The latest buzzword in the business world is hobbypreneur which is someone who is in the process of, or has already, turned a hobby into a small business. The term really took off when there was this news story about various people who were turning their jewelry and craft making hobby into viable businesses. People who work with beads and make jewelry are natural hobbypreneurs because there is obviously only so much jewelry you can make for yourself before you start looking for ways to make your hobby pay for itself.

Starting you own home jewelry business and becoming a hobbypreneur may not be easy, but more and more people are jumping in and trying anyway. Interestingly, the market for handcrafted jewelry and the rise of the hobbypreneur are both tied to some very common social and economic trends that we’ve been seeing for a while:

Aging Population: It pains me to say this (“Oh, my aching neck and shoulders!”), but we’re all getting older! Baby Boomers are retiring and looking for ways to keep busy (like learning new craft skills) and many now have the time to find new interests. I’ve noticed that the people visiting my jewelry booth each year are more than likely people over 40. Maybe it’s just my traditional jewelry style, but I have too many teenagers looking to buy my jewelry.

Down Economy: Whenever the economy goes through a prolonged slump and jobs become scarce people do two things: they cut back on expensive luxuries and they look for ways to make more money. While gold and gemstone jewelry may be out, most people can still afford much less expensive handcrafted bead jewelry. In fact, I would argue that a recession is a great time to start a jewelry business. With a down economy you’ll also find more people jumping into jewelry making as a way to not only have jewelry for themselves, but also to raise a little extra money on the side.

New Technologies: Have you heard of this thing called the Internet? LOL! Websites like Etsy and eBay and electronic shipping carts have all made it so much easier for people to sell and buy handmade jewelry. We’re no longer limited to just buying jewelry supplies from the local craft store: instead we can jump online and shop for beads and jewelry supplies from around the world! The same technology that allows you to buy beads from another country also allows you to sell to the entire world!

Look around and you’ll find that most people who are making and selling bead jewelry probably hobbypreneurs who started out working with beads on a whim as a relaxing hobby and then quickly moved into trying to make some money from their jewelry designs. It’s fun to do something you love and get paid for it at the same time. For many of us it’s still a novel idea that our hobby of jewelry making can actually be a decent source of income if you’re willing to put in the time and energy to grow it into a small business.

I think you’ll be hearing a lot more about hobbypreneurs in the future and I think people who make their own jewelry will be right on the cutting edge. We’re smart, resourceful, good looking and not afraid to learn new things!

Now let’s just hope we can have fun and be profitable!

What is a Swarovski Crystal?

Swarovski Crystal is the brand name for the range of precision cut crystal glass produced by companies owned by Swarovski AG of Feldmeilen, near Zurich, Switzerland. Austrian glass cutter and jeweller, Daniel Swarovski (1862-1956), began cutting multi-faceted crystals at the end of the 19th century creating new opportunities for jewelry makers everywhere. In 1892 he invented the automatic cutting machine creating new dimensions to raw crystals. Then in 1895, Daniel Swarovski established a crystal cutting factory in Wattens, which marks the beginning of the Swarovski Company.

How are Swarovski Crystals Made?
Swarovski Crystal is manufactured from a man made raw material and does not occur naturally. The formula for these man made crystals was perfected by Daniel Swarovski and his three sons. The crystals contain 32% lead to maximize refraction, which categorized Swarovski crystals as a “fully leaded crystal.” Although lead can be a toxic substance, wearing leaded crystal jewelry does not pose a health risk.

When these raw materials are produced, they are cut and polished using the superior techniques invented by Daniel Swarovski. Swarovski crystals are unmatched in quality and brilliance. No competitor has come close to the sharp facet angels, symmetry and exceptional sparkle of the Swarovski Crystal. They are considered the “Diamond of the Crystal Market.”

How are Swarovski Crystals used?
Swarovski crystals are used in crystal sculptures and miniatures, jewelry and couture, home decor, chandeliers, beads and rhinestones. They are the most popular element and crystals used in jewelry today. Their increasing demand has lead to the hundreds of shapes, colors, sizes and finishes. The Swarovski company has been able to replicate the colors of semiprecious and precious gemstones such as Amethyst, Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Topaz and many more. The abundance in selection available from Swarovski Crystals has paved the way for unique handmade creations and jewelry everywhere.

Kincaidesigns is proud to use Swarovski Crystals in their unique handmade jewelry designs. The Swarovski crystal is a valuable and unique accent to the glass beads, semiprecious stones and pearls we use in our jewelry designs. We invite you to shop at the Handmade Jewelry and Glass Art Boutique for your Unique Swarovski Crystal embellished handmade jewelry.