Reduce the Cost of Your Jewelry
by Kathleen
Badeaux
You probably feel that to cut the cost of your jewelry you must
give up some beauty, not always true. Lets say for instance that you have found
a necklace that really is appealing but the cost is a bit more than your budget
will allow. There are a few options that you can investigate with this
particular necklace rather than just giving up on the jewelry or even more
dangerous, spending more than you had planned. This approach requires a little
work on your part but can pay off immediately. As an added benefit the
principles here may not only help you get jewelry that is outside of your
budget but could also reduce the cost of jewelry that you may be prepared to
purchase, now wouldnt that be something to brag about! Obviously the objective
is to save you money on the jewelry that you wish to purchase. It is possible
to achieve your objective and the benefits to this method are that you spend
less and you receive jewelry that is more attractive than you could have ever
wished. The trick, and its not a hard one, is to find a designer that is
willing to work with you. Using these methods you can prioritize the most
important aspects, prioritize the least important aspects, suggest possible
replacements for less important aspects, and offer a possible wish list if your
designer can save enough to include items you would like to see. I have
included a short catalog for your convenience that will transform these methods
into actions; you can modify the procedures to whatever fits in your comfort
zone.
Create Your List
- Your first course of action is
to write down the "critical" components / characteristics that attracted you to
this particular piece of jewelry.
- Next you will want to write down all the
components / characteristics you notice that are "less critical".
- You
can, but its not required, suggest replacements to the areas that are not as
critical or perhaps areas where the attractiveness wont be diminished if a less
costly item is replaced where a more costly item exists. Keep your budget in
mind and remember this is all according to your preferences with or without
input from anyone else
- Finally, include a wish list, you must keep your
budget in mind but here is an area where you can include components /
characteristics or a pattern that may be possible and would increase your
appreciation of the jewelry.
- Check your work. It is very important to
review you work up to this point, look at your list and make updates if needed.
Be honest and realistic for the best results.
- All the hard work is now
completed; its time to have some fun. Create a list combining all the
information youve prioritized. I have included an example with sample
information for your review. Name of Jewelry Piece "Critical" A - Description B
- Description C - Description "Less Critical" - (Replace?) Clasp - (Same size,
less costly) Silver Beads - (Less number) Chain - (Remove) Charms - (Install
type - smaller) Wish List Swarovski Crystals More spacers
You should
include some text below your list to go into more detail, and you can modify
your list as needed to get your point across. Dont forget its alright to leave
a cell blank or to put in a "?" if you have no preference. The purpose of this
list is to prioritize the "critical" and the "less critical" aspects that you
find appealing, this is very important in order to provide the designer with
the information needed to create an item that will satisfy all or as many of
your wants as possible.
Use of Your List
- Email the
particular designer and let them know that you love their piece but you would
like to save money if at all possible. Inform the designer that you have
created a list that they may use to help you achieve your objectives. Be honest
and tell the designer the amount you feel comfortable spending if they can
create a plan that you can approve. Take into account that this is as much
about building a lasting relationship as any other objective.
- More than
likely you will receive a positive response, designer just love to know what
their customers like to see.
- Send your list only if requested, you are
half way there. You have successfully started a professional dialogue and any
designer will try to earn your business, within reason. Keep in mind that most
good designers will refuse to use certain materials; this is a good quality and
helps the designer to establish a certain quality.
- If things work as you
have hoped you will be instructed as to how the designer would like to proceed.
Be prepared to send the full price for the item before it is actually created
but know that it was your suggestions that have guided the design of an item
that you can take special pride in wearing or giving as a special
gift.
If your designer cannot help you, which should only be the case if
you have asked for too much and indicated a price that is too small, you still
have options at your disposal. Look at your list and you will discover that it
also has excellent keyword phrases in order of importance that you can use in
your favorite search. If you use this option consider too that you already have
a list, and maybe with just a little editing (or not), you can start the
process over until you find a designer that can make you happy.
Best of
luck, you can find that special piece of jewelry that really speaks to you. And
always remember "ask and ye shall receive."
Kathleen Badeaux is the designer and owner of Designs by Kath
(http://dbk-beadedjewelry.com), her
pieces always consider style, fashion and beauty! She can be reached at
kath@dbk-beadedjewelry.com.
