Jewelry Business Blog

August 2005

© by Rena Klingenberg; all rights reserved

The Jewelry Business Blog has essential jewelry business tips, information, questions, answers, and news that you won't find anywhere else!

August 31, 2005

The Weakest Link - or, How Sturdy is Your Jewelry?

Several years ago when I first started learning to make jewelry, my designs weren't always as sturdy as they could have been. I didn't use top-quality components, and since I was completely self-taught my skills lacked finesse.

Occasionally a piece of jewelry I had made would come apart - which was bad enough if it was a piece I kept for myself. But when I had a customer ask me to repair a bracelet she had bought from me, I was horrified, and determined NOT to be the lady whose jewelry falls apart!

That's when I started analyzing each piece of my jewelry when I finished it, in search of the "weakest link". I wanted to find the Achilles heel of every piece before I sold it, so I could design out any potential problems.

So I started putting two crimp beads instead of one on heavy necklaces and bracelets. I wrapped my loops more often than not. I used heavier gauges of wire when larger stones were part of the design. I opted for clasps that wouldn't fall open. I used split rings or soldered rings in place of regular jump rings wherever possible.

Soon the only repairs consisted of replacing an occasional lost earring so the customer would still have a pair. So I started including those little clear plastic tube earwire clutches ("earring stoppers") with every pair of earrings I sell, to prevent earring loss.

Looking for the weakest link taught me a lot about making higher quality jewelry!

August 27, 2005

A Website Redesign Story

A recent article by Candy Loya of Kindred Kiln has created quite a stir - resulting in lots of positive changes on many jewelry artists' websites.

Here's how Candy's article, What Turns Me Away from a Jewelry Website, inspired another jewelry artist to get honest feedback on her own site and make some necessary changes:

A Website Redesign Story - a new article
A website redesign can make all the difference in the success of your online jewelry business. Linda Grandstaff relates how a site critique by a fellow jeweler helped her develop a more appealing and user-friendly jewelry website.

Article by Linda Grandstaff of Grand Glimmers.

August 26, 2005

Jewelry Home Shows - top 10 success tips

Jewelry Home Shows - a new article

Jewelry home shows can be a lucrative venue for your designs. Guest author Stephanie Riger shares her top ten tips for successful, profitable home parties.

Article by Stephanie Riger of Stephanie Riger Jewelry.

August 25, 2005

Jewelry Appraisal - a new article

Jewelry Appraisal - a new article

A jewelry appraisal involves a number of calculations and factors to determine "what it's worth". Learn some of the considerations used in valuing jewelry, to arrive at the same figure anywhere in the world.

Article by David Foard F.G.A.A. of Online Jewelry Appraisal Center

August 24, 2005

A Caution About Drilling or Cutting Shells for Jewelry Making

Although seashells are wonderful jewelry making components, please use caution if you plan to cut or drill holes in shells.

Breathing shell dust can be fatal.

If you must drill or cut shells, work outside. WEAR A RESPIRATOR. And submerge the project in water as you work on it, to keep dust to a minimum.

Perhaps better yet, leave this to the professionals, and use shells that are already pierced or cut - or wire-wrap them instead.

August 21, 2005

How to Put a Neat Finish on Wrapped Loops - a reader tip

Wrapping loops for my jewelry is something that I really enjoy. It makes my pieces sturdier, and gives them such a customized look compared to a plain loop.

After I finish my wrap and cut off the excess wire with my wire cutters, I shape the wrapped wire with the front end of my crimpers. It brings the wraps together nicely, without the dents that could be put on the wire from some of the other pliers!

Tip from Shalynne of Simply Phenomenal Treasures.

August 20, 2005

Get Jewelry Customers to Return - a reader tip

Clients that come back are one of the ways I have made a lot of sales - without a lot of effort!

Thefirst time I had a repeat client buy something off my website, I added a "Free Shipping" coupon. It worked!

That client has returned to my site and ordered 5 different items now.

Obviously you do everything you can to make your clients happy - and giving them free shipping doesn't cost me much - but they feel special and are getting a better deal as a regular client.

Tip from Laura Marlowe of Marlowe Designs.

August 19, 2005

Eni Oken - a jewelry business success story!

This new interview is an inspiring treat for you:

Eni Oken - a Jewelry Business Success Story
Jewelry artist Eni Oken has adapted her expertise in computer graphics and fantasy art to creating handwoven wearable art. Here she explains how she develops her incredible jewelry designs and popular jewelry tutorials.

Two jewelry design factors Eni discusses here in extremely helpful detail are choosing/using color in jewelry, and a technique for putting a twist on designs to make them your own.

