How to Display Designer Jewelry at Shows

Setting up your own displays for designer jewelry at a trade show or a craft and arts fair sometime takes some planning and perhaps a few props.

I have learned a few tricks over the years about the trade and having sold my designer jewelry at a variety of shows. The very first step is to try and put your own handcrafted jewelry on yourself at the shows and model pieces for (potential) customers and onlookers so they see what it looks like on a real person. Designer Jewelry always looks better on you, than in the case - so make sure you wear them with pride.

Start out with a good amount of space and basic lighting. Make sure to request to the event manager for a lighted area when you reserve the assigned space to display your handmade jewels. You can make a small investment to purchase a bigger booth or even some extra tables to display your items, even if it costs a little more up front.

One of the more important things is really after you setup your wares. When it comes down to it - it's all about setting the jewelry at various levels. This will allow your customers to see and explore your jewelry at different levels. In order to create various levels, you should be able to use plexiglass risers, small tables, or even different sized boxes to create different levels or heights. The different levels should create interest from buyers and maybe covered in similar colored fabric or possibly different patterns to compliment your beautiful designs. I myself, collect textiles from my travels from across the world for unique table covers, amazing guest books or booklets and colorful boxes in order to put my business cards in. Altogether, they create an amazing and beautiful display.


When using necklace busts - these are really a great way to show your designs - but make sure you layer all pieces and pinning earrings to the busts as well for even more visual effect. For earrings, make sure your vertical racks are at customer eye level. Pebbles, coffee beans or even smooth textured backgrounds look terrific as a backdrop for designer or handcrafted jewelry with natural stones.

The most important thing is lighting - and I can't emphasize that more. You really need it to reflect on your jewels. You might want to bring a floor lamp - or maybe two or three that have adjustable heads or maybe clip on reflector lamps to shine light on the booth. When in a booth, you can buy "track lighting" that should be hung utilizing heavy duty plastic ties (ones that are usually black or white in color) and affixed to the frame or sides of the tent(s) that you will be in.

Your own personal style can be brought to the display using things that you have a passion for. When creating props - pillows, statues, china cups and glass bottles are great to use - causing your jewelry displays more interesting to your to be customers.

Don't forget signage, or business cards and and even artists cards that can tell a
customer who you are and what you do. Also tells the name of your website and phone number. The cards are basically a reminder to people of what they saw at the fair and your card will serve as a reminder.

Finally, you should always have a large guest book available for people to sign their names in. Make sure you have a column for their email addresses (and even phone numbers, possibly web site addresses) that will help you stay in touch and talk to them in the future.