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Thursday, May 28, 2020

How to Increase Engagement for Your Online Jewelry Store

Use these techniques and find success on the web.



Smiling blonde woman sitting in front of her desk.

Beyond securing your domain name, getting a reliable host, and making sure your website has content, what else must be done to make sure your online business succeeds? You must know how to capture your target audience. With more people now doing their shopping online, knowing these tips and tricks is a must for every entrepreneur.



Make each page informative without piling on too many details

Right from the get-go, your homepage should be able to tell your target audience what your shop’s all about. Ditch the mysterious approach as it might cost you a few visitors. Make it clear that you sell jewelry through words and photos.

When putting information on your website make sure it answers these questions that potential shoppers may ask when visiting an e-commerce site:


  1. “What kind of items are they selling?
  2. “Do I need the items they’re selling?”
  3. “What are my options?”
  4. “How much do the items cost”?
  5. “How can I pay for my purchases?”



A fashion photo shoot in the middle of a wheat field.


Use hi-res original product photos to attract shoppers

Your choice of product photos dictates whether you can make a sale or not. Remember that your aim is to entice people to make them want to buy from you, so grainy pictures just won’t cut it. Because you’re selling jewelry, make sure your product photos are able to show them in all their glory. Show different angles so that potential buyers can see every inch and corner of a jewelry piece. If you will be using jewelry display stands and holders, make sure to pick the ones that are appropriate for the type of jewelry you are selling. Likewise, even if you are only using them to display your merchandise, it is important that your tools are also in their best conditions so that the overall result would look pleasing in photos. You may even go for a full photoshoot with models, backdrops, and props to help sell your wares.



Make user interface a priority

User interface or UI is the design and navigational system that users interact with whenever they visit a website.

As an e-commerce website, this is a must. You need to make it easy for potential customers to navigate your website, or else they would look elsewhere. Going back to the first point of this piece, your pages must be able to answer the customer’s questions. Crucial elements that help in the buying process are (aside from product photos) product descriptions, call-to-actions, reviews, price tags, and navigational buttons.



Don’t forget to optimize your site for mobile use

Making it possible for your customers to do their shopping anytime, anywhere is another way to retain them and attract new ones. You can do that with a mobile-optimized website. Different screens would require different image specs and navigational layout demands, so take the time to optimize your online shop for mobile use.



We have the best jewelry display tools on-hand to help you show off your jewelry merchandise in the best way possible! Come and visit Nile Corp to see what we have to offer.

Monday, May 25, 2020

Couples Jewelry Ideas and Shopping Guide

New and long-time couples will equally find helpful jewelry shopping tips in this piece.


Close up of a pair of hands wearing weddings rings.

One of the best ways to show your love to one another is through jewelry. Because a piece of jewelry is made up of precious stones and elements, it makes for a thoughtful and romantic gift to symbolize a couple’s love for one another. Now shopping for one may seem daunting especially if this is your first time to do.

Don’t worry, we got you covered.


Couples jewelry come in many different styles:


Matching Bracelets

This is a simple and subtle way of showing your commitment to your partner. You can choose to go for a chain link-style bracelet in gold or silver, depending on you and your partner’s preferences. You can also choose to go with one that has charms. Personalize it with symbols and stones that are meaningful for you two. There are also nameplate bracelets where you can have a special date or your names etched on the plate.


Lock and Key Necklace

Now we’re raising the love ante. Evoking old school romances you see in works of fiction, the lock and key necklace is meant to symbolize undying devotion and perfect companionship – you own the key to your partner’s heart.


Locket Necklaces and Bracelets

Perfect for the sentimental types or those engaged in a long-distance relationship, it’s meant to show that you’ll always be there for each other even when miles apart. How sweet.


Matching Puzzle Pieces/Two Halves of a Heart Pendant

You’ll each be sharing a piece of each other’s pendant and only through a reunion will they perfectly match up with another. Jerry Maguire said it best when he said, “You complete me,” and with this jewelry you will. (Yes, we can be cheesy here sometimes).


Don’t forget to avail yourself of a matching necklace display and box for your purchased couples jewelry. Visit our site today!


A couple showing affection on top of grass.


Some additional reminders before purchasing couples jewelry:


Make sure you pick a design you both like

The idea behind couples jewelry is that they will complement each other, so naturally, you have to pick a design that the two of you will like. Talk about both of your preferences so you can agree on what type of jewelry the two of you will prefer. Sitting down together to discuss possible designs would be a wise move.


Agree on a budget

Another factor to take note of is the cost. Make sure you are both in agreement about your budget so you can focus on the ones you really like and eliminate some jewelry pieces right away. You may canvass online for leads so you’d know what to look for.


