The jewelry trade includes the creation, sale, repair and wholesale of jewelry. There are numerous options for those interested in pursuing a career within the industry, from entry-level salespeople to corporate management positions. The jewelry business can be lucrative, especially for those who are able to establish themselves as trusted sources of quality products and services.
Jewelry can be made from a variety of materials, including gold, diamonds, gemstones and beads. It can be created in various styles, from large artsy statement pieces to delicate, feminine pieces. Many jewelry sellers specialize in one particular style or material. Others choose to focus on one particular type of jewelry, such as engagement rings, heirloom pieces or fashion accessories.
For those who enjoy the creative process of designing and crafting jewelry, it can be a rewarding career. Jewelry makers can find success by selling their work at local boutiques, gift shops and online. In addition to e-commerce platforms, many social media channels now come with marketplace features that can be used to sell jewelry directly to consumers. This can be a great option for small, independent jewelry businesses that want to scale their operations without having to invest in a physical location.
If you have an established jewelry brand or store, you can also choose to open your own brick-and-mortar location. This option can be very rewarding, but requires substantial financial investments. Many jewelry stores and brands opt to open a location in a popular shopping center or mall to maximize exposure to potential customers.
Another option for jewelry sellers is to utilize an auction website. There are a number of popular online auction sites that allow jewelry sellers to post their inventory for sale to a global audience. The cost of listing and transaction fees can be expensive, however, and you should research the competition before posting your jewelry for auction.
You can also sell jewelry through an established consignment company. The RealReal and eBay are two examples of popular jewelry-selling consignment platforms that offer buyers and sellers varying commission rates. It is important to research the consignment company that you choose to sell your jewelry through so that you can be confident in their reputation and track record.
When determining the value of a piece of jewelry, it is important to consider all of the components that went into its construction. For example, if you create a necklace that features a rare gemstone, you may need to spend a significant amount of money on the mounting for it. In some cases, the mounting can actually add to the value of the piece.
It is important to remember that a jewelry item is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. If a jeweler or appraiser sees that a ring has been discounted significantly from its original appraisal price, they will not be likely to purchase it. In this case, it is important to get the ring or other item independently appraised before offering it for sale.
