Meeting the Designer Makes Me More Likely to Buy the Jewelry

by Kim Jackson
(Columbus, Ohio)

I love handcrafted jewelry, and I have purchased it from several different artists.

I often purchase it at Winterfair here in Columbus, OH, but I have also purchased it when I travel. I have pieces from Oregon, Kentucky, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Arizona, etc.

The beauty of handcrafted jewelry is that it is unique. It is highly unlikely that you will find another piece like it anywhere else.

Sometimes, the designers use native stones or minerals. Other times, the designer will use a design or motif specific to the area. Then, every time I wear the piece it brings back happy memories of a great place.

Another great feature of handcrafted jewelry is that you often get to meet the designer when you purchase the piece. This is especially true if you purchase the jewelry at craft fairs or shows.

It is very interesting to talk to the designer to determine what inspired them to create a specific piece. Also, they will give you tips on the best way to wear it.

I think it is important for the designer to have a wide range of prices. Not everyone can afford a very expensive piece of jewelry, but they may spend $25 - $50 on a pair of handcrafted earrings or a bracelet.

As for marketing, I would suggest the jewelry be displayed to catch the buyer's eye. I have seen some beautiful handmade display cabinets that include special lighting to catch the sparkle of the stones or the gleam of the gold and silver. The lighting and the display are really important to strong sales.

Also, I think it important to have enough space in your shop or booth for potential buyers to move. If I am at a show, and I see a booth that is packed with shoppers, I will pass it by.

I realize there is a potential for theft, but I still would like to try on the piece and view it in a mirror without having ten people looking over my shoulder.

Handcrafted jewelry is one of my favorite things to buy and to wear, and there are many others like me.

I would encourage the artists to be bold, to express their creativity in lovely, unique pieces.

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Meeting the Designer Makes Me More Likely to Buy the Jewelry

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Also from Columbus, Ohio!
by: Tracy Bernert

Thank you for all the good advice you posted. I sell handcrafted jewelry but have not sold at craft fairs yet. I live in Columbus, Ohio also. If you would like to see what I do, my website is through etsy.com. www.TBsJewelryDesigns.etsy.com But not all my pieces are on that site. In the near future, I hope to sell at craft fairs and such. My prices range from $8 pendants to > $200 chain maille necklaces/watch bracelets and semi-precious gemstone necklaces. My jewelry is designed by me. I also do custom designed work as well. If you would like to see what I do, you can convo me on the etsy.
Thanks again, Tracy Bernert

Vendor availability
by: Paula

I make & sell jewelry from semi-precious gemstones. I always make myself available to customers! I tell customers what each gemstone is. I also have email & website and guarantee everything I make. That seems to ease potential customers minds that if something breaks I will repair at no charge! It always amazes me how good it looks on them!

BELIEVE AND ALLOW
by: Katherine M Crawford

I am a Métis artist/designer living in Ontario Canada. I have over 20 years experience being an artisan and a jewellery designer. I have done many shows as well as selling in the retail sector. I do custom work,corporate gift wear and home events and parties. I also offer fashion consultation. I love interacting with people and meeting my buyer however, it has taken me a while to realize that I am worth receiving what my work is worth. There will always be people out there who think differently and that is OK. Everyone has their own opinion and you simply cannot satisfy everyone. It is always a good thing to internalize objectively and in a healthy way. What matters most though is that you believe and trust yourself enough to follow your inner guidance and the guidance that you are given. If you really believe in what you are doing, it will come...and know that gratitude makes for a guaranteed outcome, the universe will guarantee that. Perhaps the questions we need to ask ourselves sometimes are… what exactly do I want? Where do I want to go with this? Can I separate myself from worldly limited ways of thinking? Is this a hobby or a business? Both are rewarding but especially in North America there are negative connotations related to the words "hand made" and "craft" however it couldn't be further from the truth. Creativity is a blessed gift and we should honor, respect and appreciate that. So I want to say to all of you who are questioning your talents, abilities or direction...YOU CAN DO IT and GOD BLESS. If you want to share your comments or view my work email me at; klcrawforddesigns@gmail.com or go to www.COROFLOT.com and you can view my work there. Thank You for sharing.

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Submitted by: Katherine M Crawford

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I am a Métis artist/designer living in Ontario Canada. I have over 20 years experience being an artisan and a jewellery designer. I have done many shows as well as selling in the retail sector. I do custom work,corporate gift wear and home events and parties. I also offer fashion consultation. I love interacting with people and meeting my buyer however, it has taken me a while to realize that I am worth receiving what my work is worth. There will always be people out there who think differently and that is OK. Everyone has their own opinion and you simply cannot satisfy everyone. It is always a good thing to internalize objectively and in a healthy way. What matters most though is that you believe and trust yourself enough to follow your inner guidance and the guidance that you are given. If you really believe in what you are doing, it will come...and know that gratitude makes for a guaranteed outcome, the universe will guarantee that. Perhaps the questions we need to ask ourselves sometimes are… what exactly do I want? Where do I want to go with this? Can I separate myself from worldly limited ways of thinking? Is this a hobby or a business? Both are rewarding but especially in North America there are negative connotations related to the words "hand made" and "craft" however it couldn't be further from the truth. Creativity is a blessed gift and we should honor, respect and appreciate that. So I want to say to all of you who are questioning your talents, abilities or direction...YOU CAN DO IT and GOD BLESS. If you want to share your comments or view my work email me at; klcrawforddesigns@gmail.com or go to www.COROFLOT.com and you can view my work there. Thank You for sharing.

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