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Daily Wire Tip Nov. 22: What`s a Personal Jewelry Artist?

By on November 22, 2009
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Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
November 22, 2009

Question:

I was reading on your web page that if you don`t like making jewelry for stores you can become a personal jewelry artist. Does that mean that your customer would come up with their own design and you would make it for them?

Answer:

Although I did not write the information you are referring to, I can respond with my personal experience.

There are many different venues you can use to sell your work as a wire jewelry artist. The one you read about refers to selling your work ‘wholesale’, which is a great opportunity if you enjoy making a lot of the same design, over and over again and can make them quickly and consistently. Most stores are looking to purchase a ‘line’, meaning the pieces can be offered in either gold-filled or sterling silver and all look about the same, with the exception of maybe the stone used.

To me, a ‘personal’ jewelry artist is someone who makes what they want to make, and finds other areas to sell their work such as home shows, consignment boutiques, galleries and craft and art shows. At these locations a true wire jewelry artist welcomes the opportunity to take and create custom orders. This is when the customer does describe what they would like and the artist explains what they can do with regards to the customer’s requests, and not only is a great relationship formed, but the artist expands their techniques and skills while making a ‘new’ design.

Answer contributed by Dale `Cougar` Armstrong

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6 Comments

  1. avatar

    Tracey

    November 22, 2009 at 10:18 pm

    My answer to this question is how I operate myself. A client approaches me to make a piece for a friend, girlfriend, wife, etc. I ask about the person they are wanting it for, eg, their favourite colours, their personalities, likes, dislikes. I even ask what kind of music they like (perhaps its grung, or pop, jazz?) I get as much information as I possibly can, and then I will work on a design that I feel will suit their personality. Each piece is original, which the clients love.

    • avatar

      Craig

      September 26, 2014 at 5:48 pm

      Good job, but I go one step further. I find out what type of clothes the person likes to wear. That could make a difference in their likes and dislikes.

      If the person likes the design, they will send you at least three customers.

  2. avatar

    Dalecgr

    November 24, 2009 at 1:20 pm

    Yeah Tracy! That’s exacty what I do as well. And isn’t it amazing when folks are blown away by how the piece you made comes out perfect about every time?!
    Dale/Cgr

  3. avatar

    Craig

    September 26, 2014 at 5:51 pm

    I get a vast thrill just seeing the reaction of satisfied customers.

  4. avatar

    Sue Johnson

    December 31, 2015 at 9:16 am

    When a customer can’t come to the studio, I go to them. By spending time in their home you can see how they live & what’s special to them. I’ve had customers say they appreciate this service as their time is important, too. I’ll bring samples of metals, stones, etc. for them to make their choices, besides being able to sketch out some ideas. Just remember not to overstay your visit – it’s easy to do when your customers become friends!

  5. avatar

    Kat

    April 3, 2016 at 7:18 am

    “Really Like Reading Your Opinions +++++.
    Please Don’t Stop.