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Tips for Attending Gemstone Shows
If you've been to gem shows, you know how overwhelming and
daunting they can be. Although it's difficult to narrow down all
those tempting options, your jewelry business profit margin will
be greater if you plan ahead and focus on shopping for a
particular line and color scheme of jewelry. You must keep the
bigger picture in mind and try to keep your emotions out of the
design process. Here are some tips for defining your market and
researching it so that you can walk in and out of a gemstone show
feeling confident in the business investments you've just
made.
What Is a Gem Show?
Gemstone shows and fairs are marketplaces for vendors of
gemstones, findings, jewelry supplies, and tools. Due to the
large amount of competition between the vendors, prices tend to
be competitive. I've found unbelievable deals on high quality
gemstones and findings at gem shows.
How Do I Find the Nearest Gem Show?
To find gem shows near you, you can simply do a Google search
for "gemstone show" or "gem fair". Other sources of information
are your local convention and visitors' bureau and any lapidary
clubs in your area.
Is There an Admission Fee?
Anyone can attend most gemstone shows. Although you don't
usually need a wholesale license to get in, some vendors may ask
for your resale permit before letting you buy at wholesale
prices. Show admission fees tend to be in the $5 to $10 dollar
range.
Define Your Market Ahead of Time
What market are you trying to target with your jewelry? Don't
try to please everyone. Are you trying to appeal to individuals
like yourself? What age bracket are you trying to reach? Does
your jewelry line appeal to funky or traditional individuals?
Research Your Market
Next take a trip to your local department store and take note
of the colors that are being used for the upcoming season. Look
at the jewelry and observe the lengths of the earrings/necklaces,
the sizes of the stones, and the other various style elements for
the season. While your designs should not be copies or replicas
of the jewelry in the stores, you can simply incorporate the
observations you make into your own original design ideas.
Fashion and jewelry magazines are also a great place to find out
what trends are coming into the stores.
Attending the Gem Show
There will be an overwhelming array of gemstones and supplies
at the show. Having a jewelry line style and color scheme in mind
will allow you to narrow your focus. Vendors will offer gemstones
in more shapes, sizes, cuts and colors than you can imagine.
Stick to the colors you've mapped out for yourself and walk
through the entire gem show once before buying anything. Jot down
and compare the prices of items that you're interested in.
Then take a break, go outside for some fresh air, and reflect
on the items you saw and really liked. Then review your budget
and the jewelry line you have in mind before returning into the
gemstone show. This will help you get the best deals on the items
you're most interested in, so that you don't blow your budget or
become overwhelmed by the options.
Author Melissa Jeffries of Turquoise Sands Jewelry creates
colorful, vibrant gemstone jewelry that inspires exotic elegance.
All pieces are inspired by the beautiful landscapes of the
tropics. Her jewelry has been described as "unique, dangly,
chunky, artsy and just fun!" Visit http://www.Turquoisesands.com
to see Melissa's creations.
 MORE RESOURCES updated Fri. September / 29 / 2023
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