ColumnistsMay 18, 2026
Edahn Golan: What a K-Shaped Economy Means for Fine JewelryIn a column for the 2026 State of the Majors issue, Golan spells out how the growing economic divide in the U.S. is reshaping the market.
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Are You Believing in These Shipping Myths?
Shipping jewelry is costing you more time and money than it should. Read on to separate myth from fact.
Brought To You By Jewelers Mutual Insurance Group
Here’s one thing that’s not a myth: shipping jewelry is expensive.
For years, jewelers have been seeking the holy grail of a low-cost option with fast delivery that also includes comprehensive insurance coverage. Finding this has proved elusive for many jewelers, but that’s not to say the right solution doesn’t exist.
In a presentation at the Atlanta Jewelry Show, Tina Olm of Jewelers Mutual Group, will uncover the truth behind several myths about shipping jewelry. These are a few simple ones to rethink today:
Myth 1: You need to double-box all your packages with an adult-sized shoe box as the outer package.
Unless you’re shipping a lot merchandise, you’re going to pay sky-high transit rates by using an adult-sized show box every time. “We still recommend double-packaging, but the carrier and service type should influence your decision of whether to use an envelope or box as the outer packaging” said Olm.
As long as other security measures are followed — like avoiding handwritten addresses and jewelry terms on the label — your package will be just as secure and cost less.
As long as other security measures are followed — like avoiding handwritten addresses and jewelry terms on the label — your package will be just as secure and cost less.
Myth 2: All carrier services are covered under a jewelers block policy.
Many jewelers assume this, but it’s worth checking your policy and carrier’s services first to verify that you have the correct amount of coverage.
“What happens is jewelers think their block policy covers everything no matter what and that’s often not the case. If a loss happens and no coverage was purchased with the carrier or a third-party insurer, they could be out of luck” said Olm.
“It’s also worth remembering that insurance isn’t always cheaper on the block. Both the rate and the risk of losing the experience without a loss can hurt jewelers” added Olm. “Placing some of the risk with logistics providers can be cheaper in the long run and sometimes even up front.”
Myth 3: It’s cheaper in the long-run to only ship with one carrier.
Don’t let word-of-mouth steer you away from one carrier to another based on price alone.
“Jewelers need to get in the habit of shopping” said Olm. “Using a platform like JM Shipping Solution™ allows users to buy shipping options like the way you can book travel online. Prices change constantly and unless you’re using technology to compare options, you’re likely paying more by shipping the same old way.”
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