In this post, we want to share with you five simple tips that can help you to maximize your sales during this season. We are sure you will find them useful:

     #1 Create in-store excitement

‘You never get a second chance to make a first impression.’ Remember this saying? If your stores still look the same, as they looked few months ago, now is the perfect time to revamp the in store arrangements. Consider creating excitement in your stores by adding interesting and appealing props and colors, based on the festive season theme. Store windows should reflect the occasion with dressings that are themed or appropriate to the occasion.

Also how about running special events inside your store that are themed to the various festive occasions? Sales people can be costumed for the event in store, where ever appropriate!

#2 Push for add-on sales

Add on sales is the strategy of selling additional goods and services to customers just before they complete their purchase. And come to think of it, isn’t it the best time to add-on, when your customer is in your store and his wallet is already out? Capturing those add-on sales before the customer leaves the store (physical or online) is the big ticket to profits. For instance, once a sale is complete with the buying of a necklace, your sales staff can politely offer the customer to view matching bangle sets. Provide adequate training to your sales staff towards this. This will help you generate extra income if you get the customer’s buy-in at the time of purchase.

       # 3 Do not ignore your online, mobile presence

Make sure your websites, blogs and profiles on other online platforms are updated with the latest piece of information in terms of arrival of new collections, promotional schemes etc. Remember websites and blogs are very important places for our online businesses and decorating them during the festive season is as important as decorating your stores. These changes should reflect the change in store decor and the special events that you may be hosting around these special occasions. Perhaps you can start a “countdown” to a festival with your emails and include something new and fun each day. Inform your customers of special offers via sms alerts in mobiles. Wherever possible, make a courtesy call and connect with them.

      # 4 Look for co-branding partners

Spending money on self-promotion a great way to build your brand, but it’s not the only way to do it. Have you tried co-branding? Co-branding involves combining two or more brands into a single product or service. By pairing with a suitable cross-promotion partner, you can provide innovative service to your customers in a cost-effective manner. Try to work out economical co-branding deals by partnering with other non-jewelry stores in your vicinity. For example, a local restaurant may be willing to donate gift certificates to you in exchange for the marketing they will receive by doing this. Loyalty cards and innovative schemes are a good way of offering customer service.

      # 5 Don’ forget the power of media

It’s important for you to remain in the memory of your customers and one powerful way of doing it is through the media, not just in terms of advertisements but also editorial coverage. Maintain healthy media habits, which will benefit you in the long run. Build your database of media contacts locally and regularly update them about the happenings of your outlet, more so during the festive season when you would want to remain in the spotlight. For instance, donating a percentage of the day’s business to a social cause can win you a good coverage in the local newspaper. Since customers rely heavily on the trust factor while selecting a jeweler, regular coverage in the news about your outlet will ensure that sub-consciously that trust gets built and they get attracted to your store.

And before we sign off, here’s wishing you a dazzling festive season!

The recently concluded India International Jewelry Show, held at Mumbai, provided a good platform for the jewelry industry to interact and share trends. Our Managing Director Colin Shah was one of the speakers at a panel discussion alongside a few more reputed speakers from the industry. It was interesting to see a lot of aspiring designers and students participate in the interactions and gain valuable insights. Colin Shah spoke of six key trends that are reigning at retail stores currently. For those of you who missed, here’s a summary of six trends to watch out for and capitalize.

Rose cut Diamonds

Rose cut Diamonds which date back to the 1500s are making a resurgence in fine jewelry. The stones are flat on the bottom and domed on the top, giving a very sexy subtle sparkle is loved by designers. Rose cuts also lend themselves very well to execute pieces with an antique look

Blackened Precious metals

Fine jewelry with oxidized look is gaining popularity in the major consuming markets, especially the US. Black is back (not that it ever went out of fashion!). Today, oxidized metals, especially sterling silver, are taking the jewelry industry by storm. The look is loved for the tough yet ethnic appeal. Blackened precious metals create fresh unpretentious looking jeweley for both men and women. We have a range of oxidized jewelry collection that is doing very well in the market.

