DO YOU GIVE YOUR JEWELRY AS GIFTS?

[Desert Designs]

I was e-mailing another jewelry designer recently, and we talked about this. I wonder about giving mothers, sisters, daughters, nieces, friends, etc. gifts of our labor intensive and often costly jewelry. I have found that they come to expect it, and ask for different colors, etc. No money changes hands! I have to give gifts for birthdays, Christmas, etc., and I would rather give my jewelry.
How do you handle this sticky situation?

[Rosetta]

I give some of my things away as gifts especially if I have forgotten soneone birthday. But I think it is a great way to get your items within viewing potential of future customers.

No one expects it from me as I am very random with whom I want to have what and when. So far no one has let me believe that are not happy with the items and I see them on people when I least expect it.

[LaTrice M Towns]

I give alot of jewelry as gifts to my friends and love ones ( sometimes very painfully as I would like to keep it myself) but I rarely have some one expect it. I only had one friend tell me they love my jewelry but they never wore it as they did not get dressed up enough to wear it. When there next birthday came around and they did not get jewelry she told me she was sad she did not recieve any ! Go figure.

[Anicca O'Nions]

I give my pieces to as many people as i can! they all seem to love getting them as presents, and it save me spending money on something that may not be any where near as nice or personal.

[Jaime Sia]

I give my jewelry as gifts to family and friends as well, but only if I know they will wear it.

I've made pieces for my mom and have never seen her wear them, so I'll only make something for her if she specifically asks for something. My sister wears everything I've made her, so make her things frequently.

[Yue]

I give most of my jewelry away to my family & friends as I don't actually wear them. Plus, I always make jewelry because of the special occasions. But I do get some pieces which I really like.

I think I'll stop giving them to my sisters cos I've never seen them wearing. I think it's discouraging to me...

Well, I do have some special orders from my mum cos she wants to give them to her friends as a gift.

[Chuck Cabble]

I give my maille work as gifts. All the young nieces get bracelets from me. I've given keychains to all my brother-in-laws & bracelets to all my sister-in-laws for Christmas one year.

[Danagonia]

I have not been making jewelry very long, so this is my first christmas, where I have the option to give away my own jewelry. At first I decided against it, because I was afraid people woulden like my jewelry, and maybe even think it was cheap of me to give them something I made myself. So just as many of you describe, I don't wanna give jewelry away, if people will never wear it. And if your mother or sister, wont wear what you make, you will soon feel discourage and maybe stop it all together. But as I am a student, and have very little money to spend on christmas gifts. I decided that I didn't care if they will wear it or not, they are only getting my jewelry, this christmas. So I spend the money, I would have spend on christmas gifts, on materials for my jewelry instead. And then everyone is getting a costume made piece. Might sound a bit selfish, but I do try to make something I think they will like. And the love and care you put into a piece, is a present in it self. I just gave my class mate a jewelry set for her birthday. She was so happy and gave me hugs and everything, so I am not worried about christmas at all. I am even giving my mother in law a piece of my homemade jewely :-)

[PhilippineScript Designs]

My friends and family know I'm running a business and the expenses are not small (especially since I'm importing my raw beads and pendants from the Philippines). My friends pay me for pieces they want custom-made but of course, I have also given gifts for birthdays or other special occasions. I also sometimes give my pieces away as anting-anting (a charm or amulet) for "good luck". (For example, I made a piece for a friend who was going through a divorce that said "inner strength" and another that said "warrior" for someone who was undergoing treatment for cancer.)

If you're choosing to give gifts that's one thing but if you have folks in your life who are taking advantage of knowing you, I think it's okay to quote a price. I try to give friends and family a discounted rate but this is one of the ways we're making a living! They should be supporting that!

[TaoGem]

I gave my very first Lapis in silver pendant to my girlfriend..
A little rough around the edges..
I think once I become more consistent and proficient that will be able to give as gifts for Christmas and such. Could actually save a bundle as compared to shopping the stores.

[BeadSire]

When I first started making jewellery I gave it away as gifts - probably not as much now, or if I do - I'll give something else with it, not just the jewellery on its owh.

[Kimberly Booth]

Just with family. It's come to be expected to get at least a pair of earrings on special days. They wear it and enjoy it so I don't mind!

[LunaCatJewels]

I give my jewelry away all the time, to friends, family, fund raisers, drawings for work, anywhere I can get exposure. For friends and family I only give to the ones I know will wear it, and it is always in their colors schemes and style. For fundraisers, drawings such as door prizes I give away a pendant on a leather necklace that I wire wrapped or a breast cancer bracelet. 9 times out of 10 I usually get at least 1 sale out of it every time I sponsor the give away.

Diane