Richard Alan is a designer/goldsmith and owner of the Harbor Goldsmith, Marco’s go-to jeweler since 1994. He welcomes your questions and comments about All That Glitters. www.harborgoldsmith.com.

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Nothing feels like real gold, nor does anything glow, shimmer or shine like the real thing. 

GOLD… Just the heft and feel of a solid gold chain is satisfying when worn around one's neck, wrist or ankle. 

Big and bold gold jewelry is a thing in the big cities. I cleaned a giant 18kt. gold solid Cuban link chain for a guy from Miami - it was three quarters of an inch wide and weighed almost five ounces. Believe me you could hold a 30-foot boat to the dock with this $16,000 (he said he paid) chain.  

That scuba diving weight neck chain is a bit much for my taste and pretty much this whole island, too. In the big cities, and especially Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, large heavy chains are a thing, a really big thing… Some are even encrusted with diamonds set in every link and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. 

Here in our little paradise island gold is still a big thing - just not big gold. It’s a fact that small, even tiny is big. By that I mean small simple pendants on fine to medium weight chains are the rage in my shop. Small starfish, palm trees, anchors, compass rose crosses - some with diamonds or without - the smaller the better. The paper clip link chain is still very hot in my shop and having just returned from Europe, I saw that very same link on the stylish ladies in Germany and also worn on the midriffs of the bikini clad Spanish beauties both pool side and on the Mallorca beaches. 

The paper clip link is a clean and simple designed chain that is fun to wear alone or with a sea creature or two hanging from it. I recently added some bling to one paper clip chain for a customer by adding diamonds she had from a surviving single diamond hoop earring that I dismantled and set in between the links. When completed it was a great looking piece. The link is available in all widths and sizes both solid and sturdy hollow construction.

Beware purchasing these on some online outlets. I have seen some that are super hollow and not the least bit sturdy. They will not hold up to daily wear and tear and will certainly distort and dent if you hang a charm from them - a total waste of your money.

Earrings, especially hoops of all sizes and design, are another way to enjoy the feel of gold. Technology today can create gold earrings with a big look only without the weight and high cost. I love the look of two-tone gold hoops that dangle, twist and sway when worn (two-tone is a mixture of gold colors such as white and yellow gold or white and rose gold.) Earrings are always popular. We usually suggest earrings to the guys who come in with that deer in the headlights look on their faces who need a birthday or anniversary gift. (You can never go wrong with diamond stud earrings guys!)

My staff and I will be attending the Jewelers International Showcase Show in Miami late September to see what’s new and exciting. The show is packed with both domestic and overseas manufacturers that will give us some ideas of what will be the newest styles and fads for the upcoming holiday and 2023 season. I still carry an extensive line of gold and silver sea life and nautical themed jewelry because it is always in demand in the shop. 

Have fun and be safe in what remains of the summer.

Richard Alan is a designer/goldsmith and owner of The Harbor Goldsmith, Marco’s go-to jeweler since 1994. He welcomes your questions and comments about All That Glitters. Call 239-394-9275 or visit their website at www.harborgoldsmith.com.

The Harbor Goldsmith will be closed for our annual vacation the 1st of September through the 18th and will reopen Monday the 19th.

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