Imitation and Faux Jewelry Sales Up

Executive Summary about Jewelry Sales By April Babish

This past year one thing that didn't slow down with the reeling economy was the sale of imitation and faux jewelry. There are several reasons this trend continued to rise in 2008 and we expect it to rise even more in 2009.

One of the major reasons that imitation jewelry and faux jewelry sales jumped again in 2008 was that the product continues to get better and better. As short as 5 years ago you could easily tell the difference between imitation or faux jewelry and the real thing. Back then manufacturers still used lower quality silver that became discolored and chipped easily. Today these manufactures use .925 sterling silver for the majority of the ring settings and other unique pieces. The technology used for imitation and faux rubies and CZ was also much more limited. Secondly, the struggling economy has caused a spike in the imitation and faux jewelry sales. Back in the ''dot com boom'' of the late 90's and early 2000's many more people had an expendable income. These people often turned to expensive jewelry, sunglasses and handbags as a way to flaunt their current success and riches. Being caught wearing imitation or faux jewelry was a big no-no back then. Many people are being forced to penny pinch and keep a close eye on their budgets. One way of getting around this issue is by purchasing imitation and faux jewelry as new additions to their collection. They realize this will save them potentially thousands of dollars a year, without having to completely give up their jewelry fix.

According to most major studies imitation and faux jewelry sales were up a staggering 42% for 2008. Due to both items mentioned above I believe this number will grow again in 2009. Look for a 15% increase in 2009 and join the growing trend of imitation and faux jewelry.

How to Increase Your Handmade Jewelry Sales at Craft Shows

Executive Summary about Jewelry Sales By Jennifer Hisir

Here are some tips to increase your handmade jewelry sales at craft shows. With over 25 years of experience selling handcrafted jewelry at craft fairs there are many important marketing techniques that many people overlook.

Many exhibitors make the mistake of putting a table at the front of their booth. Booth space is small so you must use every inch wisely.

Group your items so people looking for certain designs will easily find the matching handmade bracelets and handcrafted necklaces for the handmade earrings they have chosen.

Along the same lines, wear your own handmade jewelry. People love to see how the handmade earrings and handmade bracelets look like on. Many times sales are made of the same items you are wearing at the craft show.

Lighting is very important. Craft shows are known for poor lighting so you must use extra lights to make sure your booth stands out from the crowd. Well placed lighting can make an incredible difference in your sales.

Always welcome people into your booth, being friendly and sincere will increase your sales. People come to craft shows to meet the artist so each handmade jewelry piece has special meaning when they have talked to the artist.

If there is a break in the traffic, have some work ready. Nothing attracts people to your booth then seeing you making the handcrafted jewelry right there. Carry a box with some tools, supplies as well as handmade earrings and handmade bracelets pieces. People who stop to watch will soon become customers.

Do not ever read a book or newspaper at a craft show. Every little thing counts when displaying handmade jewelry at craft shows. Try a few of these tips and see the dramatic effects small details can have on handcrafted jewelry sales.

The artisans of copperreflections.com have been making handmade jewelry and unique gift ideas since 1985. Inspired by the beauty of wildlife, nature and Native Peoples of North America, each piece is carefully designed and handcrafted especially for you. Our designs are silver plated and diamond cut on copper handcrafted jewelry and unique gift ideas.