A Jewelry Designers Guide to Trend Spotting Success

Chandelier Earrings, illusion necklaces, initial pendants. What do these have in common. They were key items, that generated high volume sales in department stores.

Department stores often max out on particular styles to call attention to the latest trend and to drive sales. If you can figure out the next great item and sell it in big, as well as sell it out--- you'll be in high demand.

However, its not that easy to do. Getting your finger on the pulse of public interest and product demand is not easy. Being ahead of the trends in order to be ready to profit on them is tricky.

It takes time to develop the skill to see it developing. The signs are often subtle. Constant shopping, on line searching and trend sources are critical.

Savvy designers know that trend vigilance educates the eye to pick out the newness.

You feel it in your gut; an image, a color , or a style continues to repeat itself to you and strike you as fresh.

When this happens, don't ignore it. Take the time to put your idea into a format that presents it with strength and clarity.-

Prepare a trend board to support the idea,purchase or mock up samples - this is extremely important!

Take some time to identify what retail price point you think will drive the category.

If you already work full time for a company, put actual styles into development, and make sure to sample them in multiple color ways, or variations as this makes a stronger visual business presentation to the Brand Managers.

It's also advisable to speak with key sales associates to get them exposed to the idea (usually it takes 3 times before anyone will believe you-no matter how savvy you are!) Their support of a concept can help get it to market faster.

Remember, don't give up on the first try- if you really believe in it you must continue to stand alone and try various ways to gain support.

Don't ignore the input from your colleagues, ideas can be improved on with their feedback.

Designers do not have to be RIGHT all of the time, what is important is that you bring ideas that you believe in to the table and learn from your success as well as your failure.

Some resources that I find very helpful are sites like Style.com, which is the on line Vogue magazine site. Pay particular attention to the most recent collections in which the 'details' are showcased.

Make sure to visit the sites of top department stores often to see what jewelry items they are focusing on. The need to edit product for a site forces merchandisers to select top dollar driving styles and retail prices points. Take note of what they select and you will be 'in the know'. Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Banana Republic,and J.Crew are a few good sites.

And of course visit my site at www.annerush.com where i report on the runway shows and jewelry trend each season.

Shop chic, up and coming, artisan areas of big cities. Walk the trade shows to keep up on who is doing a hot business and what just is not working anymore.

The jewelry business is fast moving and tight knit. Becoming known as a savvy trend spotter is a great way to enhance your reputation and build your career.