Creative Gift Packaging

Packaging the items your customers have just purchased doesnÔÇÖt have to be expensive or complicated! There are a few ways to package that are simple, pretty, and wonÔÇÖt break your budget.

Drawstring Pouches

Pouches are an attractive and inexpensive way to gift wrap almost any small item. There is a lot of room for creativity or special edition packaging since pouches are available in such a wide range of colors and fabrics. Organza might be great for spring, velvet for winter, and a metallic silver or gold for the holidays. You can also keep packaging consistent by always using an organza pouch, but changing the colors depending on the time of year.

Raffia-wrapped Boxes

Cotton-filled boxes wrapped with raffia (or ribbon) are a great way to package! You can easily customize the colors to complement your branding, the season, product promotions and more.

Tissue Paper, Kraft paper, or Newsprint

Another creative gift packaging idea is to wrap your products in either a colorful tissue paper or in newspaper. Like the cotton-filled boxes, this method of packaging is easily accented with raffia of ribbon. Consider using an accent color or two that will match your logo, as this will help you with branding at a minimal cost.

What are some of your favorite creative ways to package?

April 17, 2014

Ring Displays for Wedding Season

ItÔÇÖs springtime, and love is in the air! ItÔÇÖs wedding season, and we know youÔÇÖre putting together some great ring displays. Want to know some of our favorites?

Finger Displays. This type of display is excellent for showing ring sets, or a line of wedding rings or bands. These work well in a showcase or on a jewelry display table, and come with a few options. ThereÔÇÖs the single ring finger display, the double, the five-finger and the 12-finger ring display. The smaller finger displays are best suited for wedding sets, or special engagement rings you want to set apart from the others. The larger displays work very well for displaying different styles of rings or organizing them by cut, carat, or color.

Dual ring finger displays are perfect for wedding sets!

Jewelry Boxes on Risers. This works very well for window displays and creates an elegant, eye-grabbing look that will draw your customers in for another look. Find a riser set and some high-quality jewelry boxes that matches your decor, arrange in your front window and display your rings!

jewelry risers — Jewelry boxes on risers are a great ring display!

Ring Risers. There are risers that are specifically created for rings. They typically have a ring flap, and you place the ring behind this ring flap to keep it secure. This look works well for both window displays and even inside of a showcase.

Slot Displays. This type of display is ideal for use within a showcase and perfect for ┬ádisplaying a line of engagement rings or wedding bands. ┬áThese are typically angled displays, which makes it easier for your customers to view and browse your jewelry. Rings easily slide into the slots on the display, and are easy for you to remove and show to interested customers.

Five slot ring displays are excellent for a line of engagement rings or wedding bands.

Those are a few of our favorites! What are your favorite ways to display rings for wedding season (or any time of the year)?

April 9, 2014May 2, 2023

How To Move Old Inventory

Whether you do shows, sell your jewelry online, or have a storefront, ┬áweÔÇÖre guessing youÔÇÖve had inventory or stock that just doesnÔÇÖt seem to be moving. What are some good ways to get these items out the door? Keep reading for our tips on how to move old inventory.

1. Discounting. Consider having a discounted section, and placing these items in a specific location in your booth, whether it be a box, a stand, or a special spot on your jewelry display table. This will appeal to the bargain shoppers and might help move your inventory more quickly.

2. Featured Items. If you donÔÇÖt want to discount your products, consider creating a Featured Items section and place them here. Presentation is a key element in selling, and you can appeal to your customersÔÇÖ desire for something special by making a big deal out of these items. By bringing extra attention to these items (whether itÔÇÖs a unique jewelry display, extra table space, pretty signs, etc), you can help increase the perceived value of these items.

3. Giveaway. Consider running a contest or giveaway, and use some of your older pieces as the prize. There are a lot of ways you can do this! If you’re doing ┬álot of shows, have a giveaway in which you enter everyone who signs up for your newsletter. If you have a lot of engagement on Facebook or Twitter (or are wanting more), you can try a ‘Like (or Follow) to Win’ type of contest.

4. Repurpose the components. Examine the items that arenÔÇÖt selling. Do you still love them and stand behind them 100%? If yes, keep it, and try one of the other methods weÔÇÖve mentioned! However, if you donÔÇÖt, consider repurposing the piece. Take it apart and use the components to make new items, or tweak the product into something new.

5. Raise the price. Yes, you read that correctly! This little trick wonÔÇÖt work with everything, so use it sparingly. If you have a piece that seems to get a lot of looking or touching, but that just isnÔÇÖt selling, consider raising the price. This can help increase the perceived value of the product in your customerÔÇÖs mind, and just might get this piece out the door.