Lace like jewelry

Lace is an openwork fabric, patterned with open holes, made by machine or by hand. Lace is one of the biggest trends this fall and is also influencing jewelry trends. Lace-lie patterns lend themselves well to jewelry making. Considering the current cost of precious metals, lace like openwork allows a creation of large scale pieces without the weight and the cost.

Ring trends

Stackable rings are a big rage right now. It’s a good collectible that marks different milestones in one’s life. Diamond and color gemstone rings are also popular- especially since diamond prices are soaring and using a gemstone combination allows for a big look at an affordable cost. Over-the-top or extravagant rings are a big trend. After all, flashing an unbelievable ring while having cocktails and conversation is the ultimate ‘tease’ and everyone will be envious.

Chain Links

Chains are back in trend with large links with or with gemstones in every precious metal imaginable. Chain links as neck wear are in huge demand. Layered chains with diamond accents are also very sought after. These chains can be worn alone or layered with others. Link chains in textured gold, pearls or a mix of gemstones add a unique style quotient to the wearer. There has been a constant demand for these globally, and of late we are seeing an increasing demand in India as well.

Green

Growing emphasis on consumer ethics and social environment has triggered a huge demand for green jewelry. Rings, pendants, earrings and neck pieces set with emeralds or other green coloured stones like quartz, beryl, peridot, tsavorite or alexandrite are now in vogue.

As always, we love to hear from our readers! Do share your thoughts with us in the comment section about any other jewelry styles that you may want to add to the list.

1. Branded jewelry: According to the CARE report, jewelry pieces are increasingly becoming more of an accessory than an investment. Like many businesses in India, brands are entering the jewelry market in a big way to cash in on the changed mindset by offering value added services, like buy back guarantees, certifications etc. Brands also provide an assurance of quality in terms of materials, design and service. The market was previously dominated by individual, round the corner shop owners. But with the advent of big brands making their presence felt, the segment has grown into an estimated Rs. 800-1,000-crore industry. And it is witnessing a growth of 20 to 30 per cent annually.
2. Online purchases: Going online is the latest trend. Whether its through merchant websites, Facebook groups or jewelry tores themselves putting their collections online, a prospective buyer can now choose from a wide variety of designs and price ranges. No physical store can provide him such a facility. Studies say that approximately 20 to 25 of e-commerce multi-brand websites offer a collective choice of more than 100,000 designs. That being said, Rs.10,000 or under is the price point which provides the bulk of sales in this segment.
3. Demographic Change: A leading MNC, that pioneered the organized jewelry retail market in India, says that according to their research, there is increased urbanization, a higher percentage of younger population, multiple-income families and increasing number of women who are a part of the earning demographic. This has led to a rise in disposable income and a preference for a flashier lifestyle. Such individuals are more inclined to purchase jewelry as fashion accessories, as opposed to the earlier tendency of buying it as an investment. Changing lifestyle, culture and a greater exposure to global fashion and tastes has resulted in a changed consumer demographic.
4. Styles: According to World Gold Council reports, jewelry is no longer about being gold. Silver, platinum, colored stones and even crystals in jewelry are the rage. This is especially true due to rising gold prices, that have increased by 25% within last year. The 2010 Global Gold Price Survey Report by PwC expects prices to rise even further. In fact, from a predominantly gold loving country, India is mixing its traditional pieces with simpler and everyday jewelry pieces. South India remains partial to heavy gold pieces. But North Indian cities are witnessing a rise in popularity of lighter, western style pieces.

             I’ll be back with lots more information on the Indian jewelry market. Meanwhile, feel free to leave your comments!

Celebrities have become the latest official, and unofficial, brand ambassadors of trends in the fashion and jewelry industry. Most women watch daily soaps and international events to catch up on what is latest in fashion.

Jewelry, with culture, has already transcended the limitations of the noble and elegant evening dress. Nowadays, it also provides shine during leisure occasions, with women dressing up to display their infinite splendor and charm. And this style has unwittingly set off a very good trend.

Jewelry trends are headed for dramatic colored stones in bold or big designs. Those who prefer their jewelry a little more feminine, have floral shapes and settings to select from. These jewelry knockouts are a fantastic way to liven up your little black dress.

