How to Prepare Your Jewelry Store for Valentine's Day

Be ready to celebrate the season of romance with these tips.




A diamond ring resting on a pink and white dish.

Right after last month’s Christmas rush, retailers should ready themselves for another shopping season. As the holiday that celebrates love and romance, jewel retailers should especially be ready for their customers who will be buying gifts for their loved ones on Valentine’s Day. Beyond decorating your store with images of hearts or incorporating red into your earring display holders or jewelry showcase, you must know what to do to maximize the season’s earning potential.

Follow our tips below to have a stress-free and profitable month of hearts.



Stock up on your merchandise

People are ready to spend their hard-earned cash to give gifts to their partners so make sure you have enough products to sell to meet the demand. Whether you are a pop-up, an online seller, or a brick and mortar store, you need to be prepared so you may want to work on increasing production or sourcing from suppliers.



A guy kissing a girl's forehead.
Source

Come up with a holiday-themed promo

Buyers love getting a bargain and promos that add value to their purchases is a great way to increase sales. Adding in a romance aspect into your promos will make them more attractive to your target buyers.

You may, for example, partner with a restaurant, hotel or resort and offer an all-in couple’s package for every purchase at your store. You can also go for simpler treats, like giving away a jewelry display holder or earring display set to your customers.



Advertise early

You can start running ads online or in print as early as now. Dressing up your store for the holiday is a form of advertisement too so you better start decorating even if it’s still January.

You don’t have to go all out by decking your store all in red especially if it’s not your branding. A few tasteful pieces here and there will work if they’re well-thought-out. You can also showcase the color by showcasing red-colored gemstones like rubies.



Show your customers you care by giving top-notch service

Over the years, Valentine’s Day has evolved to become a holiday that celebrates love in all forms and all sizes. It is no longer just a holiday for romantic partners but it is likewise celebrated by families and friends. As a retailer, your relationship with customers is everything so treat it with respect. Always aim high and be ready to give great service not just on Valentine’s Day but every day.

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2020 is Classic Blue

This cool hue sets the tone for your retail and jewelry display concepts this year.



A color block of Pantone Classic Blue 19-4052.
Source

Each year for over 20 years, the Pantone Color Institute picks a color that they believe will dominate and inspire the industries of fashion, art, design, and packaging. They scour the world for inspiration and choose a shade that best reflects our culture today.

We are living in a time that requires trust and faith. It is this kind of constancy and confidence that is expressed by PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue, a solid and dependable blue hue we can always rely on,” says Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the Pantone Color Institute. “Imbued with a deep resonance, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue provides an anchoring foundation. A boundless blue evocative of the vast and infinite evening sky, PANTONE 19-4052 Classic Blue encourages us to look beyond the obvious to expand our thinking; challenging us to think more deeply, increase our perspective and open the flow of communication.” (SOURCE)

Take a cue from 2020’s color and use these retail and jewelry display ideas to liven up your store.



A cornflower blue couch in front of a turquoise-colored wall.
Source

Give your walls a splash of this cool hue

Looking to overhaul your store’s look? Classic Blue is a bold but calming shade that is guaranteed to capture your customers’ attention. You can go all in and completely paint the walls with this color, or use wall accents such as paintings for a more subdued look. Beyond your wall, using blue tiles or floorings is also a great way to incorporate the color.



A pair of blue earrings with diamonds placed on top of a green leaf.
Source

Highlight your blue-colored jewelry pieces

2020 is the perfect time to showcase your blue-colored jewelry pieces. Sapphire’s deep blue hue is near identical to the Classic Blue, while gemtones such as Aquamarine and Turquoise have lighter tones that will remind you of the ocean.



A light blue T-bar jewelry display in velvet.


Go for jewelry displays in blue

You can also try showcasing the color with your choice of jewelry displays and holders. Experiment with different shades and material, like this t-bar display in light blue velvet from our store.


Interior design fixtures showcasing 2020's Color of the Year (Classic Blue).
Source

Fill your store with blue accents

If you’re going for a more subtle application of the year’s color, you won’t go wrong with a few blue pieces here and there. Add a little flavor to your jewelry store by dedicating a cozy nook for your customers, then use blue furniture as decoration. Don’t be afraid to use different shades of blue or complementary colors such as orange and yellow. Textures and patterns also add another layer of depth to your display.



