Newsletter - November 4, 2009
The Jewelry Crafter
A newsletter for the home jeweler
This newsletter will be published every 2 weeks, and will include hints and tips for your jewelry business. Any feedback or comments about the topics presented here are always appreciated. Click here to e-mail us.
If you have an idea for an upcoming article, or would like to submit an article for the newsletter, please contact us. Anyone who submits an article will receive a permanent link to their website in a special section of our link pages.
Inventory Update
We have some great new tools, including bracelet and ring sizers, forming pliers, and multi-size looping pliers. We also have a large selection of Paua shell cabochons.
Coming soon.... Czech Peacock focal beads, perfect for stringing or wire wrapping
Predicting Trends in Jewelry
by
Mary Harvey
Those of us who make jewelry do so because we enjoy it. We love to use our imaginations and create one of a kind pieces. Even though our jewelry is unique, we are still subject to fashion trends. One year, yellow gemstones and big bangle bracelets may be the hot item. Other years, it may be cameos and dainty necklaces. How can you predict what will sell this year? Here are some ideas to help you “look into that crystal ball” and determine what the jewelry trends will be:
- Watch TV - check out what women are wearing on the popular TV shows or at the awards shows. This is a great predictor of jewelry trends. For example, several years ago, the TV show “Friends” made the Y-necklace popular, and message bead necklaces are in since being seen on “Survivor” and “The OC”.
- Page through fashion magazines - take note of what the models are wearing for jewelry. Pay particular attention to colors, not only of jewelry, but clothing and accessories.
- Check out trade publications, like the Jewelry Information Center or National Jeweler, Colored Stone Magazine, or visit trade shows, like Tucson
- Visit the jewelry department in discount stores and see what they are selling.
- Keep track of what your customers are asking for. They may have ideas of trends that you may not have thought of yet.
The Jewelry Information Center and National Jeweler have great online articles on trends for Fall/Winter. Both have great resources for finding out what people are buying, what will be popular, and will give you insight on styles and colors. A little bit of observation can go a long way with helping you make jewelry that will really sell this season.
Custom Jewelry Supply - Supplies for the Jewelry Designer or Wire Artist
The Jewelry Crafter Archive - Back issues full of useful information for your jewelry business
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