Questions?

I am new to  jewelry making, and just took my first class recently. I am interested in creating beaded semi precious jewelry along with gold vermeil and copper accents. Sorry if these questions sound silly, but I am very new to this.

What if I want a pair of earrings made into a interesting design I created or clasps, that I will add beads to, is there someone who can make the clasp or earrings for me out of gold or brass, and I add the beads? Would I supply the brass, gold or silver?
Is this how most jewelry designers that I see in the fashion magazines do it, they create the design and source it out, and maybe to some of the beading?

Are there any sites anyone can recommend that sell good quality gold vermeil and brass findings? Any info would be greatly appreciated—as there is so much out there on the net—it is hard to know where to start. Thanks! '>

[Metalman]

There are decisions and considerations for approaching your stated goals.
1]  The quality level and/or caliber you intend.  What you make your work out of and the quality of craftsmanship as well as fine metals, hard soldering, quality materials determine the your type of work and your pricing.
There are currently several different levels to the jewelry craft and industry.  There is the individual artist/ craftsperson approach. This ranges from the local level with $15 to maybe $200 pieces made of mixed materials, frequently not soldered and using a certain amount of base metals and lower cost beads and materials up to the premier craftsperson level, fabricating individual art metal pieces ranging from $200 to $10,000 depending on materials, quality craftsmanship and reputation.  This is the sort of thing you would see at the American Craft Council Shows and on the cover of Metalsmith Magazine [ the publication of the Society of North American Goldsmiths, SNAG].
Then there is the commercial production level of 'costume jewelry', this is frequently glass stones, crystal beads, base metals with plating and the sort of thing you might find at the lower end jewelry counter at the local department store.  This can somtimes rise to a higher $$ level, mainly driven by brand names and logo placement.  
Then there is the commercial jewelry trade, heavily loades with diamonds and gold, usually somewhat conservative in design and running from $200 up to $$$ dependant mainly on gemstone grading, carats of stone weight, and gold, platinum, paladium, etc.

2] Production costs are a hurdle.  In general if you want to have production work done, the economies of scale make 100 pieces the low end of production run. Many manufacturers will not do a project unless it meets their 'minimums'  This may be as low as $200.  Here is an example:  I have a flat design I want cut in sterling silver, 18gauge sheet.  The cutter will do it for $2.50 per piece - this is a good price. But - they have a $250 minimum.  Okay, thats 100 pieces - but the silver costs about $350.00 for that number of pieces. We are at $600.00.  THe pin backs are $1.25 each, $125.00 - then who is doing the soldering, cleaning and finishing.  You are probably looking at another $300, at least. Then there is packaging, tags, and marketing  $$.  Where are we now?  $1075 for 100 pce and we need a market.  
Nothing I have said is meant to be discouraging, just the state of the field.  If you have the $$$, a business head and knowledge in the field - then YOU GO Designgrl!!!
Ask those questions in your mind and let us do our best to help

[JeanC]

'> Well this is my first post,hi all and I am also a very new designer/jewellery maker with my new website. Reading the above letter about all of the hurdles we can face I cringed a little, As a senior lady I must have more nerve than sense getting into this business,but I have found such joy creating these pieces I am plodding along as best I can and in the meantime meeting wonderful people who have been so kind helping me when I get stuck. I was at a small craft show yesterday that was being held as a fundraiser in our neighbourhood for helping save stray cats. Now the jewellery people were all kind and had no problems answering my many questions. So I just say to the person just starting out like I am keep on going as well as you can and don't give up.
 
www.creativejewellery.ca

[Metalman]

Dear JeanC,
Oh absolutely, I agree! - Thank you for your note.
All of us are in that same place, starting out, trying to figure out the details, the website, the shows, the sales $$, the price points, etc.  The reason behind my longish note above is only to be of help.
If all of us discuss the details well, then all of us can improve and benefit from our shared knowledge.  We can't do it if we don't talk about it, work on it and help each other.

Hi again, thank you for your answer I have found in such a short time how helpful Jewellery people are. By short time I mean I started making jewellery in January of this year. A real new project for me. I went online on the 1st March this year.

So starting a new business at 69 years old I have found people a bit surprised at me taking this on now. Well why not! I am enjoying it and that is the main thing right?. I would just be happy to get back what I have put in with a little extra to top up our pensions.  '>  However whatever is ahead for us we will be happy to do as we are doing.
Jean

www.creativejewellery.ca.

Thanks for the encouragement everyone it really helps! Also thanks for the info Metalman, that was some helpful insight.

Jean C. I took a look at your website. Very pretty pieces. Good luck!



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