What are your favorite ways to move old stock?

how to move old inventory — Image courtesy of phanlop88 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

April 1, 2014

Building a Relationship with Your Customers

building a relationship with customers — Image courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Building a relationship with your customers is an important part of a business. You can have a great product, but if you don’t have a good relationship with your customers, you’ll have trouble creating brand loyalty. It doesn’t have to be a daunting task to create a genuine relationship with your customers, and here are just a few of the many things you can do.

1. Be friendly (and be genuine). When customers are in your booth or store, don’t ignore them. Welcome them to your space with a kind smile and eye contact. Ask if they are looking for anything in particular, and point out the general layout of your store or booth.

2. Be engaging. You can engage your customers in so many ways in this technological age that this one shouldn’t be too challenging to accomplish. Not only can you engage customers when they are in your store or booth, but you can also be connecting with them online via social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram, or through email lists. Share your favorite products with them, involve them in your design/creative process, and keep them updated on your products.

3. Be responsive. When you’re creating conversations with your customers, listen to what they are saying. People usually aren’t afraid to tell you what they do and do not like about certain products, and you can use this to meet their needs and create products they won’t be able to resist. Even if it’s hard, listen when they tell you something isn’t working.

Of course, there are so many more things that can be done to improve your business and create a relationship with your customers, but these three B’s of relationship building are a great place to start! What are your favorite ways to connect with your customers?

Cover photo image courtesy of adamr / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

March 12, 2014March 12, 2014

5 Tips for Photographing Your Jewelry

If you sell your jewelry online, have a website showcasing the types of jewelry you offer, or have your jewelry on any form of social media, there’s a really good chance you’ve been frustrated at some point by photographing your jewelry. It can be very challenging to get everything lined up correctly to get a good shot, but there are a few things you can do to help get consistently good product photos.

1. Lighting. Lots and lots of light! Using natural light is always preferable, but we know this isn’t always possible. If you’re stuck with using unnatural light (such as your camera flash), consider using a flash diffuser to help diffuse the light and create a more evenly-lit product. (You can even create your own by placing a white plastic bag over your flash.)

2. Background. If you’re wanting an all-white background, look into building a lightbox with an infinity curve. There are many tutorials online for this. However, if you’re wanting to have a more natural look or shoot with a background that matches the style of your jewelry, just remember to use a background that doesn’t take attention away from your jewelry. Check out this great post at the Jewelry Making Journal for some fun tips!

3. Tripod & Timer. Using a tripod will make your photo sessions much easier, as it’ll keep the camera from moving at all while you’re taking close-up photos (close-ups increase the chances of there being motion blur). Setting the camera’s timer will maximize the effect you get from a tripod and keep it from moving at all while taking the photo.

4. Camera Settings. You know the little flower picture ┬áon your camera’s settings? This is the macro setting, and can help you take even better close-up photos of your jewelry. ┬áIt will narrow your depth of field, which will make your jewelry stand out against the background and really draw the eye to it.

5. ┬áEditing. There are a lot of photo editing programs available that don’t take an expert to use them! Editing your photos can make a world of difference in how they look. Minor things such as cropping and light adjustment can take an ok picture and turn it into a great picture. Give iPiccy or PIXLR a try!

Finally, have fun taking your photos! This is your opportunity to show potential customers your sense of style and point of view. Think of product photography as a way to tell a story with your jewelry.

(Cover photo┬áImage courtesy of stockimages / FreeDigitalPhotos.net. Post photo ┬® 2014 Gems on Display.)

March 3, 2014May 2, 2023

Spring Displays & Packaging

Spring is on the way! We donÔÇÖt know about you, but weÔÇÖre counting down the days until the weather warms up and we can see the ground again. In preparation for springtime days, we are are thinking about spring displays and spring colors.

Pantone’s Fashion Color Report Spring 2014 is a great place to begin. This will help you to see what colors are going to be trending this season, and you can choose what will match your jewelry and style the best. It will also help you highlight your pieces that might be similar to these colors or provide you with design inspiration.

When choosing a color scheme for your displays, don’t go overboard and use ALL the colors. You want your jewelry to be the focus and your displays and props should serve only to bring attention to your jewelry. And when you’re choosing your spring packaging line, remember that packaging is branding. You want to create a look that customers will associate with your store even after they’ve gone home.

