Advantages of Using Mannequins as your Jewelry Displays

For centuries, mannequins have been a staple fixture in the world of fashion. And indeed, these plastic human-sized dolls have come a long way beyond the windows of retail shops, tailors, fashion malls and jewelry stores. In the present times, mannequins are also used for medical trainings, computer simulations and even for crash tests, but that’s a different story altogether.

As for the industry of jewelry merchandising and manufacturing, mannequins play a big role in showcasing and marketing your glitzy items. Furthermore, these larger than life dolls are more than just a steady jewelry display to hold your blings and gems in place.

Here are some other advantages in using mannequins as your jewelry display.

Mannequin gives you a detailed visual preview

Polystyrene Frosted White Mannequin

 Of course, someone can always go to your jewelry store and ask you if he/she can try and fit that pearly necklace. On the other hand, having a mannequin can give you an overall peek of what exactly it would look like in a second person perspective.

There’s even a study suggesting that customers will most likely to be attracted and encouraged to buy the item that’s being displayed on a mannequin. It’s a very useful and effective tool in merchandising because it “gives them a better understanding of what would look good on them”.

Space efficiency and strategic placement of items

Need more floor space for customers in your shop? Mannequins – full-sized or not – is one efficient way to save space. Just imagine how many items you can attach onto it. In relation, jewelry display can be tricky, as you must see to it that the items or ensemble that you’re flaunting must be in a spot where everyone can see it without compromising security.

A big help in terms of upselling your other items

And since your entire collection is already on display – thanks to your mannequin – upselling other items is now more convenient and effective! What better way to exploit the use of this body form to your advantage, right?

Easy replacing and re-styling

Fiber-Wrapped Sculpted Mannequin Display

Need to revamp your jewelry collection for the next season? No problem! Mannequins can be easily dressed up as well as to dress down. Hence, replacement of articles, pieces and other adornments for re-styling is no longer a stressful issue for stylists and store owners as well.

It holds and maintains the flawless form of the jewelry

This is pretty much basic for all jewelry shop. Of course, all jewelries should be appealing and neatly showcased when displayed whether the presence of mannequins is required or not. Though, it would be more enticing and alluring to see those precious accessories as they dangle flawlessly on a mannequin rather than seeing it resting in a box. And besides, mannequins help maintain the jewelry’s form, which is very important especially when the items are being photographed for catalogues, brochures, ads and online shops.

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After-Holiday Tips to Regain your Store’s Rhythm After the Holidays

Thank goodness, holiday rush is finally over! It’s time to go back to the same bat routine.  For sure, most of you are in the midst of re-organizing your store as you contemplate on whether to go for a long vacation or not.

Our advice: Don’t go just yet…

Granted that you may need to take a breather after braving the past busy months, keep in mind that there’s a business you need to run and attend to. And although this particular season will be relatively easy and a bit ‘boring’ for you since the spike brought by the yuletide rush has ended, after-holidays is the perfect time to come up with new ideas for your store to regain its rhythm.

And if you’re feeling a bit bored after the holidays, here are some tips on how to step up and win back your store’s lost “mojo”.

Register your store and participate on trade shows, bazaars and conventions

Since the sudden drop in sales will be expected within the first few months of the year since customers may want to steer clear on splurging for a while, the best you can do to generate profit during these dry months is to sign up and participate on trade shows, bazaars, conventions and expositions.

And though you can’t seem make ends meet in selling your jewelry collection at these events, invest in yourself instead by making sure to acquaint yourself as well as your business to new people. That’s one way to expand your connections, market leads and even potential collaborators/investors.

Check out the latest jewelry trends

Trendspotting can be fun and informative, especially for store owners like you. You get to see celebrities, models and designers’ style tastes and predict fashion aspects like what will be the in-thing for the next months to come, appropriate accessories for black-tie events, and other fashion/jewelry fads.

That’s why you have to be in-the-know because the next collections of jewelries to put on your jewelry display will depend on the latest style trends. That way, you get to know when to replace and replenish your stocks to ensure your merch is up-to-date in the world of fashion. In addition, this is also a great selling point for your customers to encourage them to buy a piece.

