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.

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.

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.

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!

How to Take Care of Your Engagement Ring

Make sure to hold on to this precious piece of jewelry.

A person holding an engagement ring, waiting to surprise his/her partner with a proposal.

Before your Big Day, it’s safe to say that your engagement ring is the most precious item in your jewelry collection. Therefore, you must do everything to keep it safe and intact as much as possible. Follow our tips below on how you can take care of your engagement ring, and by the way, congratulations on your engagement!


Wear it at all times

You run the risk of forgetting the ring when you take it off, so to avoid that, just keep on wearing it especially in public. However, there are exceptions to the rule: take off your ring when taking a bath or shower, and also when you’re washing your hands or doing household chores as the ring can slip off and/or get washed down the drain. Just remember to leave it somewhere safe (preferably in the box it came with). Store it away from prying eyes, if possible, and don’t get it mixed up with your earring display, bracelet bars, and other jewelry display tools.


Keep it out of reach of children or pets

Another reason why you should store away your ring in a safe place when you do take it off is to keep it away from someone or something who may take an interest in playing with it, and yes we’re talking about kids and pets. The ring’s small size makes it prone to losing, or worse, getting swallowed during play so hide it away where they are not easily reached by the little ones at home.


Take your ring to a professional for cleaning

We are not talking about any ordinary ring, so to keep things in tip-top shape leave it to a professional cleaner to do the work for you. He/she will know what to do to keep your engagement ring damage-free.


Avoid touching the center stone

Gemstones easily attract dirt, sweat, and body oil which you are capable of transferring to it when you touch it. If you have to remove your ring, just remember to hold on to the sides and carefully wiggle it out for removal.


A couple kissing, with the woman showing off her engagement ring while covering their faces.

Buy insurance for the ring

Even if you practice all these tips to protect your ring, sometimes accidents still happen. Add another layer of protection to your jewelry by purchasing insurance for it. In fact, purchasing insurance for your entire jewelry collection is not a bad idea at all. Having your ring insured protects it from loss, damage, or theft – just remember to read through the fine print to make sure all bases are covered.

Once you get married, you and your partner must also purchase insurance for your wedding rings.

Instagram Marketing Techniques for Jewelers

Advice to capture your audience in a snap.



A person holding a smartphone with the Instagram homepage onscreen.

Expanding your business beyond your brick and mortar is a wise and necessary move these days. With the technology available within our reach, you simply cannot miss out on the many wonderful opportunities waiting for you online. In the case of Instagram, its reliance on visual content makes it the perfect venue for jewelers to promote their wares to a wider audience. It’s definitely a worthy business decision whether you’ve been online for a long time or are just about to dip your toes in social media’s waters.

Learn the right way of capturing the beauty of your merchandise, as well as potential customers, in this popular app.



Show your audience what goes on behind the scenes
Instagram is one of the go-to social media sites for creatives and lifestyle content, so why not create content that revolves around those two areas? You can tap into these topics by showing the process that went into the creation of your jewelry pieces. Through a video or a series of photos, you can show the inspiration and craftsmanship that went into the making of a particular piece. When done well, it will convey to the audience the care and dedication that your brand has to your works.




A pair of hands with rings on each hands and reaching out to pink flowers.


Run contests on your account

Maintaining an open and friendly image is a great way to keep loyal customers as well as reach new ones. As a way to give thanks to your long-time supporters, why not run a contest on your Instagram account? You can ask them for photos of them wearing your merchandise, or you can also challenge their creative muscles by having them participate in DIY contests such as design challenges that involve their jewelry display tools. Make sure to showcase the best works on your account and reward them for a job well done.



Promote in-person store events

Don’t forget to tap this online platform to promote store events and promotions. You can create teasers in the days leading up to the event, or post promo codes that your followers can use to avail discounts and prizes when they come to your store. It’s a great way to promote your business’ events without paying for ad space like you would in newspapers or broadcast media.



Remember to stick to a color palette or style when posting content

Having a uniform look to your posts helps establish your brand’s identity so make sure to choose one that matches the image you want to project to your audience. Choose a palette or filter to establish your brand’s aesthetic and remember to stick to it whenever you create a post. Beyond the design elements of your posts, the way you communicate should also be consistent all throughout. So if you choose to go with a friendly, youthful tone that’s how you’re going to be crafting your captions in all your posts. For more tips on how you can create your IG aesthetic, check out this article from Later.

Inspirational Tips for Jewelry Creators

Helpful exercises if you find yourself in a creative slump.


