Lessons from the Jewelry Fair Floor

Trade fairs are my classroom. Forget whiteboards — mine are glass display cases filled with sapphires and tourmalines.

At my first fair in Munich, I learned more about business in one day than any textbook could teach me. I watched deals fall apart over a handshake, saw how body language could change a buyer’s decision, and learned to switch between English, German, and Chinese in seconds.

Once, a customer hesitated over price, and instead of lowering it, my dad calmly explained the stone’s craftsmanship. It worked — the buyer agreed. That moment taught me that selling isn’t about pressure, it’s about confidence and clarity.

Now, whenever I help behind the counter, I focus on listening more than speaking. Every conversation reveals something new — how trust is built, how culture affects negotiation, and how even under bright lights, transparency matters most.

The jewelry fair taught me business isn’t just about gemstones — it’s about people.