Jewellery Trade Shows – How to Stand Out From the Crowd

Before the rise of websites like Etsy, selling jewelry was often a time-consuming endeavor that required traveling to vendor shows and craft fairs, setting up displays, and hoping that the right customers would find your products. The internet has brought a variety of new options for selling jewelry, but getting a leg up on your competitors still requires strategic marketing and careful attention to pricing. Developing your brand’s unique selling proposition (or “unique value” proposition) can help you stand out from the crowd.

Jewelry is an ancient art form with a rich history that spans across cultures and centuries. In modern times, jewellery is often seen as an expression of one’s individuality and style. For example, piercings are sometimes seen as an outward display of one’s sexuality and can be a mark of social acceptance. In addition, jewellery has been used as a way to signify wealth and status. The emergence of the diamond industry in the 19th century saw an increase in the popularity and value of diamonds, while the post-World War II period brought new trends like clean lines, minimalism, and Scandinavian design.

Whether a jewellery maker is an established designer or just starting out, it’s important to know the industry’s rules and regulations. This includes understanding the costs of materials and establishing a clear profit margin. This will ensure that the jewellery maker doesn’t lose money from its products and can continue to offer quality, high-value pieces.

A jeweller must also be aware of local regulations governing the sale of certain types of jewellery. The sale of fake, damaged, or stolen jewelry is illegal and can result in severe fines. It is also essential to know how to store and handle jewellery correctly to avoid damage or deterioration.

Establishing relationships with suppliers is a critical part of the jewelry business. Meeting with suppliers in person, rather than solely communicating online, can help a jewellery shop forge connections and negotiate more favorable terms. In-person events, such as a jewellery trade show, are the perfect place to forge these relationships. When negotiating with suppliers, be polite and courteous and remember that they are people too.

Some jewellery retailers purchase their goods directly from the supplier, but others use a memo transaction. A memo transaction involves a jewellery store holding the product on consignment for a set amount of time while they market and sell it. The jewelry store pays the supplier only when it sells, so this type of transaction can be an effective way to showcase new jewellery without committing upfront capital. In this case, it’s important to select a reputable supplier with whom you can build a long-term relationship. Ideally, the supplier should have experience in the industry and a good reputation. They should be willing to provide testimonials and proof of their credentials. In the case of gems, documentation such as original receipts and appraisals is essential. With rare exceptions, gems must be certified by a reputable laboratory such as the Gemological Institute of America or Gubelin Laboratories in order to be considered authentic.