Show Off Your One-of-a-Kind Jewelry!
I've been making my own jewelry for years now, and have even had a couple of project articles published in the magazine Step by Step Wire Jewelry.
You can see my jewelry at my blog, http://nicholebyers.com
But you do not have to have aspirations of fame or fortune to create your own unique jewelry designs - just a desire to create!
Handcrafted Jewelry Poll
Master Your Medium
There are many techniques and styles of jewelry. While you don't need to pigeon-hole yourself into one particular technique or style, it is important that you master the medium you choose. This will help you to not only produce unique high quality jewelry efficiently, but will help you gain an excellent reputation in this business.As an added bonus, becoming a "master" will give you the skill to develop articles or classes based on your designs, exponentially increasing your potential income.
Do What You Love
When deciding what kind of jewelry you'd like to make, think about what types are most attractive to you. Do you like the look of stitched seed beads, or do you prefer wire? Perhaps simple is better, and you'd love to string gemstones. Try lots of styles and techniques that appeal to you!
Essential Books for Jewelry Beginners
Get Started making your own jewelry easily.
Getting Started Stringing Beads (Getting Started series)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/25/2009) 
Getting Started Making Wire Jewelry and More (Getting Started series)
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/25/2009)
Basic Jewelry Making: All the Skills And Tools You Need to Get Started (Stackpole Basics)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/25/2009)
Getting Started Making Metal Jewelry (Getting Started series)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/25/2009)
Making Metal Jewelry: Projects, Techniques, Inspiration
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 11/25/2009)
Jewelry Business or Hobby?
Do what you love, on your own terms.
You don't necessarily need to have a "head for business" in order to sell your jewelry designs, but you should have common sense and a willingness to deal with customers and all the issues that come with dealing with them. Keep in mind that if you do choose to design jewelry as a business, there are tax implications, and that you will most likely need to get some sort of state or federal tax ID number if you wish to get your supplies on a wholesale discounted basis.If you aren't comfortable having to figure out pricing, finding venues to sell, shipping internationally, or handling customer complaints, there is nothing wrong with keeping your love for the craft of jewelry making personal. The word "hobby" is not at all disparaging. It just indicates that you've chosen not to turn it into a business. Take this time to learn all you can, and perhaps at some point in the future you will be more comfortable selling your jewelry or teaching classes for profit.
Having a Jewelry Business
Books to Help You Get Started
Your Crafts Business: A Legal Guide
Amazon Price: (as of 11/25/2009)
List Price: $26.99
Marketing and Selling Your Handmade Jewelry: The Complete Guide to Turning Your Passion into Profit
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 11/25/2009)
List Price: $21.95
You Made It, Now Sell It (The Ultimate Guide To Selling Your Handmade Jewelry) (Spanish, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Russian, Ukrainian, Chinese, ... Gujarati, Bengali and Korean Edition)
Amazon Price: $19.95 (as of 11/25/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Making a Living in Crafts: Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Business
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 11/25/2009)
List Price: $19.95
Craft, Inc.: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 11/25/2009)
List Price: $16.95
Set Your Prices Appropriately
Setting your prices too low can hurt you - both in the lack of profit, and in gaining a reputation for "cheap" jewelry. Do your research and price your jewelry competitively. If you don't value your jewelry, your customers won't either.
Lampwork by Bob Leonardo; Bracelet by Nichole Byers
The Most Important Thing...
is to have fun doing what you love!
Guestbook: I want to hear from you!
Leave me a comment so I know you stopped by!
If you enjoyed this lens about making jewelry, please let me know by signing my guestbook! No links, please. I'll click on your "tiny head" to visit your lens!
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Reply
- jgelien jgelien Sep 24, 2009 @ 2:24 am
- I love unique jewelry. People always notice and appreciate the difference between a one-of-a-kind piece and something you can pick up at any department store. Thank you sharing these resources for making and marketing your creations.
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Reply
- JoannaD JoannaD Sep 2, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
- Thanks for advice, just got the book "you made it now sell it" and started studying. Will be back when digested :-)
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Reply
- NicholeB NicholeB Feb 23, 2009 @ 9:16 pm | in reply to michellebaby
- Awesome, Michelle! Thanks for returning to let me know. :-)
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Reply
- michellebaby michellebaby Nov 9, 2008 @ 12:11 am
- Thanks for the book referrals on marketing, i purchased two book you made it now sell it and making a living in crafts. Both were good, although I thought the "you made it now sell it" book was GREAT. On target and since it was recently published very current. I will refer to this one time and time again. Thanks
by NicholeB
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