How to Define My Jewelry Style?

by Kristin
(Gloucester, MA, USA)

I'm trying to look at my jewelry and define the type of style it is. I mostly work in sterling silver and set cabochon stones into pendants, earrings and wire wrapped earrings/necklaces/bracelets. Its classy but I'm not sure that's the best word to describe its style.

You can see some of my work in my "Gallery" on my website at Little River Jewelry.

I've been studying the art of jewelry making for 3 years now and have recently added a window display of my work for sale at my office downtown.

Any help you can offer would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!

Kristin McGath, Silversmith

Answer:

Defining Your Jewelry Style

© by Rena Klingenberg; all rights reserved

Describing or defining the essence of your jewelry can be a really difficult thing to do.

The hard part about using words to define something is that the words also limit it and "box it in".

But you're right that it's still a good idea to have a ready description of your jewelry style.

Kristin, your jewelry is beautiful and obviously very well crafted. Yes, it is definitely "classy", but I think it's also so much more than that.

If I were you, I'd begin my journey of defining it by doing a bit of research.

First, consider: If your jewelry were to be available via a major catalog or store, which one would it be? (For example, Nieman Marcus, Sundance, Coldwater Creek, etc.)

Or if it were available in galleries, where would these galleries be located? (For example, Sedona, Seattle, Miami, Boston, etc.)

Now get online and find these specific catalog companies' or retailers' websites. Find websites for galleries in the locations you envision as being perfect for your jewelry.

Go through these sites - especially their jewelry sections - with a fine-tooth comb. What words come up in these sites that strike a chord within you? How do they define or describe pieces that remind you of your own? What do they do to evoke the feeling you get when you read their descriptions?

Get a feel for the richness and depth conveyed by the words they use.

Their copy is usually written by professional copywriters who know how to write about something to make it sell!

So this is an excellent way to get "unstuck" when trying to find words to apply to your own jewelry.

I hope this helps - and when you decide how to define your jewelry, I hope you'll post back here to tell us about it! :o)