Found Jewelry...

I have had an eBay store for about 4 years now janaes jewels and jems .  I opened an Etsy store in March of 08, but didn't stock it up until August of 09 janaesjewels.  In addition, I have had .com and .net webstores that just didn't have enough "oomph" to justify the monthly fees plus the cost of doing business.  I have runs of good sales and here and there some really great sales...and then there are the dry spells. 

Long story short, I have TONS of inventory.  Every once in a while I'll destash and list pieces for cost just to make room for new styles and pieces.  Well, I did that late last summer and lo and behold I sold a watermelon quartz necklace that I couldn't find ANYWHERE.  I'm telling you - I tore my house up cause where the heck could it have gone?

Finally contacted the buyer, apologized profusely and offered her any other piece in my shop (up to a generous limit) for the same price.  So, I kept a happy customer but it has bothered me to no end.

Well, last night I found my mystery "lost" necklace.  And I now remember the exact circumstances that caused me to "lose" it.  I answered an alchemy request from a new b&m shop on Etsy that was looking for a wholesale lot of jewelry to buy.  Of course, since I design a full line of rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces I made up a "to die for" lot of medium end jewelry at rock bottom prices.  After I took the pics, wrote the descriptions and put in a bid - I also put the lot of jewelry aside because I just KNEW that she would buy it.  Who wouldn't? 

Well, she didn't....actually I never heard from her (I was brand new - had no sales and no feedback in Etsy) and I totally forgot about it.  Found it last night!  OMG - like I said it was a good size lot including the missing watermelon quartz necklace...and amongst other pieces 5 sterling silver gemstone rings! 

I've thought about those rings in particular but figured I had sold them or given them away.

So, I've got to redo the pics and re-measure the gemstones, and resize the rings and bracelets for accuracy.  How the heck did I manage to lose so much? 

Well - it's a new year.  2010 will be my time to reorganize along with reenergizing. And, get to listing!

It can't sell if I don't list it...right?

Down to Business in 2010...

I'm  keeping my head down and working on my jewelry like crazy rather than lamenting over my current financial situation.  I finished setting about 4 semi-precious sterling silver rings, one 14K yellow gold and one 14K white gold. I also listed about 12 rings on Etsy that I hadn't listed as yet.  Wanna see one?  Let me describe it 1st.  It is a 11x9.5mm Ruby set in a Sterling Silver setting with Butterfly prongs!  Well, 2 of the prongs are Butterflies - so it makes a Butterfly enclosure over the Ruby.  Tell me what you think....

This ring is selling on Etsy for $29.99 and is a size 9.  Oh, you want a link, right?  Well here it is (sm)
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=37828290

I've also been filling our job applications, attaching resumes and writing cover letters too.  I've got huge financial obligations - so got to get a wiggle on!  I would love a pep talk here and there.  It's always nice to get an objective point of view.

Til tomorrow!

Affordable 14K and Sterling Silver Jewelry for Sale...Check It Out!

I just know it's going to happen...
I'll get a serious shopper who decides to shop for several gifts and VOILA...it makes my day.

My strategy is to keep my items fresh and keep listing new items daily. I usually design and make jewelry in stretches and then list in stretches. Well between now and the New Year I will design and list more simultaneously to keep the new items flowing....

Hopefully in and OUT the door just as quickly...(sm)

Just in case you don't know where to find my items...
http://www.janaesjewels.etsy.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/janaesjewelsandjems

Ciao for now!
(shop, shop, shop)

PIF - Pay It Forward in JanaesJewels Etsy Shop? Good Karma!

Although I have dealt with unemployment and illness (and all of the major economic factors that result) in my immediate family over the last 2 years, I still have much to be grateful for. I also have the humility to know that there are many more out there less fortunate than I.

So, while listing on Etsy today, I once again listed several items in my PIF section, and hope to add at least 15 more. So far I am listing Sterling Silver Gemstone earrings for .20 cents with $2.00 shipping. I will probably expand that to include bracelets and rings. You know why? Because the Holidays are about giving to others, and I cannot imagine the blow to the spirit for those who have nothing to give to their children or other loved ones.  Fortunately I am able to make many of my own gifts, and am savvy enough to make a few dollars here and there...but many are not.

