Cubic zirconia jewelry requires regular cleaning in order to keep its original shine.  It will get dull due to the constant contact with body lotions, soaps, perfumes, hairsprays, make-up and perspiration.  A worn piece of jewelry, or one with loose or missing stones, is most probably one that has never been cleaned.  Too much dirt gets in the metal settings and stones, producing abrasive wear, which will eventually cause the stones to fall.  As weird as it may seem, gemologists consider that, among gems, cubic zirconia is the one with characteristics most similar to diamonds, so it has to be cared for in the same way people care for this precious stone.

In any case, it is actually very easy to keep cubic zirconia jewelry looking sparkling clean, so take the time to give your clients added value and show them how to care for their jewelry pieces to make sure they enjoy them for many years to come.  Just ask them to follow these 7 easy sparkling ways to clean their jewelry:

1.    Use a small brush with soft bristles, a toothbrush will work perfectly.

2.    Use only warm or hot water with a mild liquid dishwashing detergent.  Brush it very well, rinse it, pat dry the jewelry with a clean cloth, and check it.  If it needs more cleaning, soak the pieces in hot water with one part detergent and two parts water, brush again and dry them very well.

3.    Keep the jewelry away from abrasive substances like household chemicals.  Do not wear it when cleaning with bleach or ammonia, or when swimming in chlorinated water.

4.    If the dirt doesn’t come out, take the cubic zirconia to the jeweler or to the jewelry wholesaler to give it a high-pressure steam clean, as it is done with diamonds.

5.    Apply lotions, perfumes, make-up and hairsprays before putting on the jewelry.

6.    Store the cubic zirconia jewelry pieces inside a cloth bag or special section in a jewelry box.

7.    How regularly it should be cleaned depends on how often it is worn, for example, if it is worn every day, clean it at least once a week.

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Maybe the biggest and strongest market for jewelry worldwide is the sentimental one.  There are as many opportunities to sell jewelry as there are occasions and celebrations of love and appreciation.

Everyone who loves someone and has to give them a gift for any special occasion will want that gift to be unique and special, memorable not only of that special day but of a lifelong relationship based on love and caring.  Definitely, this is a niche worth considering if you are into the wholesale jewelry business and wish to make it prosperous.

So, which are the occasions that beg for a clear sign of love?  It can be every and any important day in the life of a loved one: a graduation, a wedding, retirement, an engagement, a baby shower, Mother’s Day, a confirmation, bar mitzvah, an anniversary, a bridal shower, the prom, a new job, a birthday or Christmas, you name it!

Jewelry is a favorite for many of these occasions, as it shows intimacy, value and caring.  Besides the meaning it has in itself, a big part of the jewelry’s meaning comes with the tag or packaging it comes in.  For example, printing a special message on a beautiful box will make the piece’s value rise immensely, as it will appeal to emotion, which is what sells the jewelry in the end.  With the right message, you can give the jewelry piece a connection to love that will last forever and make it memorable.

The packaging and wrapping must be as unique as the piece, and convey its value.  The packaging is commonly kept to store the jewelry, so, make it extra special, a kind of treasure to be cherished.  It is also important to provide a quality certificate, to show value and uniqueness.

Take the time to think about a phrase or saying that conveys the emotion behind the piece of jewelry you are offering and why it is one in a million, and select a font that enhances the feeling.  All this will increase the perceived value of your pieces, making them unique.

To go one step further, if you personalize the piece, it will make spirits soar.  The giver is saying: this piece was created for you and only you.  There are many ways to personalize a piece of jewelry; there are the common ways, like engraving initials, names and dates, or the more unique ways, like selecting a birthstone, a significant color, preserve a heirloom in the piece, add a piece of fabric from a special occasion, select something to do with a hobby or a pet.

Giving jewelry as a gift is all about the occasion that it represents and the person that inspires it, thus, make sure you offer your clients a unique way to show their loved ones how much they care.