Consider maintenance costs

Sorry to burst your bubble but jewelry is an investment, so make sure you’re doing what you can to help protect it from theft and loss. We’ve previously talked about jewelry insurance, as well as tips on the proper care and maintenance of precious stones so you may want to read up on those too.

Happy shopping! Don't forget to browse for new jewelry displays from our site too!

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Keeping Your Jewelry Clean During the COVID-19 Outbreak

The things you must remember to keep yourself safe and healthy.


Close up of a person with tattoos and bracelets reading from an ebook reader.

Health experts tell us that even simple acts can keep the coronavirus away. Aside from keeping a safe distance from other people, washing our hands for at least 20 seconds is key to keeping ourselves healthy.

Because a lot of us are keeping ourselves holed up at home, it’s very likely that our jewelry hasn’t been taken out from their jewelry display stands and storage boxes for months now. On the rare occasion where you use them when you go out, you need to take some steps to ensure you’re not bringing in germs or viruses that will harm you and your family.

But first of all…


A pair of hands getting washed.

Remember to remove your rings and bracelet whenever you wash your hands

Experts say the length of time you must wash your hands must run the length of the “Happy Birthday” song. While you’re focused on singing and washing your hands, you may not notice your ring or bracelet sliding down and going straight down the drain. To avoid that from happening, make sure to take off your valuables before you wash your hands. Have a jewelry holder – these trinket boxes would make for lovely jewelry holders – and keep them nearby. But be careful still that you don’t knock over the box and drop your precious jewelry down the drain.

Better yet…


Don’t wear your jewelry while you’re out

There’s a reason why doctors don’t wear jewelry at work, and that is because they can potentially bring in bacteria from wearing jewelry. Another reason to give your jewelry a rest while there’s a pandemic? Jewelry can potentially hide body parts that need to be cleansed. For people with sensitive skin, prolonged wearing of jewelry may cause an allergic reaction. When this happens, cuts on the skin’s surface would make it easier for the virus to enter a person’s body.

But if you insist on wearing jewelry at this point in time…


Keep it simple when cleaning

This means all it takes when you need to clean the jewelry you’re wearing is to use a mild detergent like the one used to clean baby bottles and warm water. Try soaking your pieces in soapy water for 10 minutes or you may use a soft-bristled brush to carefully remove dirt or grime on your jewelry pieces. Avoid using alcohol or hand sanitizers to clean your collection. While they are effective at disinfecting our hands, their chemicals may cause a reaction on precious stones that will lead to cracks and breaking. Air dry your jewelry before you put them on or store them for later use.

Monday, May 18, 2020

How to Wear Chunky Jewelry

Add a little bit of edge to your style with chunky pieces.


Multiple bracelets worn on the wrist.

Wearing big and bold jewelry pieces requires a delicate balance. You wouldn’t want them to overwhelm your outfit but just give it the right amount of flair to give you extra style points as you go about your day.

If your jewelry display collection lacks chunky pieces, this article may just push you into getting them.


Brunette woman wearing a black bandeau top and orange slit skirt.

Stick to one chunky piece

Piling on too many jewelry pieces can leave you looking cluttered and busy. You’re better off keeping things simple by sticking to one chunky piece and wearing only that or a couple of delicate pieces to complement the look.


African woman wearing large hoops earrings.

Pair up your chunky necklace with a simple neckline

Keeping with the theme of balance, when wearing a chunky necklace you need to pair it up with a neckline with a simple design. Ditch the frills, the peter pan collars, and cowl necks if you want to wear a chunky neckpiece. For more impact, you can go with a high neckline or a low neckline so people can focus on your necklace.


Choose neutral shades for your clothes to go with your pieces

Simplicity is key. You will look more polished if you pair up your chunky jewelry with neutral shades. This puts the spotlight on your jewelry, as brightly-colored clothes would take away attention from your accessories. The same goes for your nail polish and makeup. Better keep things subdued so they don’t create a look that clashes.


An infographic showing the different face shapes and the earring types that look good with them.
Source

Mind your face’s shape when choosing earrings

Unfortunately, not everyone will look good with big and ornate earrings. Once again, it is about keeping things balanced. You can look at the diagram above to see which types of earrings would go well with your face shape. Lucky for you if you have an oval shape as any style of earring will look good on you.


Simple hairstyles are a great match for big, ornate jewelry pieces

You wouldn’t want your hairstyle to clash with your chunky jewelry. Better keep your hair straight and polished; leave the big, bouncy waves to when you’re wearing dainty accessories. A nice, chic updo also works as it would keep the hair away from your ears and face which would make observers keep their focus on your jewelry.


