The Benefits Of Jewelry Design Software

woman in front of computerIf you have your own business working with handcrafted jewelry, you will want to start looking for ways that you can make running your business a whole lot easier. Whether you are dealing with lots of inventory, numerous customers or even trying to keep track of your materials, there is a lot that needs to be done on a regular basis. When you add in your handcrafted designs, you are not left with much time to waste, let alone looking for ways to make life easier.

However, when you run your own jewelry making business, you are going to find that quality jewelry making software is going to be incredibly useful. Not only are you able to create all sorts of databases and spreadsheets along with invoices and more that you can use to run your business, but there are also programs out there that will include the tools that you need to design your pieces right from the comfort of your computer.

Jewelry design software often includes all sorts of jeweler friendly tools that you can use to make incredible 3D jewelry that you can view right in front of you on your computer screen. These programs will combine the power of CAD with other modeling elements that will allow you to render amazing images that you can use to help you design some of the best pieces imaginable. You then have the option of using your files that you create to make your own jewelry in-house or you can have the files shipped off for casting or modeling at another facility.

When you are using the right software to design jewelry, you will also have the option of visualizing your design on the screen and then using it as a reference while you fabricate it yourself by hand using your beading, precious metals or even carving out of clay pieces. Once you have such software within your reach, the possibilities of jewelry design are going to be virtually endless.

Looking at your jewelry business, you will find that having good quality jewelry design software on hand will also allow you to hone in on your market by creating pieces that are fully customized for your customers. Additionally, you can even work on expressing your own creativity by putting together a line of virtual jewelry that you can bring in customers with so that they will be prompted to order their own pieces.

All in all, the best jewelry making software that is available today will allow you to make your business better in every way possible. From creating invoices for your customers and keeping track of your inventory, to helping you build your website or even design new and exciting pieces, the possibilities are truly endless.

Not only will you be able to dazzle all of your current customers but you will also be able attract new business once they see all of the custom, personalized offerings that you are able to create with the best software on the market for jewelry making.

Tips To Consider When You Design Your Own Ring

Golden Engagement Ring with Diamond or moissanite. Jewelry backgroundMany couples are turning away from mass designed engagement and wedding bands in search of something that is unique to them. If you are one of those couples who wants to design your own ring, there are several important tips to consider before placing the order. Keep these tips in mind as the ring design process begins.

Choosing A Jeweler

Many reputable jewelers offer the opportunity to design your own ring using online design software. However, using this type of design technique should only be done if the customer is 100% sure that the company they are dealing with is a reputable one. Take the time to check out the jeweler’s reputation both online and through the Better Business Bureau. Rings are not an inexpensive purchase, so it is important that there is strong confidence that value for money will be achieved.

Next, the specific design of the ring needs to be considered. What stones are needed? What setting works best? What metal for the band? How big is the budget? All of these questions need to be answered before the final ring design can be completed.

Stones In The Ring

Stones in the ring play a big part in the amount of money that the ring will cost. Diamonds, for example, can range hugely in price depending on the four C’s. These describe the cut, color, clarity and carat of the diamond.

The cut of the diamond describes how it has been shaped to fit into the ring. The color refers to the different colors of diamond that are available. A chocolate diamond, for example, is cheaper than a completely clear, white diamond. The clarity of the diamond refers to the number of flaws that can be found in the stone, and the carat rating is used to measure the weight of the diamond.

If diamonds are out of the price budget to begin with, consider designing a ring that has other types of gems in it such as emeralds or rubies. Just because a ring does not have a diamond in it does not make it an inferior ring. Ring beauty is definitely an individual choice.

Band Metal

The two most popular choices for the metal of ring bands are gold and platinum. Gold comes in three color choices – rose, white, and yellow gold. Platinum is more expensive than gold because more of it will be needed to make the ring due to its density. While platinum is stronger than gold, it is also softer so will damage more easily. Keep these points in mind when making a choice about which band metal will suit the wearer’s lifestyle.

It is very important that the ring design suits the lifestyle of the wearer. For example, if they have a hands-on job, and they want one large stone as the ring centerpiece, then that stone needs to be well supported by ring claws so that the stone does not easily come loose.

If possible, make sure that an in-person meeting with the ring designer takes place. This is the best way to make sure that the ring being designed is 100% compatible with the ideas and daily lifestyle of the eventual ring wearer.

Tips On How To Sell Homemade Jewelry

selling jewelryIf making jewelry is one of your favorite hobbies, you can easily turn this into a money-making venture. If you already wear this jewelry yourself, no doubt you have received compliments on it. Why not explore options to make pieces that you can sell? From the compliments that you already get from people, you can bet that there are countless others who would like to accessorize their outfits with the unique jewelry that they can purchase from you. If you want to sell homemade jewelry as a business, here are some tips that can contribute to your business success.

First, you should decide on what you want to sell. If you want to go for quantity, you may want to focus on selling pieces that are quick to make in order to make more of them. If you want to focus on customized pieces that are more intricate, you should take into account the extra time that you will spend on making them so that you can set your price to make it worth your while. Look at other handmade jewelry that is sold on the web and in local stores and see how the jewelry is priced. This will give you an idea on how you should set your prices.

This leads you to the next question: how much money do you want to make? Is this going to be your full-time business, or are you doing this on the side to supplement your main income? This helps you determine how much time you should devote to it. The more money you want to make, the higher your commitment should be.

Write out a business plan outlining your goals and what you need to do to accomplish that goal. It does not have to be long, but it should contain enough information so that it will be a solid road map of your how you will operate your business. You can find free templates for a simple business plan on many websites designed for small business owners.

