How to Scale Your Jewelry Business

Creating and selling jewelry can be an exciting and profitable business. The jewelry industry is competitive and can be challenging to navigate, especially for a new jeweler. The good news is that there are many opportunities for a jewelry designer to expand their brand and sell products online or in-store. Some of these options include attending jewelry trade shows, using a wholesale distributor or working with local jewelry retailers to offer buy-back or trade-in programs. Regardless of where you choose to sell your jewelry, it is important to know its value and take professional-looking photos of each piece.

Jewelry designers often work with a wholesale supplier to purchase the materials and parts needed for each product design. Then, they may produce each piece in-house or outsource the production to other companies, depending on their budget and timeframe. If you are an artisan who designs jewelry, securing a contract with a reputable jewelry-making company can help you scale your business. Alternatively, you can also consider finding a local venue that hosts artisan fairs or markets to display and sell your work. Some of these events have specific categories for artisan jewelry sellers and are more likely to be successful for your business.

When you are ready to start the sales process, be sure to take high-quality photographs of each item and write persuasive product descriptions. Since customers can’t pick up your jewelry and examine it in person, the strength of your description can be a key factor in the success or failure of your sales. Investing in professional-looking product photography can pay off in the long run by increasing your conversion rate.

Many online jewelry stores have a buy-back or trade-in program, offering their customers the opportunity to recycle or reuse their purchased items. These jewelry trade-in services can be valuable, as they may provide a higher amount for your used jewelry than local options or auction houses.

You can also try selling your jewelry to a pawn shop or a reputable jewelry buyer. However, it is important to note that these buyers typically only offer a small percentage of your original retail price for your jewelry. If you are looking for a fast cash-in, you might be better off with an online marketplace like eBay or one of the numerous jewelry consignment stores.

Attending jewelry trade shows can be a great way to connect with potential suppliers and learn about the latest trends in the industry. Many of these trade shows are covered by major media outlets, bringing in thousands of shoppers and retailers. You can use these events to find new wholesale suppliers or discover resources that can help you improve your jewelry business, such as technology and furniture. Some of these trade shows have breakout sessions and panel discussions on topics that are important to the jewelry industry. If you’re unable to make it to a jewelry show, be sure to visit each website of any potential suppliers and research their brands and products on your own before reaching out to them.