While you're sleeping, consumers are buying

Long after retail jewelers have closed their doors for the evening, late-night bargain hunters fight for jewelry deals on-line. It's fierce competition as they sign on to First Auction (www.firstauction.com), an on-line auction house offering electronics, computers, housewares and gift items.

Bids range from $1 to a few hundred dollars for a selection of jewelry encompassing 18k gold and tiny diamond and cubic zirconia designs. Each auction stays open for three or four days while the site's followers post eager bids at wee hours of the morning. After all, what late-night surfing jewelry fan could pass up the Suzanne Somers Collection vermeil margarita bracelet starting at $59?

- by Stacey King

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