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If you are an online jewelry seller, it is imperative that you have good quality photographs of your pieces.  As the saying goes, “a picture is worth a thousand words” and for jewelry this is very true.  Just think for a moment of the process you follow when buying your wholesale jewelry.  You look at it, you touch it, you hold it in your hand, and you may even try it on before you decide whether or not to buy that piece to add to your inventory.  Now think of your online customer.  The only thing they can do is look at a photo.  That photo and your description is all they have to base a buying decision upon.  You as the seller, have to make that photo count!  Here are a few tips on taking great jewelry photos.

One simple and quick way to create effective photos if you’re not very comfortable with cameras is to use a scanner.  While photos created this way are only two dimensional, they can be very dramatic. Earrings, necklaces and any piece that can be laid flat on the glass can be shot in this manner.  It won’t work well for items such as rings where the piece is best photographed in an upright position to allow for a three dimensional shot.

Items such as rings, bangles and some earrings are better photographed with a digital camera. Purchase a camera that you feel comfortable with and that has a macro lens setting to allow for close up shots.

Now you have to get the lighting right.  Consider purchasing some inexpensive table lamps from your local department store to add lighting that you can set up on a table and move around to get the angle just right.

The next important element of taking a good photo is having your jewelry displayed on a good background.  A really inexpensive way to find a variety of backgrounds for your jewelry photos is to use scrapbooking paper.  It comes in an amazing variety of colors and textures. Simply place your piece on the paper to create an interesting and complimentary background.

Another interesting way to photograph jewelry pieces is on a model.  Ask a friend or family member to wear the piece for you while you take the picture.  This can be a really good way to show the size and appeal of a piece.  Just remember to keep the shot simple with the focus on one piece at a time, and make sure you’re models are smiling!

The final step in creating your effective photos is to know how to best edit them for display on the computer. There are many photo editing programs available in a wide range of prices and capabilities.  Invest in one that suits your needs and skill level.

Now you are well on your way to creating great photographs for selling your wholesale jewelry online.

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Many retailers today want to take their business out of the traditional store setting and sell jewelry in a variety of other venues.  For many, this means online selling, but it can also mean selling in markets, kiosks, or even traveling shows.  You still need a good wholesale jewelry supplier, but you no longer need the upkeep and overhead of a permanent location.  If this type of jewelry selling appeals to you, you will need to have a complete “jewelry –store- to- go” plan.  Here is a checklist of the things you should have to take on the road with you.

•    Some markets will allow for pulling your vehicle right up to the selling location, but if that’s not possible, you will need a wagon, garden cart or shopping trolley to transport your goods from your car to your display booth.

•    Folding table and chairs.  These are readily available at department and home stores.  Be sure to have at least two chairs in case you have someone helping you at the show.  A helper can not only provide company, but they can also man your booth to allow you to take a break or to talk one on one with customers without keeping others waiting.

•    Table covers.  Any kind of cloth will do, although it is a good idea to have something that can stand up to being outdoors.  Clips that can weigh the cloth down and keep it place are also helpful.

•    Order books, receipt books and gift certificates as well as marketing materials.  Have a sign that displays your company name and don’t forget your business cards!

•    Cash box, credit card slips, debit machine, or whatever payment equipment you need.  Cash float for making change with cash sales.

•    Extension cords, lamps, power bars and lighting accessories such as extra bulbs, and duct tape for keeping cords out of the way.  Good lighting is paramount to showing your merchandise at its best.

•    Display cases, stands, risers, and cloths for displaying your jewelry

•    A canopy or tent cover if your show is taking place outdoors.  Be sure to have some type of weights or stakes to help anchor the canopy in case of wind.

•    For yourself, a small cooler with refreshments, a raincoat, sunscreen, bug spray and even an extra sweater or jacket for weather changes. A radio can be pleasant for passing a long day and can even keep you up on impending bad weather.

While there may be many other things you’ll find you need as you go along, this list should provide a good starting point.  Selling wholesale jewelry out of the retailing mainstream can be fun and prosperous, but it is always going to work the best when you have the right tools and supplies at hand!

