Wrap Your Beads in Wire

Wire Wrapped Beads

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Etsy Controversy Continues

Of course, blogging is all about getting others to stop, read, and respond, but I had no idea what a nerve I was hit when I recently published a blog post entitled “Is Etsy Passé for Jewelry Designers?” The response to that blog post along with a few responses on a forum thread under a similar title were amazing and continue to roll in.


First, I have to emphasize that I like Etsy generally speaking. I have been a member there for a few years, have purchased items there, and even have sold a little over there. I opened my shop last spring not so much with the idea of making big bucks but more because I was curious and realized that for a few dollars a month I could have a shop and possibly de-stash some supplies and maybe sell a few finished pieces of jewelry as well. Like most Etsy shop owners, it didn’t take long to learn that, as with all stores on the web or otherwise, it takes a lot of time, which I’m often short of. However, I still like having it there if for no other reason that when I’m asked by a friend or acquaintance about purchasing jewelry I have a place to direct him or her to now and I didn’t before.



After reading the large number of reader comments and forum responses, are a few points from the discussions that seemed to be emphasized:



*Some Etysians are not happy with the lack of promotion on the part of Etsy, especially when it comes to search engines.



*On the total opposite spectrum from that comment, a large number or readers rallied for Etsy saying that it is what you make of it, and that members should not expect Etsy to do their promotion for them. Many pointed out that those who have done well over there have done so because of their own efforts, and that is how it should be.



*Even those who still like Etsy are shopping around and considering alternatives as far as e-commerce options and their jewelry. They are checking out sites like ArtFire.com as well as either selling on their own sites or thinking about doing so.



These are just a few points that seemed to be mentioned repeatedly. There was a lot more said, and perhaps this will continue to be a hot button topic for awhile. I know I, at least, learned a lot and appreciate the input from everyone on this topic.

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Festive Indian Dress From Mashooka Designs, Yak & Yeti Jewelry

This fabulous  indian dress is a dollarbie from Mashooka Designs, it’s available at the mainstore.

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Some Tips to Purchase Bezel Set Engagement Rings

When going to shops for purchasing some ring jewelries, the couples have many choices to make in these days when there are plenty of varieties available with the jewelers. Bezel set engagement ring may be one choice for its special features. But there are lots of its aspects that the couples must consider before making the purchase.

Bezel setting implies that the diamond on the ring is wrapped in a bracket of metal. This means that sides of the precious stones are covered by a collar of the metal. This is the chief feature of the ring. Shop for the rings with a proper budget in place and make extensive search for the competitive prices.

When should you opt for bezel set engagement ring? The purpose of this method of molding the diamond or any other gemstone on the ring is to give adequate protection to the precious stone. This is because of the metal collar that is wrapped around the stone. Since the stone is tightly surrounded by the metal, chances of the diamond falling out of the ring are very rare. This is the reason for many budget couples opting for this type of ring.

Clearly, more protection to the diamond should be the prime reason. However, these settings can also enhance the aesthetic value of the jewelry along with some engravings.

Another purpose of bezel set engagement rings is to hide any exterior blemishes on the sides of the diamond purchased for the jewelry. Know that such a stone is lowly priced because of the cracks on its side. So, while the prices are down substantially, the stone has no cracks in the eyes of public because its sides are covered by the collar of metal.

The bezel set rings are useful for working women as they have to go through daily chores at home and they also spend most of the time in offices. This means the diamond will be exposed to the daily wear and tear. Due to the collar of metal around the stone, it will not fall off the ring.

In the last, we advise you to first compare the ready made bezel set engagement rings prices on internet and see if you can purchase them within your budget or not. For further reduction in the prices, look for competitive rates of online sellers. Or, you should opt for buying a loose diamond at low rates and find out the jeweler who will set it at lower cost. Keep these tips in mind before purchasing the ring.

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