[Jewelry making - Article 00710] - Re: [Orchid] Wholesaling one-offs

[Nanz Aalund]

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To all,

    I have followed this thread with interest. A lot of good information
    has been offered. I have noticed that there does seem to be confusion
    between the terms "one-of-a-kind", "limited edition", and "production
    line." 

    I was always taught by the master goldsmiths I apprenticed under
    (who where the owners of an up-scale Mom and Pop jewelry store) that
    the one-of-a-kind piece was the icing on the cake. It was the top of
    the pyramid, something you would get to make once all your other
    basic needs and customers where taken care of. And they meant that it
    was truly a one-of-a-kind, and NOT one of several just like it or
    similar to it. Generally with 3 or more jewelry items that are
    similar in design to each other, even though each is slightly unique,
    these items are grouped as a "limited edition." 

    On the topic of art galleries... 

    I have never bothered trying to place my work with "Art" galleries
    as most people shopping for jewelry don't go looking for jewelry in
    an "Art" gallery. I have had good sales placing my more artistic work
    (as of late mostly limited editions) in privately owned AGS or Guild
    (high-end) jewelry stores. Most of these kinds of jewelry stores are
    owned by individuals who are passionate about the jewelry they carry.
    Also, it has been my experience that the jewelry store owner will
    offer to purchase up to 30% of the items, if I agree leave more with
    them on consignment. 

    No doubt about it, this is a hard business to make a good living in!
    A good plan is to diversify your income with teaching, publishing,
    freelance design and commission work. This is the "bread and butter"
    that makes the icing on the cake "one-of-a-kind" piece possible. 

    Remember Marie Antoinette, when she was told her people had no bread
    to eat, she said "let them eat cake!" To my mind trying to build a
    jewelry business on one-of=ADa-kinds is like saying "let them eat
    icing," let's not lose our heads. ;~} 

Nanz Aalund
Associate Editor / Art Jewelry magazine
21027 Crossroads Circle / Waukesha WI 53187-1612
262.796.8776 ext. 228

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