Daily Wire Tip Nov. 7: Where Can I Find Gold Chains?
Daily Wire Jewelry Making Tip
November 7, 2009
Question:
I would like to be able to supply some of my customers with gold chains for the pendants I create but cant seem to find any, can you help with this?
Answer:
In today’s market (Nov 2009) 14k gold chains sell by the gram (from $32 to $39/gm) and the price changes daily, so I would find a company and call to order when the gold market is low. 14k gold-filled chain can be purchased by the piece or by the foot, again the price depending on the market for whatever day. Do an Internet search for ’14k gold chain’ or ’14k gold-filled chain’ and see what your options are.
Yes, I went through the same dilemma years ago. I wanted to offer my customers chains to go with my pendants, but then I got into what length, what type of clasp, “don’t you have this type of link?”, etc. I ended up spending so much money to have a good stock of whatever a customer might wish for that I still have several around somewhere (and that was many years ago). Everyone has a favorite chain! You might want to offer an ‘instant gratification’ solution by having finished ribbons or knotted silk cords available and you could even sweeten the purchase by giving this item for free.
Answer contributed by Dale “Cougar” Armstrong
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chain, gold chain, wire jewelry chain
Filed under:Daily Wire Jewelry Tips‚ Sales, Marketing, Shows, & Display‚ Wire & Wire Wrapping
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Great question I have had the same problem, and thanks for the advice about the ribbons and cords.
I love this answer, what a great idea about the ribbons and cords.
Silk ribbons, leather cord (mousetail = 1mm, rattail = 2mm) are both good ideas. You can get pretty inexpensive end tips at a variety of locations. If you have registered your business with the IRS and have a tax id number you can go to some of your favorite vendors and get wholesale accounts! Not a bad deal…..
Blessings,
Cheri
P.S. Dale – I just received your book a couple of days ago and it is GORGEOUS! My husband was so impressed with it that now he wants to learn how to wire sculpt. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Thanks Cheri! Before you know it, you will have a fabulous, family owned and operated, small business, congratulations! (Now think of all the cool places you could spend a few extra days at after a show, and enjoy mini-vacations together.)
I agree Dale .also when start trying to ad a chain you will have more envested in the 14k,are gold filled chain, then your pendant you just made .and if you ad a gold plated chain you have just cheapen you work.A nice ribbon cord with clasp you will have around
$ 1cent envested and it it, adds to your work not over comes your work. And you can tell people that you can give them the ribbon and if they want a chain go to were they like and my the chain they want ,not something you put on it,You want to be known as a wire sculpture not someone who sells jewerly.
I have used Goldfathers for many years for gold chains that are affordable and have a lifetime guanantee. The chain can be purchase by the spool and clasps can be added when the customer purchases the chain the length of choice. Custom chains are very good sellers especially with a one-of-a-kind pendant.
What a GREAT idea!!!
What a wonderful solution! It might just close a sale.
Great idea because I would always want to use sterling silver and 14k gold fill. So, now I can interchange and have different designs.