What's NOW! - Big, Bold & Chunky

As you may or may not know, I ventured out the Henri Bendel Open See in March...again.  You can read about the first adventure here.  

This time we showed our big, chunky bracelets and chokers dripping with crystals, druszy's, agates, geodes, etc...; crystal encrusted knuckle dusters and (the original) #1 selling "personalized" double banner ring.  We were sure to leave the skulls at home as they are "too edgy" for the Bendel Girl - I know this from the previous Open See visit.  {If you're not sure who the Bendel Girl is then just watch Isla Fischer in Confessions of a Shopoholic; 2009 -- just kidding, but I do love that move so}

The buyer immediately picked up the personalized rings, looking at them curiously, as I knew she would.  She moved on to the bracelets and chokers, looked up at me and said "Great pieces, but your chains are too big for us".  With that it was time to move to the left & let the next indie designer hoping for a Trunk Show through.

Niki Minaj in XXL Magazine

Once again MerCurios was passed over by Henri Bendel, and once again MerCurios proved that we are ahead of the trend.  How? Why with the big, chunky chains of course.  All the celebrities from Lady Gaga to Beyonce to you name it - they are all seen wearing huge chains around their necks - at the beach or on the town.  Big, Bold Chunky chains are IN, HOT, HIP & NOW!

Beyonce taken at LAX

Guess what?  We will be going back to the Open See for a third time.  What can I say, being rejected by Bendel's is good for business.

Networking 101 - Planting Seeds

Do you carry business cards with you?

Do you wear your own product?

Are you comfortable and confident when speaking about your product?

Well you should be, and here's why:

I cannot tell you how many customers we have had the pleasure of doing business with - not because they ask about my jewelry - but because I mention theirs!  That's right! I mention theirs.  Below is a real conversation that took place while on line in my local Starbucks.  It can happen to anyone, anywhere.

Me: "Ooo, I love your necklace.  Is that Rock Love?"  Them: "Yes, how did you know?"  Me: "I'm a big fan.  I would recognize Allisons' work anywhere." Them: "Me too, I love my necklace"  Me: [pulling out my business card case] forgive me for being presumptuous.  I'm a local jewelry designer, whose style is organic and raw - lots of free hand wire wrapping, big rocks and crystals, etc.  Here is my card in case you would like to see more of our work. Them: [looking at the pictures on the back of the card] "Wow, beautiful stuff.  I'll definitely check out the site" Me: "Thank you"  

...That was the end of it.  I went on to place my drink order and they theirs; we went our separate ways.   The very next day I received an order for three custom pieces.    

It doesn't always work out like that.  Sometimes it takes weeks before I hear from them.  Sometimes I never hear from them at all, and that's okay.  I think about it like this - one more business card is one more seed planted.   

We would love to hear your thoughts... 

Are you comfortable being the initiator?

How would you react in a similar situation?  

Do you or have you gotten business from the most unlikely of places?

Any tips for fellow readers on what has worked or not worked for you?

xo,

MJ

The MerCurios Mark

It was a long time coming and it's finally here - the MerCurios Brand Stamp!

The Future:

Each and every MerCurios piece that leaves our studio from this point forward will have the mark.  For two reasons...

1. MerCurios is and always has been a brand, so it is only customary that the product reflect that.   Having each piece marked with the logo will tie everything together and create a cohesive brand statement.

2. The second reason is much less glamorous - having the mark on our pieces will set us apart from the marketplace and act as reassurance to our customers that what they have in their possession is indeed an Original Handcrafted MerCurios Creation.  There will be no mistake - you either have the original or you don't.

The Past:

To all my loyal friends and customers, if you would like your original MerCurios creation branded with the MerCurios mark simply send your piece back to me. Contact me to get started.

In the Works - Rose Gold

I have become completely smitten with rose gold.

Above are three NEW rings, though only one is currently available in the shop.

Clockwise from the top: 1. Hot pink agate druzy two (2) finger ring.  2. Tangerine quartz double (2) finger ring. 3. Found shell & crystal quartz ring.  All are crafted with 14 karat (gold-filled) rose gold.

Did you know? Gold filled is composed of a solid layer of gold bonded with heat and pressure to brass or copper. It contains more gold than gold-plated or vermeil and is far more durable. It is tarnish resistant and will not wear off or discolor the skin. 

What are your thoughts on rose gold?

Would like to see us expand the collection?

With the sky-rocketing prices of precious metals, how do you feel about gold-filled jewelry?

Are you willing to pay a little bit more for a gold-filled piece versus a piece crafted with silver or gold plated wire?

Please share your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below.  I look forward to hearing from you...

xo,

MJ

Local News

I've been a bit lax in keeping you guys updated, partly because I've been (and am) inundated with custom work and partly because I really only write - even something as simple as an update - when I'm inspired.   

With that, in case you missed the tweets, here are links to two recent Long Island write-ups from the past month or so.  Although it may not seem like a big deal from the outside, it is a big deal to us.  MerCurios has been included in numerous International Fashion Magazines and Blogs, local press it seems, is not as easy come by. 

First, MerCurios was on page 24 of the Memorial Day Weekend issue of The Independent.  "Just A Little Goth" is the title of the article.  It was so much fun being interviewed by the editor.  The conversation flowed like I was catching up with an old friend.  You can read the story here, just be sure to click to page 24.

Shortly there after, MerCurios was featured in Clothes Line - a Fashion Blog off shoot of Long Island Press Newspaper.  This story has a completely different vibe.  Feel free to check it out here.

Etsy Fashion: Tomboy

Our Copper Cuff as seen in the Etsy Fashion email