How to Make a Living in the Jewelry Trade

jewelry trade

Jewelry is a billion-dollar industry and is sold worldwide. Many people are able to make a good living selling jewelry, especially during the holidays when people tend to spend more money on gifts and accessories. It is a lucrative trade, but one that requires a lot of time and effort in order to be successful. Creating beautiful jewelry is only part of the process; you must also be able to market your pieces and sell them to make a profit.

If you are a highly skilled jeweler, your skills will allow you to sell your jewelry at higher prices to local and national stores. You can also sell your jewelry through on-line auctions like e-bay, which can reach an international audience. On-line auctions can be very competitive, however, and it may be difficult to sell your jewelry at the price you hope for.

Jewelers can also choose to create their own website and sell directly to customers. This allows for more flexibility and can help to maximize profits. Many online sites offer free hosting and templates for building a site. If you decide to start a website, be sure to have high-quality photographs of your work. These will be essential in marketing your jewelry and helping potential buyers to see the details of each piece.

Many jewelry makers use Etsy as a platform to market their items. Etsy is a user-friendly marketplace that makes it easy for anyone to set up an account and start selling. In addition to the $0.20 listing fee, there is a 5% transaction fee, so sellers should carefully consider how much they want to charge for their pieces.

Alternatively, you can sell your jewelry at local craft fairs and stores. This is a great way to meet potential customers and show off your pieces in person. You can also join a jewelry maker’s guild to get networking opportunities and learn from other members of the group.

You can also try to sell your jewelry at a local swap meet or flea market. These events are a great place to meet individuals who are interested in buying used jewelry and watches. Just be aware that these types of individuals are more likely to comparison shop and will generally pay less for your jewelry than a retail or jewelry store customer would.

Many jewelry makers make their money by selling their jewelry at a wholesale price to other jewelers and boutiques. This is a fairly easy process, but you will need to be patient and find a trustworthy supplier that can provide the quantity of jewelry you will need to start making sales. Gillian, who runs a small jewelry studio, suggests finding a supplier through word of mouth or by looking for them online. It is also a good idea to find out how long they have been in business and to check out their customer reviews. You may want to consider setting up a small workshop at home in the beginning, but once you have established yourself and made some sales, it might be worth moving into a professional space.