The key to jewellery making is to be true to yourself

One of my self-inflicted rules in jewellery making is to create pieces that I would wear myself. I’ve never really been one to follow fashion and if I like something, I tend to like it forever!  But I do watch current trends and will adapt them to suit my style. Seasons are of course a major influence.

I know I am unlikely to sell a heavily beaded black number in the summer; and I won’t go too wrong producing a range in corals and turquoise whatever the year! Of course, season on season there will be a colour trend, and I find it’s worth bearing those colours in mind when searching for the perfect beads.

This summer, the colour trends include fresh minty greens, dusty and bright pinks, royal blues with golden yellows and of course turquoise and coral. (The Bead Shop has a great new range of bright beads, if you haven’t already seen them, go take a look Swarovski Neon Pearls.

However, even though I’ve only recently started selling again to a wider market, I’ve found that over the years I’ve begun to build up a group of clientele, who, regardless of trend, keep coming back because they like the style of my jewellery. 

Each have very definite wants and needs – I have one wonderfully eccentric lady who only wears teal, whatever the season, whatever the trend, teal it is, and teal she has! Another customer has beautiful bright red-hair and winces at anything red or orange! She likes earthy colours; greens, browns and anything natural – and although I don’t hold much stock of any of those colours, I make sure I include her on my shopping list.  

A well-learned tip is to make sure that you keep your regular customers happy by introducing the odd piece of jewellery just with them in mind. If they don’t buy it, it’s not a big deal, someone somewhere will.

I think though, the key to jewellery making is to be true to yourself. Those who buy hand-made jewellery are looking for that something a little different, they’re not looking for mainstream – they are investing in you, your story, and your style. I’ve learned that if you’re proud of, and like what you make, others will too, and that does wonders for sales!

Visit Cora’s website: www.coralee.org.uk