guy with a beard next to the river, you know, swishing away…No, it’s a lot quicker than that.” Have you found some extra gold bullion around your home and want to trade it in for cash? Head to your nearest DGSE location today!