Penny Pinching Jewelry Tips

After posting a poll about plated wire, while most people agreed that it is less expensive, many were still not ready to use it to make jewelry, even if it meant saving money. I can't say this really surprised me that much; however, it got me thinking about saving money in general when it comes to your jewelry making. Here are some tips I have been using lately to keep my jewelry costs down: Use lower-end metals. For example, I have been using a lot more brass wire, copper wire, and also findings in these two metals. I still use silver and gold-filled, but more sparingly. Recycle previously made jewelry. I have taken apart a lot of jewelry I have made in the past that either didn't sell or I just no longer like that much. That has given me a lot of new supplies to work with. Recycle old jewelry. Before many of made jewelry, we bought a lot of it. I have reused old parts of jewelry I had purchased. For example clasps, pendants, and beads can often be repurposed very easily.Make prototypes with less expensive materials. I just about always made jewelry designs with less expensive materials first, and then once I feel confident, I can break out the good stuff.

These are just a few cost saving ideas, but I have no doubt you may have a few suggestions of your own. Feel free to post them in the comments and share the wealth.

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