You should have a budget for your business expenses. Your biggest cost will probably be your cost of materials. It may be a good idea to buy just enough materials to make a small inventory of pieces to test the market before you commit to making more.

Next, find a venue to sell. One of the easiest ways is to sell your products through online global marketplaces like Etsy or Amazon Marketplace. Millions of people go there to buy unique products. Setting up a shop on these online marketplaces is very easy. You can get advice on selling from seasoned merchants and experts from the online communities on these selling venues. You can also set up your own website to sell your merchandise. Lastly, you can sell homemade jewelry in local craft fairs. Contact your chamber of commerce to see which events are coming up so you can reserve a booth. Along with a display of your jewelry, pass out your business card. This is a great way to gain exposure for your jewelry business.

Selling your handmade jewelry is a great way to make money while doing something you enjoy. As you start out, be patient and focus on delivering a high-quality product. Gauge the demand for certain styles, and keep track of your expenses. Before long, you will be making a nice profit.

How to Make Rings from a Silver Coin

Hand Holding Old Silver DollarJewelry making is a very popular pastime but many people may be skilled in the art of making earrings and necklaces, not so many people know how to make rings. It is possible to make a beautiful silver ring using nothing more than a silver coin, some basic tools and a rather small amount of time and patience.

The first thing to do is to locate a silver coin. The problem here is that many “silver coins” are not made of silver at all. In the United States the coin you choose will need to date from 1964 or before. Silver looking coins from after this date may look like silver and be easier to shape but the copper and other metals used in their manufacture will oxidize on your fingers.

A half dollar coin is sufficient to make a silver ring large enough for a man and a quarter will be perfectly sufficient to make a woman’s ring. These are available for just a few dollars.

When you have your coin, you should start to tap it around the diameter which will make it smaller but the edge of the coin will be wider. Hold the coin between your finger and thumb, then tap it with a large spoon or hammer against any hard surface. Keep on tapping until the diameter of the coin is the right size for the size of ring you want to make. You will need patience – this could take a few hours to achieve.

After you have finished tapping the silver coin you should put it into a vice and drill a hole through the center of it, allowing it to get hung onto the bit of the drill. You can then use 200 grit sandpaper to remove the majority of the tooling marks, using an adjustable speed drill as the coin spins around the bit.

Take your time and progressively decrease the sandpaper you use to 400 / 500 and then even 1000 / 1200 grains. Widen the hole in the center of the ring with a hand file or Dremel tool. A Dremel sanding barrel can be used to clean up the center of the ring until it is sanded and smooth.

Now for the finishing touches. Wedge the silver ring back onto the drill bit using cloth padding inside the ring. Spin the ring around slowly while polishing it with a compound using a soft, clean rag. This should give a nice shine to the ring, leaving it perfect for wearing, enjoying and showing off.

Now you know how to make rings from a silver coin. If your chosen coin isn’t very shiny you can always polish it up before you start using vinegar or some other sort of cleaning solution. Remember not to try to rush any of the procedures – take it slowly and you will benefit from superior results. If you try to rush your coin could start to warp and even fold over in half.

How to Make Earrings: An Easy Guide

handmade colorful of various form decorative earrings jewelry sold in outdoor fair market.While there are all kinds of earrings available at jewelry stores, it’s hard not to cringe when you see their prices. You may have wanted to learn how to make earrings on your own. Making homemade earrings is incredibly simple when you know what you’re doing. Give these easy projects a try.

Handmade Tassel Earrings

If you’ve ever seen upholstery tassels at the store, you may have though that they would make a nice piece of jewelry. You can turn them into beautiful earrings with some rhinestone rim, earring hooks, craft glue, jump rings, and a needle and thread.

Wrap the rhinestone rim around the top of the tassels to see how long in should be. Cut the rim, and then use the glue to attach it to the top of your tassels. Use the needle in thread to secure the rim further.

Push the jump ring through the top of the tassel, and use it to connect the tassels to the earring hooks. After that, these earrings will be ready to wear.

Simple Fabric Button Earrings

If you have a few scraps of pretty fabric lying around your home, you can make some gorgeous basic earrings. In addition to the fabric, you’ll need earring backs, a button cover kit, and some glue.

Use the button cover kit to attach the fabric of your choosing to the buttons. If you use a printed fabric, try to make sure the two buttons you cover have a uniform appearance. Glue the earring backs to the buttons, and they’re ready to wear. You can make this project even simpler by buying buttons that are already covered in fabric.

Paperclip Earrings

You probably have plenty of paperclips lying around your house, but it’s likely you never knew you could turn them into a stylish pair of earrings. All you need are two paperclips, glue, some thin colored string, jump rings, and earring hooks.

Bend the paperclips until they’re both in a triangle shape. Glue the ends together so that the paperclip is no longer open.

Once the glue has dried, wrap the thin string around the paperclip. You can wrap it around evenly, or create some kind of design. Once you’re finished, secure the string and cut off any excess. Attach the jump ring to the top of the paperclip, and secure the triangles to the earring hooks.

Easy Feather Earrings

Feather earrings are very trendy right now, but you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a pair. If you know how to make earrings, you can create them yourself. All you need are feathers, earring hooks, jump rings, glue, and a small piece of chain.

handmade jewelry for saleCut your chain into six pieces of three different sizes. Then, cut six pieces of feather. These can be whatever size you’d like. Use the glue to attach a piece of feather to each chain.

Once the glue has dried, add three pieces of chain to each jump ring. Secure the ring to the earring hooks, and your feather earrings will be ready to wear.