Jewelry Makers Can Also Make Money With Jewelry Repairs

By Kay Laura

Many of handcrafted jewelry makers work throughout the day putting together new jewelry pieces and hunting for jewelry supplies for that next necklace or pair of earrings. One good way to avoid that jewelry making burn out while still using your jewelry making skills is to begin offering jewelry repair services! Making jewelry is a challenging hobby and it can be very rewarding, but it can also drain your creativity if you're making a lot of jewelry pieces and then spending lots of time putting together the materials for each piece over and over.

Fixing jewelry requires a different approach to purchasing jewelry supplies because you'll need to have lots of connectors, seed beads and wire available. You'll also need think about using a professional jewelry database software package to track what jewelry supplies you have on hand, what you'll need to buy soon and where you can get them for the cheapest price. Repairing custom jewelry uses your jewelry making skills and will often present some fun challenges. Instead of making a necklace from scratch, you usually need to take an existing jewelry pattern and find pieces to replace lost or broken jewelry pieces that either match the rest of the jewelry piece or at least compliment it. Here are some useful tips to remember when you start fixing jewelry for clients:

Don't be afraid to get a little creative, especially if you want to add in missing pieces, but check with the client first. Some people want their jewelry to be fixed to the exact condition it had before, some do not mind minor bead or clasp changes.

Even though a mounting isn't broken, you may want to suggest replacing it before it does fall apart. Keep an eye out for structural aging in older jewelry pieces.

Often times you will be fixing a jewelry piece that holds a sentimental meaning or is particularly liked by your client. You're performing a service of not just fixing a piece of jewelry, but often you're helping restore a memory or feeling! Don't be afraid to price your services fairly.

And really, you can usually charge just as much to fix a piece of jewelry as you would to create it. But since are often working with existing jewelry materials repairing a piece of jewelry can be a lot more profitable. Remember to have fun with it! Both fixing handmade jewelry and creating your own jewelry are fun ways to earn some extra money, but it's up to you to find the proper balance to keep you smiling and making money at the same time. - 33380

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