Update your store’s website and online entity

Fresh start for New Year? You may begin by updating your store’s website starting from the layout down to the content… if you have one! If by any chance you’re still kicking your shop old school had haven’t taken the digital plunge just yet, then this may be the perfect time to test the waters by launching a website for your store!

Might as well go further by going mobile as well!

Set a mini seminar/workshop for your employees

Since you’re updating pretty much everything in your store, this could be the perfect time to update your employees as well. And by updating, it means to cascade the changes made in the store as well as to discuss action plans for the coming months. Furthermore, you may also conduct mini-seminars and workshops to enhance their skills and learn something new about the nature of your business.

As for you, got any other plans for your store as the first quarter of 2015 goes underway? Feel free to share your thoughts!

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Craft Room Organization Tips

Having a neat and well-organized craft room is extremely conducive to having a productive workday. It's essential to keep your materials and items in order so that you can simply focus on what matters most: having fun and creatively making your jewelry projects.

Photo Credit: Sophia's Decor

The key to maintaining a clean, systemized craft room is to group similar materials together in similar storage solutions. For example, keeping all your beads in storage trays and then keeping your stringing materials together in clear, acrylic compartments help make it easier to remember where everything is.

For a busy jewelry artisan, it's definitely a challenge sometimes to keep up with all the various materials and tools for making your pieces. Labeling shelves and jars also makes it a cinch to find items and put them back where they belong. 

Image via Pinterest

As far as smaller items such as gemstones and beads, grouping them by color or size is the best way to go. Add some dividers to your shelves or purchase compartments with preloaded partitions for more convenience. 

Bins with View Top Lid, $15.44 for Qty. of 6

Lastly, don't be afraid to go artistic and stylish with your craft room! It's a place for you to get inspired and creative so why not convey that atmosphere? 

Putting your craft room together also doesn't have to be an expensive feat. Upcycle old mason jars or bookshelves, or visit thrift stores and swap meets for finding different and one-of-a-kind furniture and decorations.

If you need more concepts on how to decorate your craft room, check out our Organization and Crafting Supplies Pinterest board for great ideas. 

In the meantime, check out how crafty blogger Kristen from Greensboro, NC did her workspace:

Photo Credit: Sophia's Decor

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New Arrival: Gem and Bead Stone Tray

Storing and organizing jewelry materials don't have to come in dull and ordinary displays or compartments. Oftentimes when we want a little more oomph and stylish pizazz when picking our storage solutions.

When it comes to specifically storing beads and gemstones, there is a particularly limited variety. One can find a wide array of generic plastic organizers and snap-top boxes. The minimal and common options just leave us wanting for more individuality.

There are many jewelry, beads, and gem organizers out in the market right now, but nothing shows off more personality than our very own new Gem and Bead Stone Tray.

Gem and Bead Stone Tray

This fresh arrival boasts six sizable compartments enough to fit your beautiful gems and beads. It comes with a flap that not only closes up to conceal your small articles but also serves as a stand for easy viewing.

12 3/4"W x 14 1/2"D x 2 3/8"H

Enclosed flap allows for easy storage solution

Our Gem and Bead Stone Tray also comes in two gorgeous styles: leopard print and camo pattern. These head-turning styles are very trendy and eye-catching, and are the perfect definition of form and function. Bring some excitement into your organizational routine with these fun and quirky patterns!

Compartment Size: 6 1/8" x 2" x 2 1/8"

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Wire Jewelry 101: Basic Tools

Image via Pinterest

Embarking on a new jewelry design technique can be quite daunting. Wire Jewelry-making in particular can take some practice, but once you've mastered it, the end product is indeed worth it. Wire wrapped jewelry is on the rise, and it's no surprise as the pieces usually turn out so beautifully. It's practically a work of art. If you're a novice looking to learn the tricks of the trade, you'll need to know what basic tools to use:

The most basic thing you'll need of course, is wire. Copper wire is best to use for beginners as it is easily pliable. Check out our post about the different types of wire used in wire wrapping, for more in-depth information.