A variety of pastel-colored beads

On most days you may feel like you’re bursting with ideas and concepts. Like an Energizer bunny, you may find yourself creating one jewelry piece after another. You just keep on going and going, never stopping to take a pause and rest. At other times, you may also find yourself with zero motivation and inspiration to create anything. It feels like no matter what you do you find yourself hitting a wall whenever you try to sit down and work.

You’ll be glad to know that both are legitimate feelings. All creatives do go through slumps and we understand that, hence, this article. Whether your struggles come from something physical or mental there are helpful exercises to help you bounce back.


Divert your attention from the task at hand

You don’t have to force yourself to work on your craft if you’re struggling through it. Instead, you can transfer your attention to something creative that doesn’t involve jewelry making. You can paint, sew, or cook if you know how. You can also choose to watch a movie or series and open yourself to different visuals for inspiration. You can also take a walk around your home or yard if you have one and just take in the beauty of your surroundings. Forcing yourself to do something you are not in the mood for will only leave you resentful. Taking a breather might just be what you need to rejuvenate your creative juices.


A collection of items: pen, journal, pastel-colored crystals and envelopes.

Write down your thoughts

Feeling stuck creatively can be an unpleasant experience. Free up the noise in your head by putting your thoughts into paper. It doesn’t have to be a structured piece – just be free and let your thoughts flow on paper. It doesn’t even have to be words. Doodling or sketching, in particular, is a great exercise to get your creative juices flowing.


Take yourself out on a (virtual) field trip

While a trip to an art museum or visiting a jewelry store is a great creativity-booster for any jeweler, due to lockdowns currently happening in many parts of the country those excursions may have to wait until things have settled back to normal. Thankfully, museums and many other attractions can be viewed from home during this quarantine period through virtual tours. Another great source of inspiration for jewelers is Pinterest. You may find yourself browsing through the app for hours with the many DIY tips on jewelry making and jewelry display ideas you can learn from it.


A person writing on a notebook, in front of a laptop with coffee on the side.

Enroll in classes online

For some, a lull in their production might mean there’s a need to upskill their talents. Fortunately, online tutorials abound online. You can find plenty of learning opportunities on jewelry making in sites like Udemy and Skillshare.


Just take it easy and wait for inspiration to come

Alternatively, you can just take this time to rest if you’re having trouble trying to come up with ideas for your craft. At this point in time, being kind to one’s self can help ease a lot of the tensions and anxieties you might be feeling so just take it easy for now. Allow yourself to slow it down and wait for inspiration to come.

The Benefits of Burlap Jewelry Displays

Shopping for a new jewelry display tool? This unique and versatile cloth will win you over.

Burlap Jewelry Display 19-Piece Set
Burlap Jewelry Display 19-Piece Set*

Looking for a new jewelry display set for your store or personal collection? Make your jewelry pieces stand out with an earthy, natural vibe with burlap jewelry displays.

Here are a few reasons why we think this unique fabric deserves a spot or two in your jewelry shop and home.



It’s an eco-friendly option

Every effort to minimize waste is a good move in our humble opinion. Thankfully, burlap is one such option that lets you do that. It’s made out of natural fabric that’s 100% biodegradable, so you wouldn’t have to worry about producing additional damage to our ecosystem. With burlap jewelry displays, you can say goodbye to wasteful consumption.


Deluxe Burlap Necklace Box
Deluxe Burlap Necklace Box*


It’s stylish and versatile

Whether your aesthetic is nature-inspired, boho, or glam, burlap jewelry displays have got you covered. They have a flexible look that suits any jewelry style, so it’ll match your collection whether they’re chunky pieces or the girly and dainty-type of jewelry.

They also come in various shapes and sizes. From T-bars to easels, ring risers and storage boxes (like the one shown above), you are sure to find the one your heart desires when you visit our site today.




It’s simple and elegant

If you are a shop owner and you’ve been looking for ways to increase sales for your jewelry store, you won’t go wrong if you choose a burlap jewelry display for your merchandise. The fabric’s neutral shade that comes in earth tones is sure to make any piece of jewelry pop, making it a great business investment.


Burlap Linen Ring Display with Square Base Stand
Burlap Linen Ring Display with Square Base Stand*


It’s useful and practical

As a jewelry business and/or collector, you would want your choice of jewelry display tools to remain free from dirt or imprints. With its coarse texture, burlap is a natural fabric that is set to withstand rough handling. Originally used as material for sacks to carry rice and sugar, burlap is low-maintenance and doesn’t retain fingerprint marks. This makes jewelry displays that are made in this fabric a wise buy.


*Available on the Nile Corp website.

Display Techniques for Stone Jewelry

Follow these tips to make your jewelry collection pop.

Rings with large gemstone centers being worn by a person in a turquoise dress.

