Newsletter - June16, 2010
The Jewelry Crafter
A newsletter for the home jeweler
This newsletter will be published once per month, 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.
ANNOUNCEMENT
Beginning June 30th, the Jewelry Crafter Newsletter will move to a monthly publication, instead of every 2 weeks.
New Stock
We have added some new sterling silver snap-in type cabochon settings.
We have pendants in 8x6mm and 10x8mm, and earrings in 9x7mm and 8x6mm.
Alternative Metals for Jewelry
By
Mary Harvey
When I started making jewelry in 1999, gold was selling for approximately $276 per ounce and silver was around $6 per ounce. Today, gold is over $1200 per ounce, and silver is $18. With the economy the way it is, many people think that these prices will go even higher. As a jewelry designer, you have to be able to make pieces that are appealing, but also cost-effective.
With gold reaching record highs, many people are looking at alternatives to gold jewelry. In a survey of jewelers taken by National Jeweler Magazine, 89 percent of those surveyed stated that their gold sales have been flat or have fallen over the past year. Consumers are still buying jewelry, but they are looking for more economical jewelry.
Silver jewelry and mixed silver and gold jewelry are becoming more popular. People are looking for everyday jewelry that is affordable, and silver seems to be answering the call. But there are also other unconventional metals that you can use in your jewelry creations.
In addition to silver, copper is increasing in popularity, along with aluminum, stainless steel, bronze, plated wire, and colored craft wire. Many crafters are turning to these metals to create unique and eye-catching designs. Craft wire manufacturers are realizing the need for more economical materials, and have begun making colored wire in square gauges, which opens up a whole new world of possibilities for jewelry makers.
So, as you can see, you are not locked into just gold or silver for your jewelry creations. You can create some stunning designs by using alternative materials, and you just may start a new fashion trend.
To see some of the different types of alternative wire available, you can check out Paramount Wire Company (ParaWire) and CBC Metal Supply.
Custom Jewelry Supply - Supplies for the jewelry designer