I have some great ideas for some jewelry designs, but don’t know where to start?
Question by Son of Wonder Weirdo: I have some great ideas for some jewelry designs, but don’t know where to start?
I was coming up with some great ideas for some jewelry designs (Mostly rings), and I’d like to start up a business that makes and sells my designs. I just have no idea how to start it up. I don’t know how to get the items made, I don’t know how I can finance the startup (It’s the recession, I’m busted). How could I start up a business like that?
Best answer:
Answer by jmsilver, joeymauer
Good question….
#1-If you can draw, you’re in luck. Drawing out your designs on paper can be a way to direct the creation of finished jewelry.
#2- Find a manufacture to make your stuff. This can be a daunting task. Start with some industry contacts like these guys- http://www.jckonline.com/
Depending on what kind of jewelry you are making, will determine the mfg you choose.
#3- If you’re broke, here’s what I would do. After having your collection made in individual samples, (one each) start shopping it around to local jewelry/specialty stores and take orders. When you get an order, simple turn around and have the manufacture produce the order, and ship it to you, and then deliver it to the jewelry store, and get payment. Make sure when you get your order from the store, to arrange the payment terms as “COD”
You will pay a mfg to set up your molds for each piece. A good mfg will take your drawings, and make patterns, which will also cost money. Today they are making patterns on CAD, so that’s exciting. If you can use cad yourself, then go for it. There are programs out there for jewelry, and then you can have the file sent to the mfg and rendered into a 3D pattern.
By doing it this way, you won’t be investing in equipment or supplies. You will invest in your first samples. With samples in hand, you can get started selling. Without an advertising budget, you could sell online, to stores for wholesale, ebay, amazon, at craft fairs or art fests.
Be aware that many jewelry mfg operations have moved overseas. Thailand, India, and China have captured much of the jewelry mfg market. Some require minimum orders, such as 100 pieces. With the internet, you can easily do business in these countries.
Good Luck!
Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!
Link to this page
