Used to be the words 'jewelry' and 'sale' were the oil and water of the marketing world. The common wisdom was: folks just wouldn't want to buy discounted diamonds and gems, fearing they were somehow tainted or 'damaged goods'.
But they were wrong. So wrong.
Unlike a four-carton pile-on at the all-you-can-eat buffet, there is no shame in the jewelry deal. Now, every jewelry outlet - from mall retailers and department stores to mom & pop shops and online e-tailers - offers sales, discounts and the grand-daddy of 'em all: wholesale jewelry.
Enter: JewelClub.
What was once a 'password-protected' Friends and Family site for a large fine jewelry manufacturer offering 70-80% off retail (yes, you're reading that right), is now open to all us huddled masses yearning to bling free.
And in the great Donald Trump "Art of the Deal" tradition - they now have a "Deal of the Day" feature, where they offer one item every 24 hours for an even lower price. Sometimes it's a colorful cocktail ring. Sometimes it's gold hoops. Sometimes it's a bridal piece. Sometimes it's a brown diamond cat pendant. I could go on...But it's always worth a look.
I just check their Facebook Page or their homepage for a quick glimpse every morning, and then go about my business.
So frugalistas and jewelry hounds, there's really no reason to pay retail when it comes to fine jewelry anymore. There are, of course, still reasons to hide our heads in shame (Jersey Shore marathon, anyone?). Luckily - buying fine jewelry at a discount is no longer one of them.
Now go out there and make 'The Donald' proud.