Looking at the new Wedding / Bridal / Prom section that we’re building in our Design Gallery, I learned a technique…
Strand enhancers can grow your business. For a second, I thought this might mean “necklace extenders“, which are amazingly useful findings themselves.
But no, strand enhancers are yet a different way of offering extra value to your jewelry customers. They instantly make any necklace into a “Y” necklace, as @wendytgibson put it on Twitter. See one detached, and one in action, in this “Always a Bridesmaid” necklace design:
The “Always a Bridesmaid” design from Rings & Things
For this necklace, designer Cindy made the “pearl enhancer” with a #39-541-11 9x15mm oval no-trigger lobster clasp, in sterling silver. Have a custom wedding order? You can make clip-on strand enhancers with colors that match the bridesmaids’ dresses!
You can take this idea to craft fairs and jewelry shops too! Offer necklace-buying customers a matching strand enhancer for a little sales bump. They let the customer multi-purpose her necklace, choosing the style she wants. And they’re easy to make — so you could even offer to “build to order”. As @CreationsWHeart (also on Twitter) pointed out, “I can see how you could come up w/ a ton of designs whether it’s on a chain or beaded necklace! How fun!”
PS: A little extra design trick is to use seed beads in a pearl necklace like the one seen here. They’re easy, affordable spacers and they take far less time than knotting the cord!
Want to suggest more necklace design tricks and tips? Share them in a comment below. You’ll be entered in our drawing!
May giveaway:
* You enter by leaving comments this month
* At the end of May, 2 winners will receive coveted Rings & Things goodie packs!
*So read the blog regularly, to enter a lot & to see if you won!
4 Comments
Excellent idea!
Bravo!!
Wow, this is great. I’ve actually been doing this for a few years, but I’ve been forced to use not-quite-right findings, such as regular lobster clasps and split rings. I love these smooth lobster clasps and will be getting some with my next order.
Wonderful that the trigger free lobster clasp is in sterling! I’d love to see smaller ones in sterling and gold fill, too.
I’m not too demanding, now, am I? 🙂
Great, I’ve added these suggestions to our Wish List for the buying department. On demand!