So, this is how I am filling my spirit this holiday season...
If you are one of those in need there are no questions...no judgement.  Visit my Etsy shop at http://www.janaesjewels.etsy.com/ and see if I have anything that fits your needs in my PIF section.

Blessings to us all.

The BEST Jewelry Deals in Town...Still Posting Holiday Treasures!

Check out my Etsy shop and eBay stores for the best jewelry deals in town.  See 14K Yellow Gold and 14K White Gold treasures for prices starting at $22.99 to $350.00.  What you will see is Rings, Bracelets, Earrings and Necklaces.

http://www.janaesjewels.etsy.com/
http://www.janaesjewelandjems.com/
http://stores.ebay.com/janaesjewelsandjems

Of course, you will also find Sterling Silver Rings, Bracelets, Necklaces and Earrings in Gorgeous gemstones and fine metals. Each website has a contact form if you have any questions - OR are looking for a great deal!

Don't be shy...What do you have to Lose?????

Be Seeing you,
janae

What jewelry are YOU buying for the Holidays?

Are you buying Gold...Silver...Earrings...Bracelets...What????
Just curious, of course.
I'm on my never-ending quest to find out what people want these days. Not to say that I'm clueless - I know what my current customers are buying.  I also know that as long as there are females (mostly females) on this earth that there will be a desire for jewelry.  And, since I want to be YOUR jewelry designer it matters to me what you are looking for.

It suprises me that folks are willing to purchase gold and silver plated items knowing that they will tarnish beyond repair and despite my general unwillingness to do so, I may actually break down and purchase some gold filled/plated findings.

For those of you not familiar - Findings are the bare bones of jewelry making...clasps, crimps, beads, headpins, jumprings, wire,  etc...all the the fastenings that hold the goods together.

Back to gold filled findings...I guess I can understand this for jewelry items not used every day as the price of solid gold is over 1K per ounce.  I always think of heirloom quality to pass down to your children - and grandchildren.  BUT, if that is what the buyer wants...I guess I will do my best pricing to keep the customer in solid gold - but if not successful - a sale in my shop is a sale I want to keep in my shop.  Make sense?

So far as silver plate is concerned - I will stick with Sterling Silver. The price of sterling is at a high these days, but not so high that I will substitute inferior product....and I promise you won't regret that.

Tah - Tah for now....

Halfway Through October!

I've noticed over the years that Halloween as a celebrated holiday just keeps getting bigger and bigger. Well, I've never been big on "dressing up" for costume parties  - actually, I always thought of my birthday (10/18)  as the end of celebrations til Thanksgiving & Christmas and then a huge break from birthdays and more expense until the birthdays in my immediate family start rolling again the end of April.  I'm not particularly "set in my ways" but I just cannot afford more for Halloween than candy for the "trick or treaters" that ring my doorbell on Halloween night!  You see, I'm one of those Christmas shoppers that start early and don't stop until the stores close.  That's when it is over for me!
Not because I think that everyone is or should be like me BUT just in case I have a full store of  affordable jewelry gifts for your giftees...come check them out.  More than 1/2 of the inventory is under $30.00 but see for yourself @  http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5722713 .

I've got a couple of new necklaces in longer lengths.  The 1st is 36 Inches of Sterling Silver chain with huge blocks of natural light Amethyst every 12 inches.  There is no clasp, but this necklace is long enough to wear doubled in several ways.

Also, a double strand - 42 inches of very light red Carnelian Rounds with Sterling Silver Cubes and a shorter strand of  Golden Coral Tubes, Bronze Freshwater Pearls and Hessonite Garnet Rondels. The colors contrast and blend beautifully and the two necklaces are totally independent of each other with separate sterling silver clasps - but are actually designed to be worn together! TWO for the price of ONE!

These necklaces will be listed in my Etsy store - and likely my eBay store as well.  If you are interested in them before they are listed...just leave a comment on my blog here and I'll see what we can do.  Oh, the price?  $29.99 for the Sterling and Amethyst piece and $34.99 for the Double Strand of Caramels and Browns!

