How to Locate or Be Invited to a Jewelry Trunk Show

New, or up and coming jewelry artists often find that a jewelry trunk show provides them with a great opportunity to showcase their talents, and meet people who are or might be interested in their creations. While a jewelry trunk show requires considerably more effort on the part of the artist than simply placing a quantity of earrings, necklaces, or brooches on consignment at a local jewelry store, it can pay off for artisans. If you are a collector, or are just looking for a special item to coordinate with your wardrobe, you should definitely check out a jewelry trunk show. You may just find a new favorite jewelry designer.

Locating a jewelry trunk show is fairly easy. Check the Internet for "jewelry shows" or "jewelry trunk shows" in your city or surrounding cities. Visit local independent jewelry stores that sell the type of jewelry you like, as artists will often advertise upcoming shows there. Sometimes coffee stores or funky clothing stores will also have ads for jewelry trunk shows. Above all, independently owned stores are key. Claire Bush, in an article entitled "How to Host a Jewelry Trunk Show" encourages artists to "Think local and independently owned" as these types of stores are hosting trunk shows to market themselves too (2010) . Chain stores such as Hot Topic, Kohls, and Macy's won't host one because they don't use trunk shows to draw in customers.

If you've found an artist you like, whether online, by finding his or her work on consignment at a local store, or by happening upon the artist's jewelry trunk show, sign up on the artist's email list. This way, you'll be invited to future shows, and may even be informed of other artists' shows. Artists have artistic friends and will recommend other artists' work.

Another tip is to ask around. If you see a new and exciting piece being worn by a friend, or even a complete stranger, speak up and ask where it was purchased. You may here about a new store in your current city or elsewhere that you can make a mental note about and research when you get home. You might even hear the name of the jewelry designer, in which case you can usually contact the artist via the artist's web site.

However you find a jewelry trunk show, be sure to purchase something from the hosting store, or at least thank them for hosting the event. That way, they will be more likely to put on these events in the future!

Sources:
Bush, Claire. (2010). How to Host a Jewelry Trunk Show. eHow.