If you sell your own handcrafted jewelry designs, it’s important to differentiate your jewelry line from mass produced jewelry commonly found in department stores. By doing this, you can not only command higher dollars for your creative efforts but you’ll also sell more jewelry since people will perceive that your pieces are one-of-a-kind and can’t be commonly. One way to distinguish your handcrafted jewelry designs is to market them as collectible works of art. To do this successfully, it may require making a few changes to your jewelry line and your marketing techniques:
Sell handcrafted jewelry designs as art: Use the highest quality materials
If you’re going to be high end and collectible with your handcrafted jewelry, don’t skimp on materials. Find a reliable supplier who can supply you with materials at a good price but don’t purchase exclusively on the basis of price. If you’re using crystals, use Swarvoski, not less reflective imported crystals. Avoid using base metal findings since these can change colors over time. Don’t ever underestimate your customers’ ability to detect quality.
Sell handcrafted jewelry designs as art: Make each design in limited quantities
Don’t mass produce your handmade jewelry if you plan on elevating them to the status of art. Decide how many pieces of a particular design you’ll make – and then stop. This will increase the value of your jewelry designs in the eyes of your customers since they’re available only in limited quantities. Include a small card with each jewelry piece – noting that it’s a limited edition design and state how many copies of the design were produced. Customers like to feel like they’re purchasing an exclusive piece.
Sell handcrafted jewelry designs as art: Give each jewelry design a name
When you visit an art museum, you’ll notice that the great works of art all have a name. When marketing your jewelry as art, you’ll increase sales by giving each jewelry piece a name. Make sure the name you give each design is consistent with your designs and your overall theme. It also adds to the emotional appeal and value of your jewelry if you sign each piece.
Sell handcrafted jewelry designs as art: Use professionally produced marketing materials
Marketing materials to sell high end art jewelry need to be professionally produced with clear photos. If you’re serious about entering higher end markets with your jewelry, avoid whipping up jewelry cards and brochures on your home computer. Let a professional do the job. It will pay for itself many times over when you get your handcrafted jewelry into high end galleries.
Sell handcrafted jewelry designs as art: Select your markets carefully
To market your jewelry as art, approach the higher end craft galleries with your work. Avoid cheapening your handmade jewelry by selling to lower end markets. By approaching galleries with professional marketing materials and unique, limited production jewelry pieces, you’ll stand a good chance of having your work accepted. Don’t restrict yourself to marketing jewelry locally. There are art and craft galleries across the country looking for unique jewelry to display in their store. Be persistent and consistent with your work and you’ll be rewarded with success.