Warren Feld Jewelry

Taking Jewelry Making Beyond Craft

Posts Tagged ‘blog’

CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Protecting Your Name and Intellectual Property: Register Your Online Domain Name

Posted by learntobead on September 26, 2025

REGISTER ONLINE DOMAIN NAME

Check to see if anyone has registered your business name online as a registered domain name. Go to http://www.networksolutions.com/ or www.GoDaddy.com and type in the name you want. If the name you want is taken, you can always vary the domain type, such as “.net” or “.biz” instead of “.com”. You can vary a name by adding punctuation like a hyphen or period or deleting a space between words. You can vary a name by making it plural. You can vary the name by playing with the spelling of certain words — even making up your own creative spelling for some words.

Next, register a business domain name, so that you protect your business name from other people who might use it on-line. In translating your business name to an internet domain name, keep in mind that your email address will include that domain name. You want people to be able to easily and quickly type in your email address into an email. You do not want people to confuse the spelling or any added punctuation.

Pointers:
The business name does not have to match your domain name
The .com extension would be best, even though there are many other choices
If possible, the domain name should be rich in key words.

To find out if your business name has been claimed online, do a simple web search to see if anyone is already using that name.

Next, check whether a domain name (or web address) is available. You can do this using the WHOIS database (http://www.networksolutions.com/whois/index.jsp) of domain names. If it is available, be sure to claim it right away. This guide explains how to register a domain name (http://www.sba.gov/content/starting-online-business).

For more articles about Conquering The Creative Marketplace, click over to our Jewelry Designers’ Hub

_______________________________________________________

Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.

WarrenFeldJewelry.com
Shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
School.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Coaching by Warren Feld

Add your name to my email list.

Conquering The Creative Marketplace

Many people learn beadwork and jewelry-making in order to sell the pieces they make. Based both on the creation and development of my own jewelry design business, as well as teaching countless students over the past 35+ years about business and craft, I want to address what should be some of your key concerns and uncertainties. I want to share with you the kinds of things (specifically, a business mindset and confidence) it takes to start your own jewelry business, run it, anticipate risks and rewards, and lead it to a level of success you feel is right for you. I want to help you plan your road map.

I will explore answers to such questions as: How does someone get started marketing and selling their pieces? What business fundamentals need to be brought to the fore? How do you measure risk and return on investment? How does the creative person develop and maintain a passion for business? To what extent should business decisions affect artistic choices? What similar traits to successful jewelry designers do those in business share? How do you protect your intellectual property?

The major topics covered include,

1. Integrating Business With Design

2. Getting Started

3. Financial Management

4. Product Development, Creating Your Line, and Pricing

5. Marketing, Promotion, Branding

6. Selling

7. Professional Responsibilities and Strategic Planning

8. Professional Responsibilities and Gallery / Boutique Representation

9. Professional Responsibilities and Creating Your Necessary Written Documents

548pp, many images and diagrams
Kindle or Ebook or Print

Posted in architecture, art, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, cruises, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, fashion, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, literacy, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, Travel Opportunities, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

CONQUERING THE CREATIVE MARKETPLACE: Protecting Your Name and Intellectual Property: Copyright

Posted by learntobead on September 21, 2025

COPYRIGHT

You can copyright any documents or marketing materials (brochures, instructions, etc). You can do this by registering a copy with the Library of Congress, or just putting © YOUR NAME, date somewhere on the document.

Or you can send a copy to yourself in a Registered letter, write on the outside of the envelop what is inside, and don’t open the envelop when you receive it back in the mail. This is a proof of date, should you need to challenge anyone.

Crittenden Jewelry

One jewelry dealer I know, and who exemplifies many other jewelry artists I’ve met, owns a business called Crittenden Jewelry. Ulrich is his name. Ulrich is very pleasant, interesting to talk with, knows the jewelry business in and out, but is somewhat of an odd duck. He sells some of the most beautiful and intricate jewelry you will ever see anywhere, except in a museum.

But he hides it.

He keeps all these phenomenal pieces in boxes under the floorboards of the store. He fears if they were on display, other jewelry makers would copy them. And he would be out of business. So he only takes these pieces out for a select few.

Not surprisingly, Ulrich works alone. As he often explains, “I don’t want to hire anyone to assist me, because all they’re going to do is steal my designs.”

Business is about taking risks. If you are unwilling to take risks, as Ulrich has done, you probably don’t really have a viable business.

When you have written copy you want to copyright, first, somewhere on the document, you want to either use the copyright symbol © or write out the word COPYRIGHT. List your name and the year.

Examples: ©Warren Feld, 2020 or COPYRIGHT, Warren Feld, 2020

At this point, your document is considered copyrighted. The issue for you is if someone violated that copyright and you went to court to contest this, this would not be sufficient evidence for the courts.