Don’t forget to avail yourself of a new, sturdy jewelry holder for your chunky jewelry. Visit Nile Corp today to see your options.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

Things to Keep in Mind as You Reopen Your Jewelry Store

What you need to do to be ready for “the new normal.”



A retail store's signage with the word "OPEN."

As many areas are now easing up their stay-at-home rules, several establishments will slowly start opening up after months in lockdown. While we are all still grappling with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, safety precautions to prevent the spread of the disease will even be more of a concern. Some adjustments to business operations may need to be set in place for health and safety reasons.

Here are a few key points every jewelry retailer must remember:



Follow the government’s health protocols

After staying in isolation for the past few months, the opening of business establishments means interacting again with the public. Please take into consideration the safety of everyone around, customers and employees alike, by wearing the recommended gear to prevent spreading the virus.

You may also implement some measures to safeguard your merchandise and establishment as a whole. Larry Spicer from the Jewelers Mutual Insurance recommends requiring customers to quickly show their faces upon arriving at the store for identification.



Make adjustments to your display counters

Installing barriers between the sales staff and customers adds another layer of protection. Make sure also there are enough sanitizing products (alcohol, hand gels) within reach of everyone in the store for quick touch-ups.

Cleanliness is crucial. Before every working day, make sure all items on display are disinfected. From the smallest earring display pads to the more elaborate combination set displays, nothing should be left out. Repeat the same procedure before shutting down for the day.




Take stock of inventory

Keeping cash flow is always the goal of every business, perhaps more so during this pandemic. Taking a second look at your existing inventory would mean letting go of some hard-to-sell items, increasing production or ordering for fast sellers, and offering promos and discounts to speed up sales.



A lady putting on a surgical face mask.


Don’t forget to check up on your staff

Because of changes to operations, you may need to re-orient your people to new rules around the workplace. Make sure they practice health protocols and are in good shape before they are made to face the customers once again. Provide them with the necessary support to help them transition into “the new normal.”



See to it that your tech systems are all ready to go

Going cashless and contactless is a safe way to conduct payment transactions during the health crisis, so make sure you have the technology ready to make them possible. Expanding your shop’s presence online can also help you sustain operations by catering to those who are still shopping from the comfort of their homes.

Monday, May 11, 2020

How to Display Bracelets for Sale

Make your bracelets pop and capture your customers.



Upside down photo of a brunette woman playing peek-a-boo.

Bracelets are a popular choice for jewelry lovers and fashionistas, so it makes sense to have them in your jewelry store. Versatile enough to be paired with both casual and formal styles, bracelets liven up any outfit they get paired up with. We’re sure they’ll be a hit with your customers, that’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you show them off in the best way possible.

Take a few minutes to level up your retail jewelry display skills in this article and learn how to showcase bracelets, as well as anklets and bangles.



Keep them looped

Because bracelets and similar types of jewelry wrap around body parts, in order to show them properly, they also need to wrap around when on display. Depending on how thick they are, choose the appropriate jewelry display tool for balance.

Go for a metal hanger-type of jewelry organizer like this one for thin and dainty pieces:



Metal Jewelry Display Jewelry Stand Hanger Organizer
Metal Jewelry Display Jewelry Stand Hanger Organizer*

For thicker pieces, go for a holder that’s sturdy enough to contain the bracelet or bangle without toppling over:


Wooden 2-Tier Bar Bracelet Bangle Jewelry Holder
Wooden 2-Tier Bar Bracelet Bangle Jewelry Holder*


Lay them out to fully showcase the details

Another technique to try would be to lay them out using a flat tray or a curved platform. This is especially perfect for bracelets with intricate designs like charms so that viewers can see all sides and details in one look.



Various bracelets and anklets held in place by a bracelet display T-bar.
Source


Combine different bracelets with similar looks and aesthetics

Your jewelry display combinations must make sense to be fully appreciated. That means the pieces you put together must pair up well and not clash with one another. For example, chunky costume jewelry bracelets would look awkward when paired up with a chain link-type of bracelet. You can try out different combinations first and see which ones look right together before displaying them to the public.



Rotate your displays often to keep them looking fresh

In order to sustain your customers’ interest in your merchandise, make sure you’re replenishing or at least rotating your displays to keep them from going stale. We’ve talked about combining bracelets as a technique for displaying your merchandise, but you can also combine bracelets with other types of jewelry pieces like earrings to create sets. You can also create themed displays or areas around your store to set up drama and interest in your products.


*Available on the Nile Corp website.

Thursday, May 7, 2020

Jewelry Trend Alert: The 411 on Multiple Ear Piercings

Make a style statement with this trendy and daring jewelry trend.



