SIGHTS
Bright lighting, locked display cases, posters displaying signature items of popular jewelry brands, long counters, gleaming glass display cases, engagement and wedding rings, bracelets, earrings made with precious stones (rubies, diamonds, emeralds, opals, sapphires, black diamonds), watches and cufflinks, pendants, crystal collectible figurines, a computerized cash register, velvet pads for customers to place jewelry on, polishing cloths, well-dressed and well-groomed sales associates, turnstile displays full of gold and silver earrings, mirrors, jeweler tools, a watch band display, a consultation desk, expensive wall clocks, designer costume jewelry pieces, decorative flourishes in the displays (bracelet bangles displayed on silk scarves, a scatter of sequins or semi-precious stones lying on velvet, etc.), a security guard standing or sitting on a stool by the exit
SOUNDS
Peaceful background music, a sales associate’s heels clacking across the floor, drawers sliding open, the jingle of keys as the associate opens a display case, the chatter of till tape spitting out of the debit machine, the tap of a manicured nail against the glass display, customers discussing a purchase, a sales associate reviewing the qualities of each piece or notable facts about the manufacturing, traffic rushing by outside, a cell phone ring tone, mall traffic (if the store is part of an indoor mall complex), bangle bracelets jingling together
SMELLS
Air freshener, ammonia from glass cleaner, perfume or cologne from the sales associate
TASTES
Some settings have no specific tastes associated with them beyond what the character might bring into the scene (chewing gum, mints, lipstick, cigarettes, etc.). For scenes like these, where specific tastes are sparse, it would be best to stick to descriptors from the other four senses.
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
The cold smoothness of a gold ring sliding over one’s finger, leaning against the cool glass case while browsing, the slight tickle of a fine chain being placed around one’s neck, the heaviness of a locket settling into place, twisting a bracelet or watchband on one’s wrist, holding a dangling earring up to one’s ear before looking in a mirror, digging through one’s purse or wallet for a credit card
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
Angry customers disappointed with the quality of a purchase
Shoplifting or burglaries
An employee firing that turns explosive, drawing attention and embarrassing store management
Discovering that a shipment has been tampered with
A sales associate stealing a customer from a co-worker in order to gain a commission
Discovering that the jewelry one purchased from the store is fake
A storeowner learning that his jewelry is being made with blood diamonds or through other unethical manufacturing methods
An engaged couple arguing over rings and calling off their wedding in the store
Bringing in a piece of jewelry to have it cleaned and it being damaged in the process
Having an engagement ring sized after saying yes and learning the diamonds are actually cubic zirconia
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
A security guard stationed at the door, customers, delivery people, jewelry appraisers, sales associates, store management
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
The caliber of a jewelry store can greatly influence the style, layout, and service a customer receives. Lower-end shops have sales associates that tend to be less knowledgeable regarding the items because price is more of a determining factor for the customer. Much of the jewelry will be of lower quality and have generic branding. As such, these types of stores often have flashy sale signs to try and draw people in with the lure of a good deal. Other stores cater specifically to a more knowledgeable customer, and the brands carried are well-known, speaking for themselves. Sales associates are well trained and can provide detailed information regarding the piece’s quality and manufacturing. Prices are fairly standard in higher-end stores, and they may carry less product, relying instead on catalogues for customers who wish to see a slightly different model of jewelry that is on display.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
Beneath the case, diamonds glittered, winking under the bright lights like paparazzi snapping pictures of a celebrity. The sales associate, a pretty thing with her hair pulled back to show off ruby drop earrings, smiled and nodded toward the ring sets. Tony squeezed my hand, and that’s when it finally felt real. We were getting married.
Techniques and Devices Used: Simile
Resulting Effects: Reinforcing emotion