Design concepts increasingly come "from the street up," says Helene Fortunoff, and not just from elite society. From a home-based design and manufacturing workspace, independent designers can create and market fine and costume jewelry that can reach a global market. Fine jewelry design may require some knowledge of working with metals, such as silver, gold, and precious or semi-precious stones. Costume jewelry design media, however, are limited only by the designer's imagination. Following are some steps for launching a jewelry line.
Obtain the usual business start-up needs, such as business licenses and insurance; home office technology; and software and tools for managing bookkeeping, record retention, taxes, inventory database.
Set up a special area in your home or obtain a workshop/showroom to create and display your jewelry line. Create a showroom area with an effective and creative display. Store jewelry inventory in a safe, clean, and organized fashion.
Purchase jewelry making tools and equipment and find reliable vendor resources for jewelry material. Unless the jewelry line will focus on one-of-a kind custom jewelry, use material that can be easily replenished to fill orders. A reliable source for beads and other jewelry stock is Fire Mountain Gems. Additionally, Rio Grande has supplied artisan and metalsmith jewelers with products since 1944.
Educate yourself on the jewelry making process. Take a jewelry-making class at a local art school or extension class to obtain some basic know-how. Read books and subscribe to relevant jewelry-related magazines to find out industry specific information.
Hire an account executive to develop hard sale leads with retail outlets, department stores, and jewelry shops. This person can be retained initially as an independent contractor on commission. Someone experienced in sales or marketing and with contacts in retail would be the best fit. The Fashion Industry Search Engine is a reliable resource for fashion business information.
Generate buzz. Spend time finding how to get the jewelry worn by those that can create buzz. This may include entertainment or sports celebrities. Wear the jewelry merchandise whenever possible and donate pieces to fashionable friends prepared to serve as soft marketers to generate interest.
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