Shalana (a.k.a. "The Funky Felter") recently posted an excellent guide on her blog about How to Get Started in Wholesale for Your Indie Business.

She's put together a wealth of information in this concise, step-by-step article - along with several helpful resources.

I want to thank Shalana for including two of my articles in her list of wholesale resources!

If you've had any thoughts about selling your jewelry wholesale, be sure to stop by the Funky Felter and check out her article.

Jo Guerra of JoJewelry has been importing and selling sterling silver jewelry, costume jewelry and accessories for over fifteen years.

She now travels several times a year to import unique jewelry designs in sterling silver and costume jewelry from India, Thailand and other foreign countries.

Jo's new blog, Wholesale Jewelry, features interesting stories and tips from her adventures in importing jewelry from other countries.

It's a fascinating read while you wait for Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull to open on May 22!

When she first began importing jewelry, Jo struggled to find suppliers.  However, the Internet and foreign jewelry shows now make it much easier to connect with sources.

Recently Jo shared a bit of her journey in Importing Jewelry - Finding Suppliers In Foreign Countries.

What's the best thing about being a professional jewelry designer?

"What I like best about working in design is being creative, and ultimately when you see your product in a store it brings a satisfaction that I cannot begin to explain. It's so gratifying to know that you created that design from concept to final approval - and then there it is in stores across the country!"

Read the rest of an insightful interview with a successful jewelry designer:

An Inside Look at Jewelry Design - Interview with Jewelry Designer Fernanda Medina.

Anne Rush of The Savvy Designer shares her fascinating chat with Fernanda, in this peek inside the professional jewelry design world.

Recently I interviewed jewelry sales rep Jo-Ann Gibbons, to find out what this type of selling arrangement is like from the rep's perspective.

Specifically, I wanted to know: what can a jewelry artist do to help the sales rep sell more jewelry?

Jo-Ann's insightful answers contain several gems, such as:

"If the products are new or the jeweler is new to the public, I suggest a laminated Introduction Card introducing the jeweler, nicely displayed among the jewelry.

"Also an introduction to the jewelry itself - discussing the stones and other materials used, the quality, free of nickel & lead, etc. This takes the pressure off the selling clerks, and describes the jewelry for sale."

Read the entire interview here:

Interview with a Jewelry Sales Rep.

Jo-Ann now represents Fifth Avenue Collection jewelry.

Are you looking for new local places to sell your jewelry?

Here's a tip from Arriel of Ari Designs:

I had never thought about selling to coffee shops, but they are real gathering places for folks to congregate.

If you can find a coffee shop in your area that sells crafts and jewelry, all the better.

But even if they don't, it's an excellent chance to approach the owner about consigning your jewelry.

Most likely she is looking for ways to attract new customers into her shop, and unless she's already selling a lot of jewelry, I think she'd be happy to work with you.

Even if you don't make full price on your sales (after her commission), it's still a great opportunity to get your jewelry out there on a daily basis in front of new people.

Be sure to leave your business cards next to your jewelry displays so people can contact you.

You could wind up with a whole new customer base!

Thanks so much for this great jewelry marketing tip, Arriel!

If you've tried jewelry consignment in the past and had negative results, you may not want to completely give up on it yet.

In this insightful new article, a jewelry artist shares her renewed approach to consigning her work in shops:
Seeing Jewelry Consignment in a New Light
After a prior bad experience with jewelry consignment, Laura Christensen Wells is trying it again.  See how this time Read more

Question:  My jewelry business is at the point of needing to hire contract labor.  What is the going rate, and how is it usually paid (by the piece or per hour)? Read more

Question: A lady has been selling a small amount of my jewelry from her boutique. She takes nothing from these sales. Now she is going to have a four day Fall Premiere of my jewelry at her shop. I want her to get a fair percentage from these sales. What would be considered a fair share? Read more

Question: I am starting a business wholesaling jewellery. I have got a catalogue and samples, and I also have invoices and order forms. Do I need terms and conditions for the retailer when they place their order or buy from me? Read more