Pliers

You will need pliers for bending and manipulating your wire. For first-timers, round nose pliers and chain nose pliers are best. Round nose pliers are commonly used for making loops, while chain nose pliers serve many purposes. They are usually used as extra fingers for holding jewelry materials or in this case, for bending metal and wire.

Round Flat Nose Looping Pliers

Cutters

A specific wire cutter is best since you need to cut the metal as flush as possible. A regular pair of scissors or a knife is not recommended.

Hammers/Mallets

Hammers or mallets are necessary for flattening or forming metal. Rawhide mallets are best, to avoid scratching or scaring it. 

12" Rawhide Mallet

Ruler

You will need a measuring tool in wire wrapping. It's necessary so that you can accurately measure how much wire you will need to cut for your piece.

Marker

Use a sharpie or any other marking pen to mark the wire for cutting or bending. 

Mandrels

There are different types of mandrels according to the type of piece that you want to make. Use a ring mandrel if you want to make rings, and use bracelet mandrels if you want to make bracelets-preferably an oval one. 

Ring Mandrel

Sandpaper

You will need sandpaper to file or smoothen the sharp end of a cut wire. 

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Modern Minimalist Jewelry Display Ideas

A cliched expression such as "less is more" is definitely overused, but holds so much truth. In terms of design elements, sometimes a minimalist approach is much better. Aside from being easier on the eye, it's also better at providing a clearer, much better focus on the key items you want to be showcased the most. 

Photo Credit: Oceano Sea Glass Jewelry

Adapting a modern and minimalistic style to your window display or jewelry gallery gives off an effortless, stylish and clean vibe. Of course, it's not suited to everyone's taste, but if it reflects your personality and your jewelry pieces, why not go for it? Jewelry pieces that go best with this design factor are simple, geometric, or classic-looking items.

Image via Pinterest

White is usually the color of choice, but you can also utilize other monochromatic colors such as grays and certain shades of blue. Mixing white with tan, wooden colors also work well. Want a little more color? You may also adapt a touch of rose tint like the one below or any other color for something different.

Image via Pinterest

When it comes to this contemporary mode, we recommend jewelry displays that are classic and simple. Whether it's velvet, leather or wooden, stick to basic shapes and designs. We love using jewelry risers for this look, as it's functional in a lot of ways. You can choose whatever piece you want to place on it and allows the viewer to focus on just that one item. 

Risers

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New Arrival: Antique Wooden Trays

Jewelry trays are classic options for displaying jewelry. Practically everyone has them in their store or their personal closet, so it's no surprise that it's a constant must-have no matter what time of the year. 

Wooden trays in particular are simplistic but versatile. Aside from presenting your jewelry the usual way, you can also suspend the trays up and make a hanging jewelry display. Simply attach hooks on the base or wooden board and you can dangle earrings and necklaces away, similar to a shadow box. You may also add wooden or cardboard dividers to separate pieces. Get creative with it and you can turn any seemingly boring wooden tray into a fine masterpiece of display. 

Check out below how one of our customers, Marlene Brady, used our regular wooden trays to exhibit her items.

Image via Pinterest

This season our newest antique wooden trays come in a variety of beautiful rustic colors; in three different sizes.  Take a look:

Antique Wooden Tray, 14 3/4"W x 8 1/4"D x 1"H

 Antique Wooden Tray, 14 3/4"W x 8 1/4"D x 1.5" or 2"H

                                     

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Festive Holiday Display Ideas

This holiday season make a statement with your jewelry displays and window displays utilizing props and handmade ornaments to really make your boutique pop against your local competition. We've compiled from unique props you can easily make in your backroom for a festive white wonderland look that consumers will love! 

Cotton Ball Snow Effect 
Using clear fishing line or thread, carefully string cotton balls for a fun "snow-like" effect in your window displays. 

Image Via David Galbraith Flickr

Faux Snow Paper Confetti
Gather paper strips or confetti and tape it to your display window with double sided tape. For easier removal after Christmas you can also use removable vinyl stickers to achieve this effect.

