How to Make a Jewelry Catalog

Selling your handmade jewelry can be a satisfying and financially rewarding pursuit, but it isn't easy to promote your goods without a superior catalog. Even if your sales are good at art shows and craft fairs, a jewelry catalog continues to sell your products 24 hours a day. Buyers peruse your jewelry and frequently buy matching products (like earring and necklace combinations) after your display is taken down. If you are ready to grow your business with an effective catalog, here is how to put it together.

Things You'll Need

• Sample jewelry catalogs for reference Digital images of your jewelry Descriptions of jewelry Microsoft Word or other desktop publishing software Printer

Instructions

How to Make a Jewelry Catalog

1. 

   Take photos. Photos are what sell your stock, so take great images of your jewelry or have them taken by a professional. Look at other jewelry catalogs to get an idea on how to display your jewelry for photos and copy setups. For example, you may want to photograph earrings by hanging them in a tree and doing a close-up shot. Necklaces can be draped over vintage books or laying upon sand.

2. 

   Create your descriptions. Once your images are done, number them and then write up a description for each unit. Talk about what materials were used as well as the dimensions and any additional stories that make the jewelry more appealing. Again, refer to other catalogs to get an idea of how it's written.

3. 

   Organize your pricing. If you don't already have solid pricing, go ahead and determine prices for each item. Keep in mind the cost of materials (if you are making the jewelry yourself) as well as the amount of time and effort each unit required to make.

4. 

   Choose a template. Open your writing or desktop publishing program. Whether you use professional software like Adobe Pagemaker or just put the catalog together in Microsoft Word, you are sure to find a template for a two-page brochure or newsletter. Decide on the dimensions of your catalog and use a template that matches your needs.

5. 

   Insert your images and text. Begin your catalog with the cover and back page. The inside cover should have some information about the jewelry company or business and a personal statement from the CEO. Then group your jewelry together by materials or themes and begin inserting your information and photos. Create an item number and order number for each unit.

6. Include an order form. Develop the order form to insert in the middle of your catalog. The typical order form will be a grid with sections for quantity, item number, description and cost. Include information on shipping and taxes, as well as an online or phone ordering option.

7. Print on good quality paper or take your digital files to a print shop. Printing the catalog from a home computer/printer will be costly, so it's best to consult with a professional at your local print shop to determine the best type of paper and further setup required for your catalog.

8. Get it made. Once you have seen proofs provided by your print shop, go ahead and order your catalogs. Collate and distribute and wait for those orders to start pouring in.

Tips & Warnings

• Collate the catalog yourself to save money at the print shop.

• Don't be unorganized. Keeping good track of items, item numbers and costs will help you fill orders smoothly and quickly.

Resources

• Sample Online Catalog
• How to Make Your Catalog a Work of Art
• Graphic Design