A storefront painted in blue.


Showcase the color on your storefront

You don’t have to limit the use of Classic Blue inside. Paint your storefront with blue, or if that’s not possible, you can create a window display with the color as the theme.

Jewelry Display 101: The Different Types of Jewelry Displays

See the different jewelry display setups that you could use for your store.

A wooden jewelry display stand with different-colored accessories hanging.

An important part of operating a retail store is to make sure that you are presenting your merchandise in a way that’ll make them interesting to potential buyers. We’ve previously talked about jewelry display techniques to increase sales, now let’s talk about the different types of jewelry displays that will help you showcase your jewelry items in the best light possible. 



A mannequin-type jewelry display stand with blue fabric and yellow stars print.


Jewelry Display Mannequins

Think of them as miniature versions of the mannequins in clothing stores. They are meant to hold bracelets and necklaces and come in different styles and fabrics. Their fun and quirky appeal make them the perfect accent for your store.



A metal jewelry display rack with a gold bird accent on top.


Jewelry Display Racks

Keep your dangling items tangle-free with these rack-type jewelry displays. Likewise, its rotating base also makes browsing easy for customers. The addition of design accents, such as the gold bird in this photo, makes it a great pick when you’re shopping for jewelry displays.



A 5-piece hexagon jewelry display risers with rings on top.


Jewelry Display Risers

Playing around with balance is a way to create interesting display setups for your store. Go ahead and experiment with these risers to see which designs you can come up with, just make sure that each piece would complement each other to avoid clutter.



A slat wall-type jewelry display pad with a necklace, a pair of earrings, and ring displayed.


Slat-Wall Jewelry Displays

If you want to maximize your store’s space, slat-wall displays are the way to go. Choose from different types like the bust, easel (shown here), and t-bar to create interesting placements that will attract buyers.



A wooden single-tiered T-Bar jewelry display, with bangles displayed.


T-Bar Jewelry Displays

Perfect for bracelets, anklets, and hoop earrings, the t-bar design is a popular retail display solution. Depending on its make and material (wood, metal, plastic, burlap, acrylic/single or multi-tiered), it is versatile and fits right in with different store themes and seasons.



A black velvet bracelet ramps with a pair of bracelets laid for display.

Bracelet Ramps

Showcase the full beauty of your bracelets with these half-moon shaped ramps. It’s perfect for close-up inspections over countertops or one-on-one presentations.




A decorative shoe-shaped ring jewelry display.


Ring Displays

There are a lot of styles to choose from this group. This one designed like a shoe is perfect for stores with festive or romantic themes. There are also designs that are much more simple like ring pads and easels.


An 18-piece champagne pink jewelry display set.


Jewelry Display Set/Combination Displays

It is also possible to combine different jewelry display styles to create a beautiful and elegant set such as this one. This is the way to go if you are trying to highlight particular pieces of jewelry in your collection. Remember to pair it with the right light placement to highlight their beauty and sparkle.


These are just some of the many jewelry display setups you can find in Nile Corp’s collection. Visit our site today to see what we have to offer.

Next month, we’ll look at the different materials used in jewelry displays.

Things to Know About Jewelry Insurance

Interested in purchasing jewelry insurance? Let this article break it down to you.



Close-up of a hand of someone wearing a ring and bracelet.

It’s natural to want protection for things that are of great value to us. We store our money in the bank, and we store away our valuables away from prying eyes. As a jewelry owner, you may be fine with showing your everyday pieces on jewelry display holders in full view of others but would probably be more cautious and hide away the more expensive ones in a safe. Now, if you want to add another layer of protection to your precious jewels, insurance is your answer.

It is a must for home or car owners to get insurance for their properties, so why should jewelry owners be different? Admittedly, jewelry insurance is not well known to many, so let this article be your guide. We’ll start off with a bit of a surprise…


You may already be covered by some form of jewelry insurance without knowing it

If you already have a renter’s or homeowner’s insurance, then it’s likely that part of the coverage includes protection for jewelry. However, coverage and the insured amount is limited. Jewelry theft may be covered (up to a certain amount only), but damage to insured items is not. Likewise, jewelry loss due to natural disasters such as an earthquake or flood may not also be covered. You will still be better off with a dedicated jewelry insurance provider, which provides better coverage, riders, and inclusions.