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Color is a part of life. It is everywhere and we use it for everything and in everything, and it is especially important in clothes and accessories.  A well-planned outfit will show a combination, or even contrast, of well-chosen pieces and colors that strengthen an image and a personality.

Color combination between an outfit and its accessories is an art, one that you must master if you own or are planning to start a wholesale jewelry business venture, thus, here you will find a little about color theory applied to fashion and tips on how to get the best out of it.

Primary colors are red, blue and yellow; any other color results from the combination of these, as mixed in different amounts.  The secondary colors, purple, orange and green, are created from the combination of any two primary ones in the same amount.

Primary and secondary colors provide the complementary colors, which are the ones that are directly opposite to each other on the color wheel.  The complement for red is green, for yellow is purple, and for blue is orange.  Talk about contrast!  This is the definitely the way to go if you want to stand out.  Combine a yellow suit with purple jewelry to appear sophisticated and even playful, depending on the tones.

However, color is not only about appearing flashy, there are ways to use color and still be subtle.  On the color wheel, the two colors that are next to the main color’s complement form the triad colors, which guide the way for selecting the jewelry and accessories to match.

That same yellow suit when combined with silver, or blue, or even red will make the person look elegant and professional.  For the always-necessary gray business suit, for example, you first must establish if the gray is cool or warm.  It will look more red or yellow if it is warm, or bluer, if it is cool.  If it were cool, the complement of blue is orange, which triad is red and yellow.  Based on this, gold will go great with that suit.

As a general rule, follow these steps every time you want to complement an outfit with the perfect jewelry to make a statement:

-    Establish the base color of the clothes; it will be the main color.

-    Find the complement for that color using the color wheel.  To stand out, use that complement.

-    Take a look at the triad next to the complement; these are the colors you will most likely use to accessorize.  You can use both colors or just one, in its different tones.

If you follow these steps, any outfit will make the person stand out in the right way.

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A jewelry open house is a very powerful way to get feedback from your potential customers without spending a bundle.  This feedback will not only be in regards to the jewelry pieces, but also about your displays, presentation and packaging, which are key elements to guarantee your success in different shows and private activities.

Of course an impressive open house must look impressive, which may be a challenge when your budget is kind of limited, but never a problem when your creative forces come to the rescue.

-    The Internet allows you to make and send inexpensive and classy invitations with your logo and all the necessary information.  You can send them to hundreds of people at virtually no cost.

-    You can easily learn to take your own jewelry photos or you can ask your jewelry wholesaler for some quality materials.  You can create unique and special price tags using office supplies and a little creativity.

-    As for the business cards, you can design them yourself using Photoshop or any other program available online, and you can get them printed through a web printing company that can offer you a great price.

-    To present the jewelry pieces, search the local dollar stores and warehouses to find pieces of fabric to use as tablecloths, for flower arrangements, and paper products.  You can also get some ribbons or laces to hang some of your jewelry in a colorful and romantic way.

-    Do not be shy, borrow tables, fabric, or other stuff from friends, and use your own stuff as well.  You may have beautiful frames, platters, bowls or vases that can work as a great complement for your jewelry.

-    Ask your friends for help in many different ways. Maybe someone is starting their own business as a pastry chef, for example, and your event will be a great way for them to advertise.  At the same time, you are offering your potential clients a delicious complement to your beautiful pieces.

-    Be open to sincere thoughts and opinions that enrich your business, since you may also meet important contacts, like photographers, designers and boutique owners, who are looking for great wholesale jewelry and are always on the look out for new opportunities and projects.

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Art Deco is a term you are sure to hear if you are at all interested in antique or vintage jewelry.  The jewelry designs of the 1920s to 30s were greatly influenced by the Art Deco movement that was taking place around the world.  The term Art Deco was actually taken from the International Exposition of Modern Industrial and Decorative Art which was organized in 1925 in France.   Many famous designers and artists presented their wares to the public at this famous show.

