On November 13 and 14, my local rock and gem club had their annual show. In the past, I’ve always participated in art or craft shows. So, this was the first time I sold my jewelry at a rock show. Though I by no means earned enough to retire on, the show was a pleasant experience, and I hope to be in more rock shows in the future.

First, it is important to understand the difference between arts and crafts shows and rock and jewelry shows. Most art shows are juried, meaning slides or photos of work must be sent in for approval when applying to be a vendor. These are then judged by a panel selected by the show committee or promoter. If acceptable, the application is accepted. All items sold at juried art shows must be made and sold by the artist. The cannot send someone else to sell their work for them.

In rock and gem shows, however, the rules aren’t as strict. Work is not juried. In fact, it is okay to sell work you didn’t make as long as it is related to lapidary arts. For example, in this show I sold silver jewelry. Some I had made and some I had bought. I also sold my beaded jewelry along with loose beads and jewelry making kits. At an art show, I would normally not be allowed to sell loose beads since I didn’t make the beads. Of course, not many customers at an art show would probably be interested in buying beads.

Since this was the first time I had participated in a rock show, part of my experience was to collect information. For example, thought I had one of my three tables dedicated to loose beads and kits, I had not anticipated how ell they would sell. In future shows, I plan to provide a larger selection or beads. My hand made beaded jewelry was the next best selling item. I sold a number of simple stone bead earrings and even a few, more complicated, seed bead pieces. The silver jewelry was, regrettably, the least popular item at this show. I sold a few charms we had cast. However, though I had a number of fabricated pieces and wire pieces that were admired, none were purchased.

Though I’ve been attending rock shows for years, I now plan to do as so with more of an awareness of what vendors are selling. I would like to participate in future shows, but will consider expanding my line of merchandise. I could add more beads along with cabochons, jewelry boxes, or other items related to my jewelry.

Have you participated in or thought of selling your jewelry at a rock and jewelry show? Share your questions or experience through the jewelry making forum. There’s already one rock related question posted now on the forum.