If you are planning to buy new jewelery, try something eye catching with bright colors. Geometric shapes are in demand this season. Academy Awards have always been the biggest trend-setters for the latest jewelry fads. Being the fashionista that she is, Angelina Jolie leads the fashion pack with her over sized emeralds. Angelina’s green stones encompass several criteria for brand new jewelry.

Colorful stones have become the most sought after this season. Big pieces and geometric shapes are also in fashion. Lady Diana’s engagement ring, made of sapphire & diamonds, is an exquisite piece of jewelry which is now owned by the Duchess of Cambridge – Kate Middleton.

Celebrities love to sport exclusive creations that could include chocolate diamonds, chocolate pearls or even colored diamonds (black, pink, etc), so that they can wear a collection that has never been seen before. Most of the celebrities employ famous jewelry designers to design exquisite and exclusive pieces that stand apart; you can simply buy their designs off-the-shelf, as there are several designers that track the trends followed by celebrities. While a celebrity might not have any financial constraints while getting rare diamonds embedded in their ring or pendant, you might not have the same amount of money to do that. However, one magic raw material known as cubic zirconia, or mistakenly called cubic zirconium, has almost the same properties as a real diamond but costs far, far less. The fun part is that cubic zirconia can mimic the jewelry and you too can wear diamonds and other jewelry that looks real.

So what’s your take on the current trends, do you think they will last for long or will we see new trends emerge in the coming days?

At the outset, let me admit that with our headquarters in India, it feels great to be in the pulse of one of the fastest  jewelry consuming markets in the world. We cater to a string of jewelry retailers across different regions of India and gauge the prevailing trends based on our interactions with them. The Kama Schachter design studio consists of a group of highly-talented and creative individuals who are motivated by the freedom of the environment and the zeal to produce only the best. Apart from this, we also have an in-house trend forecasting cell, comprising a team of experienced and adept designers, who undertake constant research to keep track of the jt jewelry themes and motifs that can dictate future trends.

Coming back to the current jewelry selling trends, let me share with you what’s hot and what’s not!

Well one thing is for sure — Gold is synonymous with Indian jewelry and no matter what price peaks the metal attains, the penchant for gold jewelry remains unfazed. Though the rising metal prices have done one thing – It has caused an increase in demand for light-weight gold jewelry, with chunky look and less metal content. Also unlike European and US markets, yellow gold is preferred more than white gold and in higher cartage, of around 22-23k, for pain gold jewelry and 18k for diamond studded jewelry.

Coming to diamonds, I call it a dazzling trend in the Indian market! Due to the aggressive promotional efforts of Diamond Trading Company over the last few years, there has been a rise in preference for diamond jewelry among Indian jewelry buyers. Consumers, especially the younger lot with purchasing power, have graduated from purchasing plain gold jewelry to diamond jewelry. Interestingly we are also getting to see good demand for diamond jewelry from Tier II and Tier III cities in India.

Diamond-studded rings, earrings and pendants are the basic line of products that see constant purchases at jewelry retail outlets, thus ensuring a high proportion of replenishment business. Geometric shapes like square and circles are in demand. Diamond studded bangles are in good demand when it comes to the all important bridal jewelry market. Another trend I have seen, is the preference of invisible setting of diamonds for wedding and engagement rings. Have a look at Kama Schachter’s exquisite jewelry designs here

When selling jewelry to an Indian consumer, remember that culture and tradition play an important role. Let me give you an inside scoop here – we will soon be coming out with our own jewelry line based on Vedic research. Keep watching this space for updates.

Also, studded jewelry with traditional Indian motifs or themes like florals, paisleys, fused with a contemporary look is sure to catch attention!

From the entry-level bridal buyer to the most exclusive and discerning private salon client, at Kama Schachter, we design a wide array of diamond jewelry. From collections of the most popular and classic styles in solitaires, bridal and fashion, to “one-of-a-kind” centerstone intensive couture pieces.

I would love to know which are the hot-selling trends at your store, in your region? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Till we meet again, have a dazzling week!