Archive for the ‘how to make jewelry’ Category

Are you setting up an an online shop? If not you should consider doing so, as you will receive considerable higher traffic which will generate into more sales. If you are not sure you’d like to spend the money on your own domain right now, Etsy is a good website for this. You can set up your own online shop relatively easy, and they also have a great support network and feature many artists and their wares on their main page.
Having said that, there are more to setting up shop than putting your wares online. You need to be very organized, keep track of your purchases and your stock. How much money are you spending vs. earning? You can start by keeping all your receipts in an excel sheet, and creating various tabs for various expenses. This should keep you on track and on budget even online. If you are interested in reading more in depth articles on this and other topics related to setting up shop online, check out the following resources I have pasted below.
Best of luck to you!!!

Jewellery making articles and setting up shop
http://www.stonesandfindings.com/jewelry-making-articles

Looking to buy an Irish Claddagh ring for my girlfriend for valentines day. I have the choice between a sterling silver ring coated in thick white gold or one that is simply sterling silver. I know nothing about jewelry Can anyone tell me which one would be better?

the white gold plating will add a ‘colder’ color to the silver and will prevent tarnish for as long as it’s there. ‘Thick’ plating means nothing unless it states how thick it actually is. Sterling silver has a warmer color and will scratch a bit easier. It will also tarnish (turn black) after a while, but that is easily cleaned off and with regular wear shouldn’t be too much of an issue.

How long will the plating last? That depends on the thickness of the plating, how regularly the ring is worn and what type of activities your girlfriend does with the ring on (gardening etc.).

I personally don’t like the white gold plating. To me, the silver looks like rhodium plated costume jewelry. I like the way silver ‘ages’. The little scratches, the bit of tarnish that will sit in the scratches etc. It gives the jewelry real personality.

Does anyone know how to make jewelry shiny again, my necklace just keeps getting darker

First it depends on the type of jewelry. Is it 10K or 14 K gold, sterling silver, or fashion jewelry.

Gold like silver does tarnish. The best advice for cleaning gold is to take it to a jeweler. They can polish it to make it look like new again. Also, you may be able to buy a jewelry cleaner from them. Only use a cleaner your jeweler recommends. There is not much I recommend for gold because a lot of cheap cleaners on the market are corrosive to both silver and gold. I have used tarnx (when used correctly it works, follow the instructions carefully), but it still won’t give it that shine a jeweler can.

For sterling silver, you can quickly dip it in tarnx and rinse it off well. Make sure it is thoroughly dried. Also, you can make a paste with baking soda and water to clean silver. Rub it on and rinse. That works quite well.

If it is fashion jewelry, there is not much you can do. You can use tarnx. sometimes it works. Put some on a rag and rub it on the jewelry, rinse it well, and dry it well. After a while though fashion jewelry will "turn" and won’t be able to be cleaned.

A word of advice, moisture is bad. Make sure you completely dry your jewelry. Also when using tarnx, do not let it soak in it. Follow the instructions carefully. tarnx will damage pearls and some stones like turquoise. Never clean jewelry with bleach.

I know it’s difficult to get into this industry everywhere. But I’ve already graduated in this field and have some experience. Suggestions on locations, companies…etc

Thanks!

If you are travelling to Italy, I would suggest you put together a portfolio of your work, and call each company to set up a brief meeting if possible. I am sure, many will say no but don’t get discouraged! I will be honest, it is quite hard to start up in a big company like Bulgari right off the bat. Chances are unless you’re related to the designer, you will have to work your way up in the ranks before you make it where you’d like to be. Unfortunately in fashion and accessories, it is VERY competitive, and you must be doing something extremely unique to attract attention and be VERY persuasive and, as rude as it sounds, pestering. If you rejected, don’t be discouraged. Call again, until you get an appointment but always be very polite. Eventually you should get through.
Another good suggestion would be to visit some of the smaller boutiques that carry accessories and ask them if they are willing to either carry your line, or if they are independent designers, if they are looking to hire someone to be on their team. It’s worth a shot. You get some experience in Italy and only good can come of it later.

Best of luck!

I understand that you have to already have a website but how to I go about setting one up is it that easy? Help would be appreciated

First of all what kind of website are you interested in creating? One that just showcases your jewellery or one that has a shopping cart? The shopping cart ones are more expensive and harder to set up. If you’re just starting to sell jewelry, I would suggest you start with a blog that you can cheaply and easily set up. Blogger would be one such place. Alternatively, you can set up an account on Etsy (www.etsy.com) where you can sell your wares for free, among many other friendly designers who love to make handmade items.
As for Amazon, I am pretty sure they pick and choose who they carry, as in they have a buyer who goes out every 3-6 months and picks the brands. Still, if you have a great portfolio I would contact their sales & PR department and try to get an interview. Just make sure you have GREAT photos or samples and you are 100% READY.

Best of luck !!!

My fiance has an old gold and diamond ring that belonged to his father who passed away when he was 9. He wants it to be made into another ring for his wedding band. How much does it cost to have custom jewelry made?

Cost can range, but if you have the stone and some gold then you are in good shape. If you want a true custom piece then look for a jeweler that either has a cad/cam for designing jewelery or someone that hand carves waxes.

i bought a piece of jewelry i want to find if it is real gold or is it just plated with gold

You need stronger acids to test jewelry. Nitric acid and sulfuric acids are used to tell karat gold jewelry.

What is the reaction taking place?
i know its oxidation i’m more wondering chemically how it is happening.

oxidation

I got my ear pierced with a barbell and it’s been six weeks so I can remove it now… but I don’t know how O:
it’s a straight barbell.
And I tried twisting it but it just made my ear hurt…

Go back to your piercer,
and tell him/her to take it out.
Just screw of the little ball things.
ORR get like a pliers or something and twist the one end off.
(:

We will be going on 4 months when Christmas comes around. I have pretty much made up my mind that I am getting her jewelry. I don’t want to spend a fortune but i also don’t want to be the cheap boyfriend. Girls let me know what you would want from your boyfriend. Let me know if you would rather a necklace or a bracelet and what style and all that stuff. And by the way we are both 15 almost 16 Thanks and i appreciate it.

Im a guy but i highly suggest Zales. You can get something for 60 bucks or 70 bucks that makes a great gift and looks really nice.