A jewelry business success interview with Eni Oken of Eni Oken's Jewelry.

August 17, 2005

Alexandrite Properties and Lore

Alexandrite
Alexandrite, the rarest of all birthstones, is also one of the most valuable gems in the world. Here are some fascinating alexandrite properties and lore from guest author Julie Lee.

New article by Julie Lee of Julie's Jewelry Design, LLC.

August 16, 2005

Pearl Care - a reader tip

Pearl jewelry should be kept apart from other jewelry in pouches or boxes to avoid scratches or other damage.

Pearls should not be exposed to sunlight or direct heat for long. The outer shell may dry up, causing a change of colour or a loss of luster.

Remove pearl jewelry during your daily shower or bath. The same applies for swimming in pools or sea water.

Your pearl jewelry should add a finishing touch to your appearance AFTER applying make-up and doing your hair. Don't wear pearls on your skin just after using body lotion. Cosmetics and pearls don't go well together. Deodorants, sprays, perfumes and creams contain oily or bleaching substances.

To clean your pearls, place them in lukewarm water for 15 to 20 minutes, three or four times a year. A mild dishwashing detergent helps to remove dust and dirt. Rinse with clear water afterwards.

After washing your pearls, leave them to dry on a soft cloth for 24 hours. Room temperature is sufficient.

Every two to three years, pearls can enjoy a gentle rub with olive oil to preserve luster.

Tip from Michael of SelecTraders.com.

August 15, 2005

Portable Bead Storage - a reader tip

A great idea I've discovered is to store my beads by color.

I use plastic electrical component containers. My brother sends them to me from his business. They just discard them, WOW!

I can't have enough of them and it's also a great way to recycle. I also have a rolling cart with shelves and drawers to store them on, so I can bead wherever my inspiration is and where I can be with my family - or I can roll it into another room for more alone time if needed.

Tip from Melinda Jernigan of MP Designs Custom Jewelry.

August 13, 2005

Mail Promotion for Your Jewelry Business - tips from two readers

I had 500 full color postcards printed up inexpensively. The front has some nice photography of my work and the back is left blank except for my logo and web address. That way I can use them as thank you cards or print up a small patch for upcoming events and glue them on. At a recent show I included them with every purchase so people could visit my website later.

Tip from Shelly of No. 27 Collection.

As my jewelry business grows, so does my mailing list. I have experimented with various forms of promotion through the mail, but it was becoming very expensive.

One day, one of the Post Office clerks suggested that I try postcards as an alternative. (Why didn't I think of that before?) So I developed an e-business card, and this can be printed out on the postcards, as well as just about any other promotion I may think of, to send through the mail. This has really cut down my expense in the Promotions and PR arena!

Tip from Marla of Radeke Rocks!.

August 12, 2005

Making Your Jewelry Adjustable

You can sell more of your jewelry if you make it adjustable. That makes it possible for customers of different sizes to wear it - which also means that customers who are purchasing jewelry as a gift know it's more likely to fit the person they're buying. Adjustability also gives customers flexibility in how they wear the piece - and people love versatile jewelry.

One great way to make jewelry adjustable is by using extender chains of 2", 3", or more.

To make an extender chain closure, you'll need a lobster clasp, spring-ring clasp, or hook clasp plus some bulk chain that's "holey" - one with fairly large openings in the links that your clasp can grip. That way the wearer can adjust the necklace or bracelet length by fastening the clasp onto any chain link they like.

Attach the chain to one end of the bracelet or necklace by looping your beading wire through the last link of the chain, and securing it with a crimp bead (or two) on the beading wire. Attach the lobster, spring-ring, or hook clasp to the other end of the bracelet or necklace.

Make your chain extenders artistic by putting a pretty bead, cluster of beads, or small pendant as a decorative dangle on the free end of the chain. Be sure to use wrapped loops on the headpins or wire you use for hanging these decorations at the end of the chain. They may get a lot of wear and tear, and you want them to be secure.

Reader Comment:

I've been including extenders on all of my necklaces for years. It makes a great selling feature, and as an added bonus, it makes the back of the necklace pretty to look at :)

-From Kim of Isara Creations.

August 10, 2005

Working with Lampwork Beads - a reader tip

Lampwork beads seem to be all the craze right now. Some are commanding a hefty price. Lampwork beads make wonderful earrings, but using them can be a bit tricky.

The beads are made on different size mandrels. Mandrels are the stainless steel rods that the molten glass is spun around. The size of the mandrel determines how large the center hole of the bead will be. Mandrels come in a range of sizes such as 1/16 inch, 1/8 inch and 3/32 inch.

