Setting up your own displays for jewelry at a home show, a trade show or a craft fair takes planning and a lot of props.
I have learned a few tricks of the trade having sold my designer jewelry at many shows for the last 8 years. The first trick is to put your own jewelry on at the shows and model pieces for customers so they see what it looks like on. Jewelry always looks better on you, then in the case.
Start out with enough space and enough light. Request a lighted area when you reserve the space. It can be very worthwhile to buy a bigger booth or extra tables to best display your wares, even if it costs a little more up front. The most important thing after that is levels so that your customer’s eyes explore your jewelry at different levels. You can use plexiglass risers, small tables, or even boxes to create different heights and sections. The different levels create interest and can be covered in all the same colored fabric or different patterns to compliment your designs. I collect textiles from my travels for unique table covers, pretty guest books and unique boxes to put my business cards in. They all contribute to an interesting well put together display.
Professional jewelry necklace busts are a great way to show your designs – but consider layering pieces and pinning complimentary earrings to the busts as well for even more interest. For earrings look at vertical racks or trays at eye level.
Pebbles, coffee beans or other textured backgrounds look great as a backdrop for jewelry with natural stones.
The most important thing is good lighting. Bring a floor lamp or two with adjustable heads or clip on reflector lamps to highlight the booth or table. In a booth or tent setting you might want to invest in track lighting that can be hung using heavy duty plastic ties and affixed to the frame of the tent.
Personal style can be brought to the display using things you love. Pillows, branches, statues, china cups and glass bottles are all good props that can make your jewelry displays more interesting.
Don’t forget signage, business cards and artists cards that tell a customer who you are.
Finally, always have a guest book available for people to sign. Their email addresses will help you stay in touch and market to them in the future.
