A few words about QUALITY.

Quality, especially for a new crafter or artist, is one of those things many feel they can cut corners on. The mentality goes something like this: Silver-plated earring hooks look just as nice as sterling silver hooks, and I can purchase the silver-plate for less and pass the savings on to my customers. No! Don't do it! Even though your mental justification sounds right to you, today, at this moment...please reconsider.

Today and even tomorrow the silver-plated earrings will look nice. But as your customer handles the earrings and wears them the silver-plate wears through. Now what does the customer do? Maybe she just throws them away. Maybe she returns them to you and asks for a new pair. Maybe she tells her friends that she is disappointed in the earrings she bought from you. Maybe she decides never to purchase anything from you in the future. Maybe...??

Spending a few extra cents on solid sterling silver, gold or gold-filled earring hooks will certainly ensure your customers will not be disappointed in the performance of the earrings. In fact, using quality materials tells your customers that you have pride in your products and care about your reputation and the longevity of your product.

The next aspect of quality has to do with your workmanship and skills. Using gold earring hooks aren't enough if the wire ends are sharp, rough or otherwise poorly made. I highly recommend making a few pieces of jewelry for yourself and "road testing" them for a week or two. Is it comfortable? Sturdy? Does the necklace lay nicely across your chest? Do the earrings get tangled in your hair? Is the bracelet easy to clasp? Again, these are just a few things to consider when thinking about quality.

Use good materials and use excellent workmanship. Always!

Next: Pricing!