When making jewelry using lampwork beads, it is important that the center hole in the bead is truly in the center. An off-center bead hole causes the bead to wobble or appear crooked when used in earring designs. Even when the bead hole is centered properly the bead can wobble on the pin head or wire.

I've found, through trial and error, a neat way of solving this problem. Prior to using the bead in one of my designs, I glue a small daisy spacer to the top and bottom of the lampwork bead. Using a toothpick I place a little jeweler's glue, such as E-6000, on one side of a daisy spacer. Then I place the spacer over the bead hole and allow to dry for about 30 minutes. I repeat the process on the other side of the bead.

I usually work on a dozen or more beads at a time, so by the time I'm finished with the last bead, the first one is ready for the design work. This method also works well for beads that have holes that are slightly off center. By placing the daisy spacer in a more centered position you can align the hole more evenly.

I use this method on all of my lampwork earrings. It keeps the beads in place on the wire and allows for a tighter alignment.

Tip from Terry Becnel of Blue Alligator Beads.

August 09, 2005

Jewelry Website Tips - top five things NOT to do

What Turns Me Away from a Jewelry Website - a new article

Building your jewelry website involves making hundreds of decisions - and a poor first impression can result in a site that has visitors clicking away from it. Guest author Candy Loya offers excellent tips on what NOT to do in your jewelry website.

Article by Candy Loya of Kindred Kiln.

Reader Comment:

Thanks for a wonderful article, Candy. Everything you said is SO, so true. I couldn't have said it any better. With all the easy-to-use and low-cost tools out there -- not to mention sound advice like yours -- I don't think there's any excuse for anyone who is an 'artist' to have a bad or cheesy website.

-From Maria of Believe Street.

August 08, 2005

Be Alert for Scams that Target Small Businesses

Scams that Target Small Businesses - a new article:

Be on the lookout for scams that are cleverly designed to rip off small businesses like yours. Your intuition can be a good guide here - if you receive a jewelry order that sounds too good to be true, it may be a scam.

Guest author Donna Jadis describes her recent experience with a scam artist, and how she investigated the situation to protect herself and her business.

Author: Donna Jadis of Artisans at Mooseworks.

August 07, 2005

Make Your Own Neckwires A reader wrote in to ask, "How do I make a sterling silver choker?"

Some people call them neckwires - they're basically a metal hoop of short-necklace length that's perfect for hanging pendants or a focal bead on.

You can easily make your own neckwires from 14 gauge half-hard wire. Making them yourself is vastly cheaper than buying wholesale from suppliers. And they can be very fast sellers, at a very high profit margin. Doing custom sizes can really boost your neckwire sales. Consider this as a strong add-on sale when you sell pendants or large-holed focal beads!

They're easy to make with a simple double-hook closure that's secure, but is easy to fasten and unfasten by yourself.

To make a neckwire, cut a piece of wire about 2" longer than you want your finished neckwire to be (if you want an 18" neckwire, cut a 20" piece of wire), and file off any sharp points on the cut ends (I use a knife sharpening stone, available in Walmart's camping section for $5).

Use round-nose pliers to turn a nice little hook on each end. Give your hooks a tight enough curl so that they'll make a secure closure when hooked together.

Because neckwires can pop open and fall off if the hook doesn't fasten fairly tightly, make hooks at 90-degree angles to each other so they fit securely together. By that I mean, if you curl one hook toward the back of the neckwire, curve the other hook upward. If you curve both toward the back, they're not at an angle to each other that will allow them to interlock well.

Try curling each hook with your roundnose pliers just a bit to make them more "closed", so the two hooks have to almost snap together to get through each other's open space and become clasped. That gives them kind of a locking security.

You may want to make a tiny loop at the cut end of each hook, to make nicely finished non-poking ends. I have also seen the hooks hammered flat to a nice effect (which is optional).

It does help if you have a neck mandrel (I think Contenti has the best deal on these, or you can use a large oatmeal box or coffee can) that you can put the neckwire onto and then hammer it lightly into shape. This firms the neckwire so that when the hooks are clasped, they are pulling on each other's curve with a little tension, instead of each hook sagging away from the other's curve (which can make the clasp come open unexpectedly).

What are standard neckwire sizes, if you want to make some up ahead of time?

I have sold a lot of both 16" and 18" (finished circumference size). For very petite women or teenagers, 14" or 15" may be a better size. And I have made several custom neckwires in the 20" size too.

You can keep your neckwires from spinning around the wearer's neck (you know how the clasp can migrate around to the side or front during the day) by making a "V" in the front, where the pendant will hang.

