QUALITY:
Artisan Designers use high-quality components, not cheap plastic and mass produced pieces. When you buy from the designer, you will know exactly what you are getting. If you do have any questions, a designer will answer you honestly. Usually, they have details and specifics about their pieces, depending on what they were told from their supplier. Any reputable designer is going to tell you up front if it is a reconstituted stone, if it is man made, and the story behind the stones/beads if there is any. They may even know the lampworker who made the beads, and some artisans kiln their own pieces. The designer can talk about how the wire was wrapped to create the bail/bale it hangs from.
If it is a piece with lesser quality items, or perhaps some of their early pieces when they were learning a new technique, a designer will be very honest about that too. Designers have nothing to hide; they want you to know about their work and their designs. Yes, initially, some designers start using somewhat less expensive pieces as they are learning and building their inventory (yes, inventory---you should SEE the bead stashes!).
Then, as they work with pieces and learn more about stones and find better suppliers, their quality improves. It doesn't mean that the early pieces you buy aren't "worth" the cost, they are. If anything, most designers under-estimate the value of their work, so "newbies" are typically giving everyone great deals. You may also learn about the inspiration that first gave an artisan the idea to create the piece, and what they hoped the piece accomplished or "said" to the wearer, if any. You may discover where they found the stones or beads, or what the inclusions are in certain stones. Over time, jewelry designers tend to learn about gemstones, where they come from, how they are mined or found, and any other particular "tidbit" just so--YOU--know what you are getting.
FIT, COLOR, & MORE:
A designer can adjust the length to be exactly what you need, so it falls exactly where it needs to on the neckline of a certain dress, or because you don't want the earrings to be quite that long. They can add stones, extenders, lengthen toggle clasps and really, literally, remake a piece to fit you (any sizes from small girls to plus sized women). A designer can make something similar to a design you like in another color, just ask. If you HATE green but love a certain necklace, ask the artisan, they can usually design something similar in the color you want. Or, maybe you really like the necklace you see, but it's just not "flashy" enough or the opposite, it's just too largesse for your personal preferences. A designer can remake that, adding more crystals and glass, rhinestones, or metal so it glints in light. They can add strands to make it bolder and more dramatic, as well as tone down a piece so it isn't as "bling-y" if you prefer.
EXCLUSIVITY & DISTINCTIVENESS:
Designers don't mass produce anything. First of all, logistically, they can't. They simply cannot maintain an inventory that allows for making 200 bracelets in exactly the same colors and stones, unless that's simply the only bracelet they make! Second, that's not part of the designer's creative nature. A designer may buy enough beads to make several pieces from that set of stones, but it won't be the exact same thing. So, when you purchase from a designer, you are getting that one of a kind, unique design that no one else will have. You won't end up purchasing the same necklace from one of the network public jewelry companies as your friend did, and then ending up at the same event with the same piece on, and both knowing exactly what the price was for that piece. A designer's piece is generally unique, unless you order something or want to purchase several for gifts. And, if a piece is designed especially to order by you, no one will make more than that to re-sell; special orders are, well, special.
You can also ask a designer to make earrings to match a pendant someone purchased from someone else. Most designers share their work freely, and won't be insulted if asked for a custom order like this. In addition, with the new trends to re-work vintage pieces, or perhaps incorporate a pendant from a relative into a new necklace, designers are great resources remake items into something you would be proud to wear. Artisans can re-work old stones into new, current designs that you will proudly wear and tell others about.
SPECIAL ORDERS:
When you work directly with a designer for a special order, they won't just take a couple of notes like the local bakery. They will sit down, ask questions, draw out more information and possibly even show you stones or a rough drawing of what possible designs. A designer takes a special order as a challenge; not a challenge to create it, but a challenge to meet everything you wanted and add more! They know how to ask questions to get details that you might not even have thought of, but as it's discussed the entire project comes into more focus. That adds to your excitement and to the designer's. And jewelry can be made from SO many things! Not only beads and wire, but from almost anything you can think of, and it can incorporate and use almost any theme you can come up with! There is a large pendant made from a serving spoon, with added decor in the bowl. There is jewelry from scrabble pieces, parts from a grandfather's wristwatch, themes for almost any interest or work imaginable, dominoes, even teapots. Don't count a designer out on any idea; there are tons of ways you've never even considered to make a bingo pendant and charm bracelet to match! An artisan will even hide the earrings your ordered in a plastic Easter egg if you want.