Library of Congress: You can get an official certificate of copyright by submitting an application to the US Library of Congress. Your copyright starts the date the application is submitted. There is a minimal fee. It usually takes about one year before you actually receive the certificate. Courts usually require this certificate as evidence.

US Post Office: You can put your material in a self-addressed, stamped envelope and mail this Registered/Certified to yourself. On the outside of the envelope, write what is inside. When you receive it, however, DO NOT OPEN IT. The post mark date will be evidence of copyright. This will usually hold up in court.

NOTE: It is difficult to copyright a specific jewelry design. While there is no legal rule about what constitutes a copyright violation of the design, it is generally accepted that merely a 10% difference would not be a violation. That 10% difference might be a different clasp, a slightly different pattern, or a different color scheme (though the courts allow you some flexibility with color issues).

NOTE: It is expensive to contest a copyright violation in court. This might run $3,000 per incident.

The US Copyright Office will often reject jewelry designs for lacking authorship because they consist of common or usual shapes and forms. When submitting your application, you should present a well-reasoned argument, based on basic principles of jewelry design composition, form and function, as to why your jewelry and patterns should be copyrighted.

You can also copyright a “collection of jewelry”, but you can’t add new designs to the collection, without getting new copyrights. In the collection, the pieces would need to share design elements and sensibilities, and these would need to be obvious.

Copyrights last for the life of the designer plus 70 years. Use form VA (Visual Arts). It usually takes about a year for the paperwork to go through, but your piece is considered copyrighted from the date you submitted your application.

For more articles about Conquering The Creative Marketplace, click over to our Jewelry Designers’ Hub

_______________________________________________________

Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.

WarrenFeldJewelry.com
Shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
School.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Coaching by Warren Feld

Add your name to my email list.

Conquering The Creative Marketplace

Many people learn beadwork and jewelry-making in order to sell the pieces they make. Based both on the creation and development of my own jewelry design business, as well as teaching countless students over the past 35+ years about business and craft, I want to address what should be some of your key concerns and uncertainties. I want to share with you the kinds of things (specifically, a business mindset and confidence) it takes to start your own jewelry business, run it, anticipate risks and rewards, and lead it to a level of success you feel is right for you. I want to help you plan your road map.

I will explore answers to such questions as: How does someone get started marketing and selling their pieces? What business fundamentals need to be brought to the fore? How do you measure risk and return on investment? How does the creative person develop and maintain a passion for business? To what extent should business decisions affect artistic choices? What similar traits to successful jewelry designers do those in business share? How do you protect your intellectual property?

The major topics covered include,

1. Integrating Business With Design

2. Getting Started

3. Financial Management

4. Product Development, Creating Your Line, and Pricing

5. Marketing, Promotion, Branding

6. Selling

7. Professional Responsibilities and Strategic Planning

8. Professional Responsibilities and Gallery / Boutique Representation

9. Professional Responsibilities and Creating Your Necessary Written Documents

548pp, many images and diagrams
Kindle or Ebook or Print

Posted in jewelry design | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

The Permanent Jewelry Craze:  Why Everyone’s Getting Zapped

Posted by learntobead on August 17, 2025

By Louis Owen, Brainspin
 and representing Stella Rose Jewelry Supply

3mm Heart Chain from Stella Rose Jewelry Supply

I’ve been seeing more and more vendors at art and craft shows specializing in permanent jewelry. Was always curious about what it was, how it was done, and how permanent it really was. I share this article by Louis Owen, who answered my questions. — Warren Feld

At Land of Odds with Warren Feld Jewelry, we’ve seen our fair share of jewelry trends, from bold statement pieces to the return of vintage classics, but few have made as big a splash as the permanent jewelry craze. This “zapping” trend is everywhere right now, and for good reason. It blends style, sentiment, and craftsmanship into something people truly connect with.

Permanent jewelry isn’t just an accessory; it’s an experience. And in our world of ever-changing fashion, it’s one of the most meaningful shifts we’ve seen in years.

A Trend Years in the Making

Permanent jewelry’s journey started in luxury circles, where custom welding experiences were offered as exclusive events. Over time, its charm spread to boutiques, artisan jewelers, and even pop-up shops at festivals and private parties.

I’ve watched its appeal grow with customers who want more than just something pretty, they want something lasting.

How the “Zapping” Process Works

The process is simple yet special. Using a safe micro-welding tool, the jeweler fuses the chain directly onto the wrist, ankle, or neck, creating a clasp-free piece that fits perfectly. The spark lasts seconds, but the jewelry can last for years.

Many jewelers focus on offering high-quality chain options in solid gold, gold-filled, or sterling silver. Clients often add charms or connectors that make their piece completely unique.

Why Everyone’s Talking About It

Permanent jewelry has the perfect recipe for going viral:

· A visual “zap” moment that photographs well.