Brunette woman with multiple ear piercings.

Been thinking of updating your style profile? Give multiple ear piercings a try. It’s a trendy way of showcasing your love for jewelry by creating combinations from your collection. But before you go through your earring display and storage for ideas, read this article and find out whether this jewelry style is right for you.



You can go for multiple piercings at once

Yes, this is possible. Most professional piercers, like those you find at tattoo shops, would recommend that you get all the piercing done on one ear first so that you can sleep comfortably on the untouched ear in case you are a side sleeper.



Infographic showing the different ear piercing areas and the piercing  pain level for each.
Source


Pain can vary depending on the area

The pain we feel depends greatly on the number of nerve endings present in a certain body part, as well as how thick the tissue is in said area. The pain felt during an ear piercing is also affected by other factors. Top-notch piercers are highly adept at their roles that they know how to put a nervous client at ease. Even the quality of needles can make a difference. It would be safe to say that pain levels will vary depending on these given factors, plus the pain tolerance level of the client.



The different classifications of ear piercings.
Source


The healing phase can vary too

Again, it would all depend on how thick the area that was pierced, as well as the presence of blood vessels in the spot. Ear piercings performed on the earlobe are the quickest to heal at around two to three months. The ones that hit the cartilage, like the tragus and daith piercings, take longer (about four to six months). Helix types can take up to a year to heal. Except to clean them using a saline solution, piercees are advised to leave their piercings alone to speed up the healing.



The different styles of combination ear piercings.
Source


Your own personal style can dictate the best piercing combination for you

If you’re not sure which look you should go for, you can base it around what type of fashion appeals to you. Whether you’re a fan of big and bold looks, or something more subdued, your piercer can help you come up with the right combination that would look best on you. You can also take a look at this article to get ideas.


Having new earrings and piercings means you need to shop for new earring display tools as well, so let us help you find the right one (or two) over at Nile Corp.

Monday, May 4, 2020

5 Curious Facts You Need to Know About Emeralds

We’re shining the spotlight today on May’s birthstone.


A close up photo of an emerald and diamond ring and necklace while being worn.
Source

The month of May is right smack in the middle of the spring season – an appropriate time for a green-colored gemstone to be celebrated. With its striking beauty that evokes the beauty of nature, let’s look at some curious facts about emeralds.


They’re usually more expensive than diamonds

We’ve always considered diamonds as the most sought-after stones on the planet so it’s natural to assume that they’re also the most expensive. Surprisingly, because emeralds are much rarer than diamonds, that also makes them a lot more expensive. In fact, they’re actually the rarest type of gemstone that even in established emerald mines found in Africa, Central and South America, you’ll have difficulty finding them in good quality conditions. Try to see and visit a jewelry store online to compare prices and be surprised by your discovery.

So what determines the value of an emerald?


An emerald crystal displayed on a rock.
Source

The four “Cs” determine an emerald stone’s value

Cut, clarity, color, and carat are the four factors used to decide on the stone’s value. Of these four, color is given the most weight. Top-quality emeralds sport a vivid green or bluish-green shade.

It must be noted, however, that it is very rare to find a perfect emerald (hence making them more valuable than diamonds). Emeralds are often found with “inclusions” or tiny bits of fissures or cracks inside. They are considered flaws if found in other gemstones but inclusions actually add a bit of charm to emeralds. In fact, gemologists call them “jardin” which is the French word for “garden.”


The royals love them

The Egyptian queen Cleopatra was said to love emeralds so much that she reportedly owned all the emerald mines during her time. In modern times, the UK’s Queen Elizabeth II loaned her granddaughter, Princess Eugenie, the Greville Emerald Kokoshnik Tiara for her wedding in 2018. First created in 1919, the tiara is a family heirloom and features diamonds set in platinum, including a 93.7-carat oval-shaped emerald as a centerpiece. Curiously, the tiara has never been worn by the Queen. As for its price? Jewelers estimate it to be around $6.5 million and $13 million. Certainly having an emerald amongst your jewelry display collection instantly gives you an instant queenly appeal.


They were once believed to have mystical powers

Old traditions consider gems and stones to possess powers and the emerald is no exception. It is said that emeralds can help find out if your partner’s love for you is genuine. Another superstition surrounding the gemstone is that it is believed to give its wearer enhanced mental abilities including the power to see into the future.


An everyday household item helps them last longer

Coating your emeralds with baby oil helps prevent them from going brittle. For cleaning, all you need is water and a soft cloth. Ironically, cleaning and maintenance for this expensive stone are pretty cheap.


You don’t need to have a treasure trove of emeralds and precious stones to explore our store’s offerings for you, so why not visit Nile Corp today!