One of the challenges facing the hobbyist jeweler is where to sell the pieces he has completed. Since it's a hobby, not a full-time job, it can be difficult to produce enough inventory to fill a shop window and to keep it filled as items sell. Last month, I discussed several options, including galleries. When I am evaluating a gallery, there are a few things I like to determine. One is whether local artists in any medium display their work there. If they do, try to contact one of them to ask whether they are paid promptly when an item sells. If you can't tell, check at a local artist co-operative, if one exists. If a gallery has a poor reputation, the co-op will generally know about it. As you walk into a gallery you are considering, take a look around. Does it already sell some jewelry? If so, what is the quality and price range? If there is a lot of jewelry of a similar style and price range to what you are making, do you really want to compete with that? If your jewelry is distinctly different but in a comparable price range, this would be a good sign; it is akin to what is probably already selling, but your designs will stand out from the crowd.
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