A while back one of my nieces who lives quite far away asked me to join Instagram so we could share photos and keep in touch a bit more (she doesn't do facebook or other social media sites).
Sam likes my jewelry shots and Arizona sunset pics and I love the photos she shares of her and her daughter goofing around. It makes us feel like we're 'up' on what's going on in each other's lives.
Instagram makes it so easy for me to drool over jewelry shots people post, too.
(insert happy face here!)
I really enjoy seeing jewelry photos from the designers I follow and look forward to the pics they post of trunk shows, jewelry exhibits, photo shoots and things of this nature as well.
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| Gold and Pearls - Perfect Combo! |
I recently posted a couple of shots of the jewelry I was wearing and had some of my friends tell me they thought that was a good idea and I should do it on a more regular basis - sort of a 'who's wearing what today' kind of thing.
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| Black and White - Layered and Fun! |
They thought it would be a good way to let other's see what styles people are actually wearing on a daily basis and possibly what's actually trending where because, as they put it, "it's fun to see what styles people in other parts of the country or world are actually wearing today".
My girlfriends are so smart!!
Our conversation got me thinking about how when I meet new people and they find out what I do, they often ask me questions or make statements such as, "You create jewelry? What kind of jewelry do you make?" "Do you wear your own jewelry?" "Do you purchase other people's jewelry?" "What brands or styles do you like?" "Where do you get ideas or inspiration for your designs?" "Do jewelry people give each other discounts or trade jewelry?"
And the list goes on.
So, how does all this tie in to what my girlfriends were saying and to posting jewelry photos?
Well, one year at the Tucson Gem and Mineral show I had an exhibitor (after asking me if I created jewelry) actually say to me, (rather sternly) "You're really not wearing much jewelry. You should always wear 'your own' jewelry. You know, the jewelry you actually create. It would help you sell more."
Ewww,...OUCH!
Funny thing, but I actually was wearing jewelry I had created. I had on my large, hammered silver hoop earrings, my silver PMC coin pendant necklace w/salt water pearl dangle and my silver stack-rings and thumb ring.
I had on my 'I pretty much wear this every day' jewelry.
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| Most days, this is what you'll find me wearing in the studio. |
So yes, I do wear my own jewelry but no, I don't go 'over the top' and pile it on just so people notice its presence.
Maybe I should, but it's not really my type of marketing, I guess.
I wear jewelry I create (and sometimes that of other designer's too, mind you!) that fits with my mood, fits what I'm wearing and what I'm doing that day.
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| Wild About Pearls! (And leopard print too, if you must know!) |
I wear jewelry that fits me and my lifestyle.
I guess I thought everyone did that. Maybe not.
None-the-less, I decided to follow the advice of my girlfriends(I can see them smiling every so happily right now!) and do occasional posts of "Jewelry of the Day" in some form or fashion, whether it be jewelry that I have on that day (mine or other brands/designers), or a collection of pieces I've found online that are interesting, cool and fun.
It thinks it's a great way to see what's out there and what people are really wearing on a regular basis.
Today I've posted the recent shots that led to this post being created. This time around, these are all me. Either what I was actually wearing this past week / weekend or what I was about to put on for the day.
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Casual T-shirt Day. On of my hand knotted pearl pendant necklaces and yes,
it's that same fine silver coin pendant I made,...my every day necklace! |
It's funny, but my sister and several of my friends get compliments galore when they wear my jewelry and are out somewhere. Me, not so much. Possibly because what I wear is usually pretty basic, classic and simple. (I don't really create huge, statement pieces)
Oh well, I'm pretty sure when Vera Wang first started in the business she wasn't out schlepping her wedding gowns while wearing one herself. Or, maybe she was. :-)
How about you? If you create/design jewelry do you wear as many of your best pieces as you can each time you go out to help your jewelry get noticed and sell more (it has been proven to be a good marketing avenue), or do you keep it simple, wearing what fits your mood and wardrobe for the day and then market your designs in other ways?
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Large Silver links, pearls, my chain maille bracelet and of course,
my coin pendant necklace (some habits are hard to break!). |
Please feel free to share your experiences in the comments below.
Or better yet, show us a pic of
what jewelry you're wearing!
Until Next Time,
Peace, Love and What are you wearing today?
Cheers,
~Shel~
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Layers of Bracelets - a "norm" for me.
Pearl and leather knotted wrap bracelet, macramé and seed bead little friendship style bracelet and
my copper and pearl link bracelet with the coolest of cool copper ammonite focal piece from artist Kristi Bowman! |