We know how many of our customers travel to shows, and one of favorite products for spring is this brand new carrying case! This black aluminum case has a front opening door with a pocket on the inside of the door, a hidden retractable handle, combination locks, and an adjustable divider. Holds up to (12) 1″ trays.

For more color inspiration for this spring, check out our Pinterest Bring in Spring board.

February 20, 2014February 20, 2014

Creating A Necklace Display

Crafting your necklace display is an important part of selling your jewelry. The presentation of your jewelry is what will draw potential customers in for a closer look (and then they’ll fall in love with your necklaces!). There are a few things that you can do to display your necklaces in an optimal way.

1. Remember height levels. There should be a tall, taller, tallest element to your display so that your customers’ eyes are able to naturally “read” the display. Believe it or not, it’s harder for people to focus on products when they are in a straight line with no height differentiation.

2. Color scheme and props. Your display is the story of your jewelry. When you’re crafting this story, you don’t want to use elements that don’t fit the theme of this story. Use props and a color scheme that will compliment ┬áyour jewelry and that will be coherent with your entire display.

3. Pick a display that is the best fit for your jewelry. We wrote a post about this last time, but to recap briefly, you want to choose the right display for your jewelry’s style. Necklace busts and necklace easels are both great options, as well as wire displays, but each type of display has pro and cons. Be sure to research which type will be best for your jewelry.

Finally, just have fun! Creating a display shouldn’t be stressful or overwhelming. Relax, and enjoy the process.

February 12, 2014May 2, 2023

Necklace Displays: A bust or an easel?

WhatÔÇÖs the difference between a bust and an easel? Is one necklace display better than the other? Which one will work best for YOUR products? There are quite a few questions to ask when putting together a presentation for your necklaces! We think it’s time you had some answers–at least about the difference between these two great necklace display styles.

HereÔÇÖs the deal:

Necklace busts work best for heavier jewelry or thicker necklaces or for displaying that isn’t going to be moved around a lot (such as a jewelry table in a store). Since the busts tend to weigh more than the easels, theyÔÇÖre often used for display tables in stores, or more elaborate and involved displays at art and craft shows (shows that last for several days). Unlike easels, busts are freestanding and do not pack flat. Although they are bulkier, they can hold heavier jewelry and have a very elegant, classic display look.

Necklace easels are more lightweight, and work well for traveling to shows. TheyÔÇÖre also a great way to display chains with pendants, but might not be the best option for heavy necklaces. Easels will also work on a display table, as they are easy to arrange and don’t really take up much room. As the name implies, necklace easels have an easel back, which usually lies flat against the display when not standing up. The easel back is pulled away from the display and secured by another piece of the display that fits into the easel portion to keep the display upright.

So there you have it! ┬áBusts and easels are great ways to display necklaces, but the right one for you depends on your jewelry style, as well as where and how you’ll be displaying.

February 10, 2014

Pink + Red + Purple Packaging

With Valentine’s Day this week, we can’t stop dreaming in pink and red and purple–and we haven’t even shared our favorites with you yet! ┬áAlthough Valentine’s Day makes us think of pink, purple, and red jewelry packaging more than the rest of the year, we’re hardly limited to using these colors for just this month! We think these picks are perfect all year around.

PINK PICK: This hot pink glossy tote bag won’t go wrong any time of the year! Pair with tissue paper for a packaging look that begs to be remembered.

RED: This heart-shaped necklace box couldn’t be better for a romantic gift any time of the year! It’s perfect for that elegant pendant you’re displaying. Simply place the pendant in the center of the insert, secure the chain with the tabs, and place any excess chain in the bottom of the box. Nothing says “love” better than a heart-shaped box.

PURPLE: It’s hard to pick our favorite purple product, but we’re going to have to go with our lavender flora satin ribbon. Tie a bow on top of any package with this help of this 5/8″ wide satin ribbon.

Image courtesy of mistermong / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

December 23, 2013February 12, 2014

Day Twelve: Aluminum Jewelry Tray + FREE Liner!

12 Days of Deals–Day Twelve

Buy an Aluminum Jewelry Tray and get a FREE Liner!

The details: This elegant aluminum tray comes with a free gemstone liner today! Buy one AL831K at regular cost and receive an 83-2M(WH) for free! (That’s a value of $5.15 for free!) The aluminum tray liner comes with a glass lid and a clasp for secure viewing and displaying. Free liner is white foam with 36 acrylic gem jars. Ideal for display gems, beads, charms, and lockets.

Aluminum Tray (liner pictured not included):

FREE 83-2M(WH):

(Cover image┬á┬ácourtesy of samarttiw at┬áFreeDigitalPhotos.net)