So, where do you start?  Well, one thing to think about is what to price the pieces at.  In this economy I am finding that if you price your pieces below $20 you will sell more.  Perhaps a necklace and earring combo for $18 or just earrings for $10 or less.  But how do know how much money you are making.?

The first step is to actually price everything in your piece.  You may have bought a whole strand of beads for $3 but how much for each piece?  Perhaps you only used 5 out of the 25 on the strand… well that puts your cost for those beads at .60.  Your necklace cost may be $7-10 after doing this type of breakdown. 

Buy in bulk.  Here at the store we do have many people make and sell their jewelry and to make things more cost effective for you, we sell in bulk.  Ear wires, headpins, chain, spacers, crimp beads… you get the idea.  The more you buy the more you save.  If you really want to save just call me if you want large quantities of something… i.e., headpins come in 1/4 lb up to 1 lb per bag and I give you a great savings… same thing on chain. 50 ft on a spool and I pass the savings on to you.

There are other aspects of selling your jewelry and many more questions.  Let me know, I’m here to help.  Always look at different magazines, shows and stores to see what is “in” and how you too can partake of the craze.

Base metal which I will also call plated chain has brass as it’s base.  The plating, silver, gold, copper, gun metal and antique brass is traditionaly electroplated onto the base metal.  This creates a stable and even look to the coloring.  Brass is a lead free metal and the nickel content is very low and meets California law.

If you are concerned about the product “tarnishing” I’m here to tell you that the chances of that happening, especially to the silver, is possible based on two things.  One, if a person has a high acidity to their skin and with that condition will turn the plating, even sterling silver.  The second is if it is not worn.  If a customer puts the jewelry in a box and doesn’t wear it, it will turn but usually a dull yellow color.  I’m working on trying to find a jewelry cleaner for the base metal.  I’ll let you know.

The long chain and multiple chain necklace styles are big right now and what’s even better is if you have loose beads that don’t specifically “go” together you can create a whole necklace using chain as the space between your mixed beads then your necklace can be worn with many different styles.

Check Nordstroms, Chicos and J.Jill and see what their style of chain necklaces are selling.  Isn’t it nice to know that you can make those styles… What?  You’re not sure you can?  Check our class listings for Wire 101 as that is the class that will teach you those techniques.