Ciao for Now...

Hellooooooo Ooouuuut Therrrrrrrrre....

YES, I'm new to this, YES I make Jewelry, YES my husband says I'm spoiled and that I think everything should happen when I think it should happen - so that being said "Where Are You?"
Patience they say...Well, I'm a Libra and I'm not good at being patient, and I've always had more attention then I needed or wanted, so where are all of my admirers?
Whining you say?
Sigh!
Alright, I'll snap out of it - I've been sniffly and sick all week but I am definitely feeling better today...

Last night on DWTS, I was good with the results, but what did you think of co-hosts' Samantha Harris' bib necklace?  Wasn't that spectacular?  Well, I loved it.  You know there is no reason to see "celebrity" type jewelry only on celebrities. As a teen or young adult I would never have worn anything that made such a bold statement - but today I sure would.  AND, I'd make one for you too if you would wear one.

I think it has to do with becoming comfortable in your own skin - truly understanding what works for you and also knowing how to make such a statement without looking silly or clownish.  I have some large statement type rings in my store that are definitely not for everyone.  But me...I have to keep my willpower nice and strong so that I can sell these rings to YOU! 

Now this ring is Jade and it is set in Sterling Silver and trimmed with Cubic Zirconia.  It is a size 7, and weighs in at a ful 9.9 grams! We're talking 24 x 20mm.  It's gorgeous! How about $45.00? Well - Check out my web shop where it is for sale. That would be at  http://www.janaesjewelsandjems.com/.

Keeping It Simple...

I have done quite a few jewelry listings today on Etsy - will do vintage linens tonight on eBay. As I expand my internet horizons trying to expand my online jewelry business I keep trying to figure out the right formula for success.

Now - I understand the jewelry market is saturated and has been for quite some time - but do you know exactly what it is that the consumer is looking for? I don't know that I believe it is totally price driven...so what is it?

Well - until I have answers, I have decided to keep it simple. Same quality materials in sterling silver and solid golds, same genuine semi-precious and precious gemstones but the designs are less complex.

Today I made a simple Sterling Silver necklace of faceted 8-9mm Tourmaline rondels. 17.5 inches, with 7 wired muli-colored tourmaline pendants. I missed the afternoon sun, so the color is not that great. What's the price you ask? $29.99 in my Etsy store.

Maybe I'll make a pair of matching earrings...

And seriously folks - would love your comments - don't be shy now.

Peace Out

All of My Best Laid Plans...Gone to the Sniffles

Yes, I finally got caught by the cold that has been visiting my immediate family over the past three to four weeks. So, my jewelry production rate for a Monday is really low BUT I've been spending time reading blogs, etsy forums and taking my fellow crafters advice in joining up and coming craft sites.

Thanks to Divine3Designs for the lead in to MyCraftCorner...a new site which has much to offer. ALSO, for the lead to http://entrecard.com/rr/54056 (for free) which is a blog promotion service.

I'm pretty diverse in my jewelry crafting abilities but there is so much more that I want to learn. I get excited at the opportunities in metalsmithing and last night got psyched up reading (once again) about Art Clay in Sterling Silver and Gold. I actually bought some of the SS and tools a couple of years ago but never took the time to really "learn" how to use it. So, last night I googled for "gold art clay" and "pmc art clay" and actually didn't find much in the way of product but I did find a really great review on eBay with some great tips and a bibliography. On Etsy I was able to find one of the acclaimed and recommended books, Art Clay Silver and Gold by Jackie Trudy, so I bought it.

I cannot give up on my love of solid gold though I know that it's pricey - but with what the average person spends over a lifetime in jewelry, why not keep a few pieces budgeted that will last a lifetime. No slam on fashion jewelry - I am also drawn to that - I just want all of you to look at the affordability of yellow, rose and white gold used in gemstone designs.

Check out my 14K Yellow Gold Bracelet with Swarovski Crystals, Cocoa Brown Akoya Pearls and Smoky Quartz. It's listed for $38.99. Affordable? Let me know what you think.
Until tomorrow...