Funky Finds Jewelry Give A Way....

Jessica over at Funky Finds has over $500 from 30 different jewelry designers to give away this month.

You can get the scoop on how to enter for your chance to win some beautiful jewelry! What are you waiting for, you could be 1 of 30 Funky Finds winners!

On the Rise Emerging Jewelry Designer....Vote for me at Style Bakery

How would you like the chance to win $500? You can by voting for Designing-Diva Jewelry as an emerging indie designer under the jewelry category. I would love the opportunity to go to NY Fashion Week and showcase my jewelry.

If you like my jewelry designs, support me by voting (and it wouldn't hurt to tell your friends too!). Please and thanks!

Just click on the Banner below and you can vote for me under jewelry category by entering my business name, Designing-Diva Jewelry and website, www.designing-diva.com!

Thanks so much for your support! Randi



Technorati Tags emerging jewelry designer win $500 shopping free contest vote

Jewelry Experiment-Garnet & Czech Glass Button Necklace

Here is my latest jewelry experiment and it is all one of my Bunco sister's fault. She just had to show me a book about button jewelry and all the things you can do with designer buttons. So, since Friday night...buttons have been on my mind!

I am a sewing and quilting enthusiast and have made several trips to the International Houston Quilt Festival....my point, I have lots of gorgeous Czech glass buttons.

Last night, I dug through my stash (which you can never have enough of by the way)!!! I found this gorgeous button that is coppery brown with gold detailing. Then I rummaged through my competing bead stash and found some dark rough garnet nugget beads.

Since the glass button has gold detailing, I decided to use 14k gold-filled wire (22 gauge half hard) to make links for my necklace/jewelry design experiment of the day. I also incorporated some textured 14k gold-filled circles and closed jump rings. I am debating to finish off with a handcrafted clasp or a lobster clasp; comments anyone????

Jewelry Purse Necklace

I just love this necklace and pendant. The purse is simple but makes a bold statement.
This is a great way to pick out jewelry. Look for something that is simple but will pack a punch or wow others with either it's uniqueness, design, etc...
This is one of my favorite ways to design since I love creating original pieces; I will take a ready to wear silver, gold or gold-filled chain and put all my creative juices into the pendant design which is the focal point.

Photo Info and Credit:
A model presents an ensemble by Belgium fashion designer Martin Margiela as part of his fall-winter 2007/2008 ready to wear collection in Paris Monday Feb. 26, 2007.(AP Photo/Remy de la Mauviniere)

Jewelry Business

Running a jewelry business from my studio has it's challenges. Unlike a retail store, I do not have set hours that folks can drop on by and make a purchase.
Most of my business is done through my website, Designing-Diva Jewelry, or direct contact with customers and retail buyers at trade shows.
Since jewelry is something that often needs to be "touched" before purchased, many of my sales are through people I've had direct contact with and who know the quality of my work.
My question is how do other jewelry designers create that sense of trust online? Is it the layout, the photos, the store policies??? Don't get me wrong, all of these things are important but my best success has come from establishing credibility with the public as a jewelry designer. One of the ways that I build credibility is to establish myself as an expert. How have I done that? I write e-zine articles on related jewelry topics, submit fresh content to editors and have become involved in several jewelry/fashion forums.