· A symbolic meaning that resonates with friends, couples, and families.

· A style that works with any outfit, any day.

Social media is a major driver, but so is word-of-mouth. Customers often say they go in for permanent jewelry in because they saw a friend’s welded bracelet and wanted the same experience.

The Materials Behind the Magic

Of course, quality matters. Many jewelers rely on trusted suppliers like Stella Rose Jewelry Supply for premium permanent jewelry chains. This ensures the finished piece not only looks beautiful but can stand up to daily wear.

If you prefer something with a bit of history, shops like Xtreme Pawn often have vintage gold or silver chains that can be repurposed into permanent jewelry, a creative mix of old-world charm and modern style.

Is It Really “Permanent”?

Yes and no. With care, your bracelet, anklet, or necklace can last years. But it can also be removed with scissors if necessary. That’s part of the charm, it’s long-lasting, not a lifetime sentence.

Our customers appreciate that balance of commitment and flexibility.

Why This Craze Has Staying Power

While some trends fade fast, permanent jewelry may be here to stay. It fits perfectly with the movement toward intentional, sustainable fashion. People want fewer, better pieces, and welded jewelry delivers on that promise.

We’ve seen firsthand how it brings people together, whether it’s two best friends getting matching bracelets or a couple marking an anniversary. It’s more than just a trend; it’s a moment you carry with you.

Final Thoughts

The permanent jewelry craze isn’t just about style, it’s about meaning.

Whether you’re drawn to the sleek look, the sentimental value, or simply the fun of “getting zapped,” there’s never been a better time to try it for yourself. Stop by, see the chains in person, and let us help you create your own little spark of permanence.

Posted in architecture, art, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, cruises, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, fashion, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, literacy, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, Travel Opportunities, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »

FLUENCY IN JEWELRY DESIGN: Reading Patterns And Instructions

Posted by learntobead on July 15, 2025

Reading Patterns and Instructions

Infuriating! That’s how many people, beginners and advanced alike, feel when they try to understand patterns and instructions.

Know up-front that most diagrams and figures are poorly drawn, and most instructions are poorly written. The instructors who write these often leave out critical steps — especially for new beaders and jewelry makers who are unfamiliar with many of the things these instructors assume that you know. Most often, they leave out critical information showing you the pathway, and how to negotiate that pathway, from where you are to where you are going next. It’s obvious to the instructor. But not so obvious to you.

In patterns, this “where-am-I, where-am-I-going-next” information is frequently unclear or omitted. You did Step 1 OK. You understand what Step 2 is about. But you don’t know how to get from Step 1 to Step 2.

Othertimes, the patterns are overly complex, often, in the editorial interest of reducing the number of printed pages. Instead of showing a separate pattern or diagram for each step, the editors frequently try to show you three, four, five or more steps in the same diagram. So you have a bird’s nest of lines, and a spider-web’s road map — and you’re nowhere.

I tell people, that you need to re-write the instructions and re-draw the patterns or diagrams in a way you personally understand. This is very helpful.

______________

For more articles about FLUENCY IN DESIGN, visit the JEWELRY DESIGNERS’ HUB

______________

_______________________________________________________

Thanks for being here. I look forward to sharing more resources, tips,
sources of inspiration and insights with you.

WarrenFeldJewelry.com
Shop.warrenfeldjewelry.com
School.warrenfeldjewelry.com
Coaching by Warren Feld

Add your name to my email list.

SO YOU WANT TO BE A JEWELRY DESIGNER
Merging Your Voice With Form

So You Want To Be A Jewelry Designer reinterprets how to apply techniques and modify art theories from the Jewelry Designer’s perspective. To go beyond craft, the jewelry designer needs to become literate in this discipline called Jewelry Design. Literacy means understanding how to answer the question: Why do some pieces of jewelry draw your attention, and others do not? How to develop the authentic, creative self, someone who is fluent, flexible and original. How to gain the necessary design skills and be able to apply them, whether the situation is familiar or not.

588pp, many images and diagrams Ebook , Kindle or Print formats

The Jewelry Journey Podcast
“Building Jewelry That Works: Why Jewelry Design Is Like Architecture”
Podcast, Part 1
Podcast, Part 2

Posted in architecture, art, Art or Craft?, art theory, bead stringing, bead weaving, beads, beadwork, business of craft, color, Contests, craft, craft shows, creativity, cruises, design management, design theory, design thinking, enrichment travel, Entrepreneurship, fashion, handmade jewelry, jewelry, jewelry collecting, jewelry design, jewelry making, Learn To Bead, literacy, pearl knotting, professional development, Resources, Stitch 'n Bitch, Travel Opportunities, wire and metal, Workshops, Classes, Exhibits | Tagged: , , , , | Leave a Comment »