Nothing beats stone jewelry when you want your outfit to make a statement. A well-chosen stone can be your jewelry piece’s center of attention, so you better make sure you’re ready for the limelight.

Don’t forget to give your stone jewelry the care and attention it deserves once you’ve gone home and taken them off. Make sure they remain the beautiful pieces that they are even if you’re not out and using them. Follow these jewelry display ideas and use them on your collection.


Hang them loose on metal holders

Gemstones are often used as a centerpiece of jewelry pieces that hang. You can find them as pendants for necklaces or earrings, or as charms in bracelets. The best way to display these styles is by hanging them loose using metal holders. You can truly appreciate their beauty as they resemble hanging trinkets on these metal jewelry displays.


Girl in a black tank top wearing a gemstone necklace.

Go for monochromatic easels and pads

Stone jewelry brings flair and drama to an otherwise boring outfit, so it makes sense to use plain backgrounds to show off their beauty and radiance. Your best bets are those that come in neutral shades like white, cream, or black as it would create a nice contrast to colored stones. Using printed fabrics would be an absolute design faux pas so avoid them as much as possible.


For individual stones and crystals, you can…


Display them as part of a shrine or vignette

Gemstones and crystals aren’t just found on pieces of jewelry. Nowadays, they have also become decorative items that many collectors are proud to show off in their homes. One of the most clever ways of incorporating them into your interior design is by making them a key piece of a vignette. You can designate an area in your home for this project using items that hold a special meaning to you. For inspiration, have a look at samples in this Pinterest album.


A variety of crystals displayed against a green and lavender pastel background.

Store them in stone organizer boxes

However, if you prefer to store them away for safekeeping, your best tools to do the job are stone organizer boxes. This will ensure each of the stones and crystals in your collection has a designated compartment to keep them safe from rubbing up against each other. These storage boxes come with a see-through top so you can easily view them without taking them out.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Using Necklace Displays

Tips for everyone using this essential jewelry display tool.



Close up of a woman showing off her necklace.

For jewelry retailers, it is important to showcase their merchandise in the best way possible so they can attract customers. While jewelry by itself is beautiful, the right tools and techniques can further enhance their appearance assuring businesses of sales and profit.

If you're in this industry, make sure you’re doing everything right by reading this article and learning the rules of using necklace display tools.



DO take the time to plan out their placement and spacing

A little goes a long way when it comes to product placement. Remember that it’s never a good idea to pile on your jewelry display tools with too many pieces. You wouldn’t want your necklaces getting tangled up or for the holder to topple over from heaviness, so just put enough then move the excess to another necklace display stand.

It’s also a bad move to overcrowd a table or display case with jewelry pieces and their respective holders. Make sure there’s space in between items as clutter is unsightly and may turn off potential customers. Maximizing your store’s area, like using the walls to display your items, can help free up crowded areas.

For high-end items, having a special room for viewing will not only help minimize clutter in your store’s main display area, but it also adds another layer of protection for your store, crew, and customers.



Blonde woman in white holding up her necklace.


DO think about cohesion when grouping things together

Mixing and matching is the name of the game when choosing which items go together. Similar pieces or styles can be grouped together to form themed areas around your store, like dedicating a space for turquoise jewelry, for example. But also remember that together with the props displayed alongside your jewelry merchandise, your themed displays should make sense to appeal to customers. Never mix two pieces that don’t match (eg. tribal necklaces with diamonds) or use backdrops that clash with your merchandise.



DO use the right-sized necklace display tools for your merchandise

Again, the right matching matters and when it comes to sizes you need to pair up jewelry pieces to the appropriately-sized jewelry display tool. Chunky necklaces would look great on bust-type jewelry holders, while the more dainty ones are fit for boards or mannequins.




DON’T forget to refresh your displays often

Make sure your customers have something new to look forward to whenever they come into your store. This doesn’t mean changing placements or your jewelry showcase every week. You just have to make sure you refill empty spaces vacated by sold items or changing up your store’s merchandise highlights each month.



Various jewelry pieces on display.
Source


DON’T be afraid to mix up jewelry displays with different heights

Variety livens up a retail display so make sure to generate interest by using heights to create dimensions. A great example would be the use of different ring risers of varying heights. In the case of necklace displays, you can do this by placing easels on different levels for variation or combining different types of necklace display tools together as long as they don’t clash with each other.



DON’T just use any type of lighting source or technique

You need to take the time to think about what kind of lighting works best for your displays. Your best bet would be LED lighting as they give off a white cast that makes your jewelry merchandise dazzle more. They are also much more energy-efficient which would give you savings when you get your electricity bill each month. When it comes to light placements, remember to avoid putting them in places where they may cast a shadow on your merchandise.