Stella Erwin's®

Time to add some bling to the Classy Sustainability series, honoring Earth Day 2014.  Get ready to feel transported back in time to the "high glam look," days and WWII era as you read about Roxie's vintage jewelry journey and her shop sobejeweled.etsy.com.  

Two stunning pieces of more than 500 listings in sobejeweled.etsy.com.  Listing links are below photos and Roxie's interview begins.  

Teal Rhinestone Bracelet $60 plus shipping

Brooch Pin/Earrings $75 plus shipping

Q.  What prompted you to become an Etsy seller?
A.  I was a seller on Ebay since 2000. After so many changes to their seller treatment practices and higher fees, I decided to review other website options. After looking at Amazon, my own website, and other smaller websites (many popped up after the Ebay changes) Etsy came up as one of those sites an option. 

https://www.etsy.com/listing/181118887/vintage-aqua-teal-blue-rhinestone?ref=shop_home_active_2
https://www.etsy.com/listing/119193105/vintage-bedazzling-teal-aurora-borealis?ref=shop_home_active_4

Q.  You have been open for almost 4 years. How would you describe your success so far? 
A.  For my success, I would say I have gotten out of it what I have put into it. The more effort I have put into my shop, the better the sales. Some of my customers are re-sellers and don't leave feedback/reviews hence the discrepancy ratio for reviews to actual sales. Those are repeat buyers and know my success is based on their complete satisfaction in my jewelry offerings. 

There is a vast market for vintage jewelry. The younger shoppers are looking for a wedding or special occasion piece that you can't find in today's shopping malls. The younger and older shoppers are looking for something to bring back a memory of their Mom or a special relative. I had a woman who's Mom had a faux pearl fur clip and never saw another like it until she browsed my shop. She was so happy to find it and now has it keep a memory alive. I've had some buy pieces that were perfect matches to their own brooch, earrings, or necklace to make a full set. It's rewarding to hear to their reasons and happiness.

Authors note: Roxie has over 900 sales, more than 600 stellar reviews and 3252 admirers.  Speaking of weddings.  Check out this stunning wedding or Mother's Day gift piece. Wow

1950's Waterfall Rhinestone Front Clasp Necklace - $125 plus shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/167442908/vintage-waterfall-rhinestone-front-clasp?ref=shop_home_active_5

Q.  You sell mostly jewelry. What made you decide to put your focus there?
A.  I played dress up as a girl and never didn't have vintage jewelry in my life. My Mom and Aunt were from the 40's and 50's era. That's all they wore. Another huge driver is their history. My passion went to pieces made from wood and Lucite. I found they were made during the 30's war era due to a restriction on metals. I couldn't believe the workmanship in these pieces. Even today I have trouble parting with those particular pieces because they are so beautiful. 

I also worked in a retirement area so many of my customers wore vintage costume jewelry. I just loved it because the pieces were unique, not expensive and gave a high glam look. I bought a book, then another....and built an extensive collection of both books and jewelry. I would buy jewelry in lots at auctions just to see what I could find. These lots were sold by the pound and I would search through thousands and thousands of pieces to find just one piece that might be valuable. Once you've done it, you're hooked.

Rare Lucite Reversed Carved Brooch $125 plus shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/66478121/vintage-reverse-carved-lucite-wings?ref=shop_home_active_4

AB Rhinestone Clip Earrings $17 plus shipping

https://www.etsy.com/listing/154002399/vintage-ab-rhinestone-soft-pink-white?ref=shop_home_active_22

Q.  How do you connect selling vintage with sustainability or going green?
A.  No doubt wearing vintage jewelry keeps in line with going green. The jewelry pieces are already manufactured and not in a land fill. 

Q.  What advice would you give someone who wants to start an Etsy shop?

A.  Be patient and be unique. Don't go with the same style as everyone else. Do your homework and be sure you have all the information you can have on whatever you sell. Customer service is always #1. I always thank everyone for a sale, even after the automated response, using their name and when I'll ship their purchase. (Be sure to read their notes if they put them in the invoice). Thank them after they've left you feedback, telling them how much you appreciate their business and any response to their comments. If someone is less than happy, know that everyone deals with an issue sometimes. Do not take it personally and learn whatever you can from it and go on. 

Author's Note - I am a customer of sobejeweled.etsy.com and highly recommend Roxie's jewelry.  She has a wide range of items and lots of pricing points.