You can choose from several jewelry insurance providers

Just as other insurance providers have different coverage policies and features to their programs, so do the jewelry insurance providers in this list. Remember to think about your reasons for purchasing one to figure out which provider is best for your needs and budget.


Close-up of a ring on someone's hand.


Make a record of the pieces in your jewelry collection before seeking insurance providers

Whether you plan to have all your valuables insured or just some select pieces, make sure to document every jewelry you own. This includes recording each piece with their type, value, material, and where and when it was purchased. If you have kept the receipt, then that would be better. Take photos of each piece or pair as well, and keep all the data you recorded somewhere safe. This would help your insurer and law enforcement on the unfortunate event that you lose one or all of your collection. For items you do not know the value of, make sure you take them to an appraiser to find out their value.


Take into account your lifestyle when selecting coverage inclusions

When choosing between insurance packages, make sure to find one that fits your lifestyle. Not all offerings will be the same, so it’s crucial to pick one that covers your needs. Insurance providers may also have specialized programs for the jewelry owner at home, the traveler, or the business owner. Frequent travelers may want to purchase insurance that includes coverage for jewelry lost abroad. Jewelers, meanwhile, can look into business-centric programs that cover not just your merchandise but also your damaged jewelry display showcases due to theft or disasters.


Whether you’re a jewelry lover who made it his/her resolution to become a better collector this 2020, or a business owner who wants peace of mind, investing in insurance for your valuables is a no-brainer. We hope we were able to help you make the right decision.

Your Introduction to the 12 Birthstones

Find out which one is yours!

A photo of different colored gemstones.
Source


If you’ve ever wondered what your birthstone is, or if you’re looking for a special gift to give your loved ones on their birthdays, then this guide is for you.

Birthstones are precious gems that are assigned to the 12 months, each one carrying a special trait and meaning. It is said that wearing your birthstone brings you good luck and protection, and that’s why it can be found as an adornment in plenty of jewelry pieces.

Curious to know which one’s yours? Read on to find out.


January: Garnet

This precious stone has been used since ancient times, specifically in Egypt, where artifacts from the time were found to have the gemstone embellished on them. It is also recognized for its similarity to the shape and color of pomegranate seeds.

The stone symbolizes safety and is commonly worn during long travels for the wearer’s protection.


February: Amethyst

Amethyst, with its purple hue, gives off an elegant and royal vibe. Interestingly, the Ancient Romans and Greeks believed that it protects its wearers from intoxication. In fact, its name comes from the Greek word “amethystos” which means “sober.” Nowadays, though, it’s a symbol of courage and strength.


March: Aquamarine

This is the perfect gift for beach lovers as aquamarine has always been associated with the ocean. Sailors even bring it with them on their voyages, keeping them under pillows at night to keep them away from harm while sailing. This makes for an excellent going-away present to your jet-setting friends.


April: Diamond

Known as the hardest natural substance on the planet, diamonds are known as the ultimate status symbols. It also symbolizes everlasting love, which makes it the perfect choice for engagement rings.


May: Emerald

With its lush shade of green, emerald symbolizes freshness, rebirth, and fertility. It is, however, prone to cracks, so wearers are advised to be careful to avoid scratches and surface impacts as much as possible.


June: Alexandrite

Now here’s a stone with a royal connection – Russian royals, to be exact. It was named for Russia’s Prince Alexander II after it was first discovered on the day of his birthday in 1830. It is also believed that finding one is a good omen.


July: Ruby

Known as the king of gems, it was believed to protect its wearer from evil spirits and misfortune. Nowadays, it is more associated with love, passion, and bravery. Its value increases the deeper in color it gets, with the most valuable ones called “pigeon blood” for its deep, blood-like hue with blue undertones.


August: Peridot

Known as “evening emerald” for its light green color, this stone has fiery origins as it is the result of volcanic activity. There’s even a legend about it, which says that peridots were actually the tears of the volcanic goddess Pele from Hawaii. It is also believed that peridot wearers get protection from nightmares.