Image Via MDAY212

Kraft Paper Gift Wrap
Place faux presents in your window to give the Christmas gift-giving vibe when consumers walk into your store. You can dress up Kraft paper gift bags with fun tissue paper and ribbons for a holiday inspired look.

Nile Corp. Paper Gift Bags

Red Leatherette Jewelry Boxes

When consumers walk by your door you want to feel something festive that is reminiscent of Christmas. To get your customers in the buying mood display your window jewelry in holiday inspired red jewelry boxes. Nile Corp. carries a wide variety of high quality red leatherette boxes for every jewelry type.

Nile Corp. Red Leatherette Ring Boxes

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Jewelry Business Must Haves for the Holidays

We’re just few days away from Thanksgiving Day. That means we only have few days left before our dear customers start their holiday shopping (at least, if they haven’t started early). With Black Friday and other holidays coming, you must be already busy with all the preparation to make your holiday operation as smooth as possible.

To help you have a more hassle free holiday run, here’s a short list of must haves that can guide you as you prepare your jewelry store this busy season.

Jewelry displays

One of the most important ingredients of having a profitable holiday is creating an attractive jewelry display that can help encourage new and old customers to check out your collection.

To create a stunning display make sure you have high quality necklace display racks, ring trays, bracelet T-bars and mannequin or doll display. Your favorite jewelry supply store surely has different kinds of display so don’t forget to purchase new ones especially if you’re planning to add more items in your inventory.

Labels and Tags

With all the stress of holiday shopping, going extra mile to let your customers enjoy convenient and hassle free shopping will surely be well appreciated. Help costumers navigate around your store more freely by putting tags and labels on your items, especially those items that are on sale.

Holiday Decorations

Get your customers into the holiday spirit by hanging decorative items that is in line with the season. With all the available decoration options available in the market today, you can surely find one that can make your store stand out. Keep it simple and elegant. And make sure it complements your brand.

Good lighting

During fall season, the days become shorter and the nights longer. This is why a good lighting that is appropriate for the size of your retail store is essential in keeping your jewelry sparkling bright. Highlight your holiday collection by installing additional lights if necessary.

Boost your sales this holiday by completing this short list.
For more jewelry business supplies and jewelry displays, visit our website or check out our Facebook page for more info.

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Wire Jewelry 101: Different Types of Wire

Wire Jewelry is one of the most popular handmade jewelry items sold by crafters nationwide. It has especially become ubiquitous as of late, largely in part to the rising trend of bohemian chic and indie-style fashion.

Want to get in on the trend? Here are some beginner tips and information on different types of jewelry wire for your jewelry display: 

Image via Pinterest

Copper and Brass

Copper and Brass Wires are suitable for that earth-tone look. Copper wire is usually very cheap and can be found just about anywhere. It is also often easily pliable which makes it a good practice wire. Copper gradually darkens and discolors overtime, which produces a "patina" effect. One main difference between copper and brass wire is that the latter tends to be stiffer. Brass tends to convey an illusion of being gold-like due to it's yellowish-red color, but it is in fact a blend of copper and zinc.

7 Strand Copper Wire, Price Range: $2.30-$2.60

Gold or Gold-filled

Some vendors sell pure gold wire jewelry in various karats, but let's face it- they are very expensive. Hence the alternative: gold-filled wire. Gold-filled wire is basically base metal wrapped in thick layers of gold. It is usually made of better quality compared to other types of wires and can last a long time if cared for properly. 

7 Strand Gold Wire, Price Range: $2.15-$2.50

Silver

Silver-plated wire is one of the most accessible types of wire. It is usually made out of sterling silver material over a copper base. It is also quite easy to use and reasonably priced. Sterling-silver wire on the other hand, is made out of 92.5% pure silver. The rest of it is made up of a mixture of copper and zinc, to provide strength for the material. Like other metals, Sterling will also tarnish overtime, so it's best to store it in a ziplock bag or any other sealed containers when not in use. 

7 Strand Silver Wire, Price Range:$2.30-$2.60

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