Promoting Jewellery & Beads 20 years ago (pre-Social Media!)

Whilst I've been busy creating, curating, and managing the launch of Mintage Jewellery these past few months, I've been reminiscing on the huge differences between promoting a business in this modern age compared to 20 years ago.

A Journey Through Time: From 2005 to Today

Back in 2005, I began my journey into the beading and jewellery industry. It started with selling handmade jewellery at local markets. Over time, this evolved into offering a range of beads, gemstones, crystals, and findings. Eventually, I created many DIY kits. In my first year, my stall won the "Best Accessories" Award, which led to opening a retail shop in 2007. I had managed to collect a rather large 'stash' over the years, with DIY kits becoming my forte, created as a necessity for the classes I was running two or three times a week.

The Old Way of Marketing

During this time, advertising in local newspapers and Australian Beading magazines was the norm. Many tutorials from our range of kits were featured. I was fortunate to have several covers showcasing my designs, which helped us build a growing customer base across Australia. This is an old (low resolution) article in Australian Beading from 2009 (Vol 4.1) where I was featured as the Designer of the Month.

There was also a necessity to travel to various craft shows held in most cities throughout Australia. These events lasted four or five days and were essential for engaging the public. I ran classes, which led to many sales of kits and beading supplies. Those were crazy times! Long hours and kit-making sessions filled my days.

The Rise of the Internet

Having a website was quite a new concept back then. Luckily, I worked in IT, and my husband was a software developer. I had his assistance and some basic know-how to set up a fairly basic version of a "website." This platform allowed me to promote new products and highlight activities related to the retail outlet, including local classes and craft shows we attended.

Embracing Modern Marketing Techniques

Fast forward to this year, where social media and website design are integral to the promotional success of any business with physical products to sell. I knew that jewellery is a highly competitive market, with many low-priced, low-quality products available. Therefore, it is crucial to find a way to stand out from the crowd.

In terms of setting up the website, there was a steep learning curve on how to launch my business in such a high-tech environment. There are countless avenues and marketing techniques available, not to mention the advent of AI, all at the click of a mouse—quite scary!

Capturing My Essence

It's still early days, but I hope I've managed to capture the essence of my style. I aim to showcase the range of designs in all their glory with professional photography. Attention to detail, high quality, and longevity are key to sustaining the business for many years to come!

The Future of Mintage Jewellery

As I look towards the future, I am excited about the possibilities. The digital landscape is ever-changing, and I am committed to evolving alongside it. I plan to explore new marketing strategies and engage with my audience in innovative ways.

Creating a community around Mintage Jewellery is essential. I want to connect with customers, share stories, and inspire creativity. By fostering this relationship, I believe we can grow together.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading! I appreciate your support as I navigate this journey. The world of jewellery is vast and vibrant, and I am thrilled to be a part of it. Stay tuned for more updates and exciting developments from Mintage Jewellery!

From Beads to Beauty: Embrace the Timeless Appeal of Mintage Jewellery

Creating handmade jewellery is more than just a skill; it is a journey of artistic expression that transforms simple beads into stunning pieces.

This blog post takes you through the detailed process of how I approach the creation of each jewellery collection, showcasing techniques, materials, and the artistry that goes into each creation.

I am passionate about making high-quality pieces of jewellery that will last for many years to come, hence the creation of Mintage Jewellery. We are based in Brisbane, Australia and welcome orders from all parts of the globe!

Choosing the Right Materials

The foundation of exquisite jewellery starts with selecting high-quality materials. Gemstones are central to this process; materials like amethyst, turquoise, garnet, and labradorite are favourites. For instance, amethyst not only captivates with its violet hue but is also believed to promote peace, making it a popular choice for calming jewellery designs. It also happens to be my birthstone ;)

Precious metals are equally important. Gold filled, for example, provides the elegance of gold that is also durable enough for everyday use—ideal for those who want a touch of luxury without a hefty price. Sterling silver is my other preference, known for its bright appearance and versatility, allowing for intricate designs. If maintained with care, following the maintenance regime within each product description, all Mintage jewellery, is not only visually pleasing but also durable enough to withstand daily wear, providing the new owner with a classic piece of jewellery for years to come.

Designing A Piece of Jewellery

After gathering materials, it is time to bring a design to life. I often begin by sketching ideas and envisioning how the final piece will look. I try to draw inspiration from nature, architecture, or recent life experiences, as I want the design to be a reflection of my preferences, but also the personality of the intended wearer.

Having an Organised Workspace

I can't believe I'm saying this... but... I always clean up a project before starting a new one! Apparently a clear workspace enhances creativity! I usually sort all of the tools—pliers, wire cutters, bead boards, and trays—and arrange them in my workspace with my Daylight lamp on and a magnifier in place!

It's important to be efficient in the process of creating pieces. If I have a collection in mind, the same beads and components are all set up, ready to go. My storage boxes come in handy for that! This is my work area... fairly clean I'd say!

Assembling the Jewellery

The Mintage range of jewellery is not super complicated in terms of the design, as I believe in simplifying the design, so the materials become the heroine! It's important the photography process reflects the inherent beauty of the beads and components, bringing to life the jewellery as a finished piece, using still life models as inspiration for curating your own collections and stacking pieces that are complementary in their colour palettes.

Finishing Touches: Adding Findings

Once assembled, it’s time to add the final components known as findings. Clasps, jump rings, and ear wires are essential for functionality and aesthetics. I've chosen findings that complement the overall design—14k gold fill and sterling silver findings are my preferred options for their durability.

Polishing and Quality Check

Once a piece is completed, a quick check on the integrity of all components is done to ensure everything is in good working order, limiting the potential for any breakages or errors in a design. A good polishing cloth is essential prior to photography, as the macro lens will pick up anything that the naked eye cannot see!

Packaging and Presentation

The final step in the jewellery-making journey is thoughtful packaging. Beautiful presentation elevates the entire experience for customers or recipients.

A well-packaged piece I believe, communicates care and attention, enhancing its perceived value. It's important for the recipient to know that the jewellery was crafted with love and intention, of course!

Embracing the Art of Jewellery-Making

Each bead carries a story, each gemstone holds meaning, and every jewellery creation has a unique charm.

Handmade jewellery breathes life into fashion, becoming more than an accessory. It is a reflection of art, identity, and sentiment that enhances everyday experiences. And, you are supporting local small businesses at the same time.

Thanks for reading to the end :)