September: Sapphire

This mysterious stone is said to ward off evil spirits and protect its wearer from poisoning. Saphire also represents wisdom and purity, and legend has it that snakes die if incased in sapphire vessels.


October: Opal

Its name means “precious stone” in Latin and has come to symbolize faithfulness, confidence, and hope. They come in various colors and shades and are used to ward off evil.


November: Topaz

Like opal, topaz comes in a variety of shades and colors. However, its golden-brown variety is the one most people are familiar with. It is also associated with wisdom and is believed to give its wearers increased intellect.


December: Turquoise

This vibrant blue stone’s name comes from an old French word for Turkish. It was said that Venetian traders brought turquoise from Turkey and introduced them to the French. Long considered a love charm, it is the perfect gift for those looking to spice up their romantic lives.


The 12 birthstones and their assigned months.
Source


Wasn’t that interesting? No matter which stone you choose, remember to pair it with top-notch jewelry cases and holders. Choose from our wide range of necklace display sets, ring boxes, bracelet holders, and more. We guarantee that you can find the perfect holder and protector in our store to match your jewelry.

How to Increase Foot Traffic to Your Jewelry Store

Make it your goal to increase sales this year.




Two Asian girls shopping.

The goal of every brick and mortar business is to sell and do well, and that is achieved when there’s a constant influx of shoppers to your store.

Let us show you the tips and tricks to increase foot traffic to your jewelry shop.



Make the entrance as inviting as possible

Your first point of contact with customers is your storefront, so you have to make it welcoming and encouraging for them to come in.

Zero in on these elements to cover the bases:


  • Your window display

We’ve already talked about doing a quick store makeover for the New Year, and we’re going to again emphasize the importance of fresh displays to attract customers. A well-designed window display is inviting and can be effective at converting mere passers-by to actual customers. But how does one create an inviting window display? By keeping things simple, elegant (very crucial to a jewelry business!), topical, and on-brand. Look to the changing seasons as design inspirations – now that the Christmas season has come and gone, there’s no reason for you to keep around your holiday decors, right?

You can also look to the latest fashion trends and pop culture favorites to inspire your window display.


  • Your outdoor signages

Your advertisements should be clear to become enticing to potential customers. Don’t make them do guesswork as you might lose precious opportunity to convert them to actual paying customers.


  • Your frontline staff

A friendly face is always more welcomed than a scowling one, so tell your frontline staff (security guard, welcoming attendant) to always have a ready smile and cheerful greeting ready.



Don’t have a “sales-focused” mindset

You might be surprised to hear this advice on a sales article, but do hear us out first. When salespersons are too pushy about making a sale (too much hounding around the store, for example), people are inclined to feel turned off. Instead, ask your staff to keep a safe distance from the shoppers but always be on-hand if they have questions or need guidance. They might have a hard time understanding what colors go with which dress, or which qualities they must look out for when selecting jewelry so they must be the ready experts that they need.



A lady going up the escalator at a mall.


Make browsing pleasant for your shoppers

A cluttered layout is likewise a turn off so if you need to rearrange stuff, then do so to help your business. If you need to update your jewelry display sets and jewelry holders, then so be it. Remember also to check your display cases if they are 42 inches in height for a comfortable viewing experience for your customers.



Tap technology to your advantage

Thank goodness we live at a time where you have tons of channels to use at your disposal. There’s social media where you can create brand pages for your store, which you can use to announce sales, promote new stocks, and interact with customers. You can also try out email marketing where you can send daily or weekly newsletters to regular customers about promos, contests, or events you’re currently running. You can also do it the old-fashioned way like running an ad in a newspaper, or TV and radio shows.

Self-Care and Work Management Tips for the Home Jeweler

Welcome the new decade with fresh new insights to making your passion work for you.



A picture of art craft supplies and jewelry making tools

Creators are lucky folks, most especially those that can earn from their passions. However, it is also often not an easy road to take: long hours, mounting orders, money issues, or perhaps a creativity block can make things difficult.

As entrepreneurs ourselves, we know this, and we want to help. So for now, relax, take a short break, and let us help you become a better jeweler this 2020 with this helpful article.