One of the biggest historical events to influence Art Deco jewelry design was the discovery of King Tut’s tomb.  This inspired a wave of design that was very Egyptian in nature. Pyramids, serpents and spiders emerged as design elements. Advances in technology were also a definite influence as well which can be seen reflected in the designs of autos and airplanes that found their way into pieces of jewelry.

Then, coming out of the First World War, the country was ready for a bit more flash and pizzazz.  There was a lot of geometric and abstract design used in all types of jewelry.  Favorite colors were black onyx, blue sapphires, green emeralds, and red coral and of course white diamonds.  Designs were bold and pieces were often big.  Pendants were often long and free flowing while bangle bracelets and cocktail rings were extremely popular.  The boyishness of the female wardrobe of the day also led to incorporation of other costume pieces such as cigarette cases and holders.

There was money to spend at the end of the war and prior to the stock market crash, a lot of it was spent on jewelry and jewelry making.  As a result, many of the designs of the Art Deco period were very luxurious.   Some of the world’s most renowned names in the industry emerged during this period.  Lalique, Cartier, Chanel, and Van Cleef are just a sampling.

The economic times played the greatest role in the end of the Art Deco era.  The downturn of the early thirties led to a more restricted production of jewelry and designers were forced to turn to cheaper materials to produce jewelry items that a less affluent society could afford.

Art Deco had another surge in popularity during the 1960’s when a new show was organized based on books that had been written about the original Art Deco movement.  The phrase Art Deco was actually first coined during this period.

Today Art Deco reproduction jewelry is a very popular choice among wholesalers of jewelry both in rings and other pieces.

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As a general rule of thumb, gemstones can be classified into three categories; natural, synthetic and simulant.   Obviously, natural gems are mined and cut from minerals.  For example, diamonds come from the mineral carbon.  Organic materials such as pearls, coral and ivory are also considered natural gemstones.

Synthetic gemstones are manmade but for the most part are created to give the gem the same appearance and chemical properties of their natural counterparts.  Some examples of synthetic stones that are commercially produced are alexandrite, emerald, garnet, quartz, and many more.   There are even some synthetic stones produced which do not have a natural partner.

A simulant gem is one that is grown in a laboratory and may look a lot like a natural stone but it will have different chemical and physical properties.  Cubic zirconia is one example of a simulant gemstone, which was first grown in a lab in 1976, and is now commonly used as a fabulous diamond substitute in much of today’s jewelry designs.

The cubic zirconia more closely resembles a diamond than any other stone ever manufactured by man.  It is slightly less hard and reflects slightly less light but is impossible to distinguish from a diamond to the naked eye.  Cubic zirconia, like a diamond, is available in both high and low grades and its price will vary accordingly.

Cubic zirconia is manufactured using what is called a skull melting system.  This system is used due to the fact that cubic zirconia has a very high melting point.  The skull refers to the copper cup in which the powders to grow the crystals are melted.  The hollow walls of the cup are filled with water which keeps the powders next to the wall from melting while the powders in the center are heated and melted to the proper temperature.  As the cup of liquid cools, crystals form and cubic zirconia is created.

Once the crystals have been grown and harvested, it is the responsibility of the gem cutter to cut the stones to the appropriate size and shape. The specifications for cutting the stones are very exact and cutting are a very precise undertaking.  It is always the goal of the gem cutter to use as much as possible of the crystal to create the best quality gems.  Just as with cutting diamonds, the gem cutter will determine the best cut to maximize the refraction of light within the stone, thus giving the stone its clarity and thereby, its value.

As its production methods improve, cubic zirconia continues to remain a popular choice for jewelry designers and consumers alike.  No longer used solely in rings as it once was, cubic zirconia is now becoming an alternative choice among jewelry wholesalers everywhere in the design of earrings, tennis bracelets and other quality pieces.  Its reputation as a diamond substitute is being over shadowed by its popularity as a mainstream diamond alternative.

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