Strategies on How to Effectively Display Engagement Rings in your Store

From the looks of it, engagement rings will more likely be the gift of choice for most lovers this coming Valentine’s Day… which means now is the time to re-organize the jewelries you have in your store, and make sure to showcase your “ring” section prominently in your store.

Because, yes! Those rings aren’t going to sell themselves alone! Jewelry trays, mannequins and shelves aside, these rings still require strategic positioning in order to draw attention from customers.

But hold it just yet! Just before you summon your inner-Martha Stewart mad skills in organizing your store, you’ve got to have some sort of a arrangement scheme for you to market these Valentine gems this season of hearts. Knowing the use and importance of jewelry displays is one thing. On the other hand, positioning them is a rather completely different story.

So, to help you sort out this dilemma, here are some display strategies to effectively sell your engagement rings this Valentine’s Day.

Sort your rings according to price range if you’re using Ring Trays

 

It is most likely that you’re going to ask you customer for his/her price range when buying the ring. To make things a lot easier, use a showcase ring tray and sort your collections according to the lowest price range up. That way, will be easy for you to exhibit them your entire collection without having to individually take them off from their respective containers. Along with this, customers get to see the ring section immediately upon approaching the shelves, making it convenient for them to pick their desired ring based on their allotted budget.  

Hand Displays for high-end rings

Hand displays are perfect display holders, especially when you’re flaunting high-end engagement rings. This gives customers a visual preview of what and how the ring would look like on their partner’s hand. With this kind of tasteful jewelries, it is definitely worthy of being the front liner of the store by displaying it through the store window.

Acrylic ring display adds spark to the rings

With its iced, transparent look, acrylic jewelry display provides an accentuating, crisp effect to the ring, as light tends to give just the right bounce of light to effectively highlight the jewelry article. Furthermore, it is best to position this on a spot with just the right amount of lighting, so that the glare won’t overwhelm the ring as it rests steadily on the acrylic display.

 

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DIY Knot Earrings Tutorial

Valentine's Day is right around the corner. We all know its the season for love & compassion. How about making something heart felt for yourself or your dear friend? We've got just the think! Our DIY tutorial will show you how to make stunning wire knot earrings in no time. All you need are a few materials and some jewelry making supplies. 

(Image Via www.YesMissy.com)

Supplies Needed:

• 6 inches of 20 gauge wire
• Jewelry Pliers 
• Wire Cutter
• Earring backings
• Nail File

Jaw Nose Pliers 

Item No: PL329

Round Wire, Soft 20 Gauge

Item No: FW-61120AG

Time to Make:

• 10 minutes 

Tutorial: 

1. Cut wire into two strips of three inch pieces
2. Place your wire in between your jewelry pliers
3. Wind up your wire in circular motions
4. Make your wire into a ball or sphere
5. Take the last portion of the wire and bend it straight out to form the pin
6. Wear it with style!!!

Viola! Here's the finished product. What do you think? Tell us in the comments below! 

(Image Via www.YesMissy.com)

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What Jewelries to Display in your Window this Season of Hearts

Valentine’s Day is here! And by this point in time, it is pretty much assumed that your jewelry store is up and ready for hearts days; that means the whole place must be spruced up with heart-shaped buntings in red.

And while the wistful breeze of “love” lingers in the air, might as well showcase your best collections of jewelries. After all, ‘tis the season for engagement surprises, promises of love and sealing the deal of exclusivity. This is where the line, “if you like it, then you should put a ring on it!” applies… or perhaps a necklace or something that would encapsulate their recognition and undying feelings of love for their better-half.

So, before you set up your jewelry displays by the store window and glass shelves, you must know beforehand what jewelries will be selling like hot pancakes on during Valentine season.

And here are the 5 most popular jewelries for Valentine’s Day

Engagement Ring

It is mostly during this month – particularly on Valentine’s Day – that most guys will pop up the big question. Of course, it has to be on the most romantic day of the year! So, this should frontline your jewelry store by the shelves and windows.

Promise Ring

Mostly applies to new and pre-engaged couples, promise ring is usually the antecedent of engagement... a practice run, if you may! Or perhaps, think of it as the couple’s first step towards exclusivity. So, that explains why this jewelry is one of the most bought items during Valentines. Be sure to showcase this along with the engagement rings.

Pendant Necklace

Aside from the usual heart-shaped pendants and lockets, initials and/or anniversary numbers are also one of the favorites in the pendant section during V-day. Also a runner up is ring pendant, which normally has etchings of your terms of endearment. This should go by the store window, flowing radiantly as it rests on your body display.

Pearl/Diamond Stud Earrings

Pearls and diamonds are Valentine staples. Caters mostly to matured mates and time-tested married couples, these iced adornments are usually the go-to Valentine’s gift for couples who don’t anchor themselves within the confinements of promise and engagement rings.

Charm Bracelets

Charm bracelets are popular Valentine gifts amongst younger couples… Ahhh, puppy love indeed! Sideline this along with the chain bracelets as well as the added trinkets and charms so that customers can easily choose the perfect element to add to the bracelet.

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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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