INDIVIDUALITY:
You, the customer are unique, and your likes and ideas are treated as such. You get to talk to the designer, and can even have a private showing if you like. They can bring a selection of pieces to your home, work, or you can come to their homes and see what is available. You can pick out a certain gemstone and ask for a piece designed around that, or even bring one you purchased while traveling. You have the designer's undivided attention as long as needed so they get an accurate idea of what you like and what you want. You don't have to pick only from what you see, you can ask for this or that or even the other thing. Artisans can bring or email you picture of samples of how the design can look when it's complete, or sketches depending on how and what they are working on. So, you don't get just one opportunity to describe what you want and then order it, you get to review it and approve it before it's complete. What store will take that time to be sure you get what YOU want and not what they want to sell?
PRICE:
Let's be honest, everyone is watching their money more closely these days. Designer prices tend to come in well under retail. Designers' don't have a markup for 3 or 4 layers of "middle men & women" also make a profit. Compare artisan pieces to similar ones in the better department stores or from most network re-sale public jewelry lines.Personal artisan prices are almost always lower for the same quality of components. Designers can also offer discounts for multiple purchases, or add earrings for free, when you buy more than 1 or 2 pieces---you won't see that in a department store. Local designers will also work with you on a payment plan that can fit any situation or budget. Layaway, payments on your debit/credit card, even just "holding" a piece until you have the money are all options when you deal directly with creator. In addition, designers stand behind their work and their pieces, if something breaks/unravels/etc they will fix it or replace it. And if you lose an earring---what store is going to help you get a replacement? Many designers can.
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION:
Someone who buys from a designer forms a one on one business relationship, that is more intimate and personal than buying from a catalog or store clerk. A true artisan tends to bend over backwards to satisfy you, the customer. Yet, jewelry designers all know they won't get the same repeat business as those who make beauty products, soaps, candles or food. Since jewelry isn't consumable (well, except for those candy necklaces that were always on stretchy cord), you will have a piece for years. A jewelry artisan strives to make you a satisfied happy customer who will remember them the next time you are shopping for jewelry. If you think the designer really did well, they hope you will tell your friends and spread the word, and maybe even make some referrals. All that depends on that first step: making you happy. Perhaps going a step beyond what a commercial store can do or what a sales representative can offer.
You also get a personal relationship with your designer, which can pay off in so many ways. Yes, layaway and payment plans, but also in your designer learning more about you so pieces can reflect your specific tastes and likes. This connection is a very important distinction between a designer and a department store; it is what makes you an individual and a unique person to a designer. Often as an artisan makes relationships with customers, they can apprise them when certain pieces are on sale, or when a series you were interested in is complete, or just guiding you to the designs you might prefer. The artisan will remember that you love the color blue, and that you like gold, not silver, and when you buy for your mother, the earrings are converted to clip. All these details make the experience unique to you and you alone as you get to know your designer---how many of us have met Oleg Cassini or Diane Von Furstenberg?
And, you get a personal touch, not a series of voicemail messages. If you do have to leave a message, the designer him or herself will return your call personally. And designer availability isn't limited to just Monday through Friday. No one will have to forward you to their manager or supervisor; the designer is truly the jack of all trades, when it comes to their business. They take every role from the mailroom to the head of the company! That level of connection and intimacy with all aspects of their business is what gives them all the inside information you might ever want or need. All of those positions are at your disposal, with just a simple call!
LOCAL, HANDMADE, MADE IN AMERICA:
Finally, when you purchase from a designer, with his or her business in the home, and possibly in your community, you are keeping dollars in your area, locally. One recent statistic indicated that, if you buy from a designer, $52 goes directly back into your community, as opposed to $14 when you buy from a chain store. Whatever your country, buying from the designer/individual means keeping money in your economy, and not supporting foreign business. There is no sweat shop, where people are working all week for $1 in wages, making the pieces.
No, designers can't compete with $1 earrings from a discount store rack. First, they won't even have components that are that cheap. Second, they pride themselves on quality ; they take great care with our work. Third, even if they could "whip out" a pair of earrings in 10 minutes, that's 6 pair an hour, for $6/hour for our time. So, no, you won't get quality at rock bottom cheap discount prices from an artisan. Well, I hope some of the reasons "why" made some sense to you as the buyer. I also hoped I helped you understand a bit more about what a designer does. Any artisan, in any medium, can relate to these items, even if you sew, paint, or work with creative papers. You aren't 1 customer pushing the revolving door, you are an individual they want to know and make happy with everything you purchase, or even if you don't purchase anything at all! I hope this provides you with more information the next time you are at a festival or artist show and have an opportunity to buy directly from the designer!
Good Luck and Happy Shopping!
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