Remember the reasons why you started

If you need a little bit of boost or motivation on particularly tough days, it might help to trace back your steps to remind yourself of your purpose. Go back in time when you were only just dreaming about what you have now, and then try to recapture that feeling.

Often we get too busy with our work responsibilities that we find ourselves forgetting why we started in the first place. Reacquainting with your younger self may just be the spark you need to reignite your fire.




A photo of art crafts supplies.


Set new goals

Once you’ve looked back to see how far you’ve come, it makes sense to wonder about what happens next. You can take hold of the future by setting new goals to propel your jewelry business forward.

Whatever you want to accomplish, for your business or personal life, a whole new set of goals is undoubtedly a good motivator.



Stay on track with lists and goal setting

Once you’ve decided on what you want to accomplish, your next goal of action is to keep track of them with lists. You can go old school and use a planner or diary, or use technology to your advantage with project management apps like Trello and Asana. You can even create a vision board, which is a more visual medium to keep you motivated and inspired while you work to accomplish your goals. Place it where you can easily see it so you can easily remember your goals and stay on track.



Figure out which works and what doesn’t with your creative process

As much as we always want to stay on top of things, sometimes inspiration is just hard to come by. Every creative has experienced this at one point or another, so don’t worry! Perhaps a little shake-up to your routine is needed, and this being the start of a new year makes it the perfect time to do so.

A few adjustments to your workspace can be beneficial to make sure you are at your optimum performance while creating jewelry. You have to make sure you’re getting proper lighting and ample support while you work as it could take a while, especially if you have a ton of orders.

Having the right tools will help you create your best crafts, so make sure they are all still working well and complete. When it comes to storage, you need to make sure you have the best holders at your disposal; if not, shopping for new jewelry display sets and cases is just a click away.



Don’t forget to relax and recharge

Working from home has its benefits, but it can also be isolating. If not dealt with correctly, it can often lead to concentration problems, loss of motivation, even depression. Make sure to take the time to decompress by taking a break from time to time. Go out and meet friends, do chores, explore other hobbies – just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should forget about having a personal life! Short breaks here and there will help you stay healthy and inspired.

4 Ways to Spruce Up Your Retail Display this 2020

Welcome the new decade with ideas that will take your business up a notch.



Asian-inspired necklaces and beads

The start of a new year is a time for new beginnings, which makes it an excellent time for upgrades and changes. Everyone is simply in the mood to better themselves, and as an entrepreneur, why not do the same for your precious merchandise?

Jumpstart 2020 by learning a few retail display tricks to boost sales for your store.



Make your retail display reflect your brand

If you haven’t gotten around to working on your store’s branding, the start of a new year is a good time to do so. It’s what sets you apart from your competitors; that quality, look or feel that makes you instantly recognizable from a sea of similar stores.

From your name down to the colors and typeface you use for your marketing materials, everything should be consistent and reflect a common theme. Likewise, your store’s brand should also be reflected in how you display your merchandise. Whether you’re going for an elegant look or a more eclectic one for your brand/store, your display showcase and setup should reflect this.



Invest in good signages

You must let the public know what you have to offer, and signages can do that for you. Make it a point to have indoor and outdoor signages and make sure they are of top-notch quality and relevant. You can choose from billboards, digital signages like those that use neon LED, or even an old school chalkboard will do. Again, you just have to make sure they are appropriate for the season (outdoor chalkboards are great during the spring and summer months, but no so much during winter) and are consistent with your brand.



A shop's window displaying showing a traditional Chinese dress.


Make adjustments to make browsing easier for customers

Think of this advice like feng shui for retailers – rearranging placements around the store may bring in good luck and great fortune because they bring in more sales to your business.

Upgrading your jewelry display cases, for example, can make a whole lot of difference if customers can browse comfortably. Check your glass display cases now, and see if they are 42 inches in height, which is just the right size for easy and comfortable browsing.

You can also create tableaus composed of special items you want to highlight to create more drama and interest to your merchandise.



Create “Instagrammable” nooks around your store

Spaces that invite people to take photos that are eventually posted on social media is a way to advertise your goods to a broader range of audience. This can be achieved with beautiful furniture, interesting signs, and colors that a well-executed and inviting. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but it’s best to consult an interior designer to make sure you do it right.