August 05, 2005

What's a Good Non-Leather Black Cord?

Given the popularity of chokers made with black cord, a reader asked what type of cord is good to use, other than leather.

Leather is an excellent material for this, but if for some reason you don't want to use it, here are two alternatives:

I highly recommend rubber cord or rubber tubing. It's comfortable, lightweight, and buttery-smooth to wear. It's also very inexpensive and easy to work with. Or you can buy ready-made rubber cord necklaces for hanging your pendants or a focal bead.

Another possibility is waxed cotton cord, although of the two I definitely prefer rubber.

August 04, 2005

Keep Customers' Kids Busy with Your Leftover Beads

Here's a good use for "bead orphans" (those single beads left over from projects, that you can't find another use for).

Collect your bead orphans in an interesting basket, box, or treasure chest. Add some strips of beading wire, leather, or whatever will fit through the holes of the beads. Now when you do art/craft shows, you have an activity that will keep children endlessly busy (and out of your jewelry display) while their adults shop at your booth.

Kids love to string and unstring your intriguing variety of beads, arranging them in different patterns. Having several pieces of beading wire or leather will permit more than one child to play with your bead orphans at a time. If you have a lot of orphans, you may even decide to let each child choose one bead to keep from your collection.

August 02, 2005

Photographing Beads and Other Things that Roll

Photographing beads and bead jewelry can be tricky, especially when round beads are involved. They can roll around maddeningly and take forever to arrange for a photo. Here's a trick professional photographers use:

Put a small amount of modeling clay under the misbehaving beads, to stick them to the exact spot you want them. You can also use this trick for shooting some of those neat photos of a bracelet, ring, or other piece of jewelry standing up dramatically with no visible support.

August 01, 2005

Peridot, August's Birthstone - Lore to Share with Your Customers

Jewelry customers love to find out more of the lore and legend behind their birthstones. Here's a collection of interesting trivia about August's birthstone:

If you're still young enough to remember your birthday, you probably also remember the special birthstone assigned to it. But at your age, we bet you don't really know the SIGNIFICANCE of your birthstone and what power the ancients felt would be bestowed about you by wearing it.

August Birthstone: Peridot
Birthstone Properties: Illumination
Alternative Birthstone: Sardonyx

Peridot is the birthstone for August and the 16th wedding anniversary gemstone. Its name comes from the Arabic word "faridat," meaning gem. Peridot is sometimes referred to as an "Evening Emerald" because under artificial light it glows as a brilliant green.

Peridot is transparent with subtle color in a variety of greens, ranging from light yellowish green to a dark olive. The purer green a peridot is, the higher the value. Any tinge of brown greatly diminishes the value of a peridot, as well as visible flaws.

Ancient History:

Found in both early Greek and early Roman jewelry, peridot has been popular since 1500 BC when the Egyptians started mining it. The Egyptians called the lustrous stone the "gem of the sun" and believed it had the power to ward off anxiety, enhance speech, and foster success in relationships and marriage.

Peridot crystals are sometimes combed from the black sands of Hawaii where the gemstone is abundant and available in larger sizes. Hawaiians believe that peridot is the tears shed by Pele, the volcano goddess. Pele must have traveled extensively, however, because peridot is also mined in Burma, Norway, Brazil, Australia, Hawaii, the Congo, and in Arizona.

Peridot is found in Europe in many medieval churches decorating several treasures, including the Cologne Cathedral. Peridot use peaked during the Baroque era, but the gemstone fell out of favor over time until the 1990's when a new source in Pakistan re-ignited interest in the forgotten stone.

Take Two and Call Me in the Morning:

Legend has it that drinking from a peridot goblet can increase the potency of medicines. Egyptian priests drank from cups made of peridot, believing it would draw them closer to Isis, their goddess of nature. Peridot was said to be useful for calming raging angers, curing nervous afflictions and promoting tranquility in high-strung individuals.

Many legends state that peridot was considered a powerful amulet against all evil, as well as a remedy for sinus problems. Powdered peridot has been used to cure asthma, while a peridot stone placed under the tongue of someone with fever is believed to lessen his/her thirst.

Making Dreams Come True:

Peridot was thought to help dreams become a reality, and was often given as a symbol of fame, strength and vitality, as well as promise of new growth in the years ahead. It also symbolizes eloquence and persuasiveness.

Peridots were especially favored by pirates. The terrors of the sea considered peridot powerful amulets against all evil, and when set in gold, were said to protect the wearer from the terrors of the night - including nightmares.

Peridot lore article sent in by Sam Serio of Morning Light Jewelry.

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