How to sell jewellery online: E-commerce fundamentals for the online jewellery business
Jewelry has been a part of human civilization since ancient times, evolving alongside us for various purposes—whether for adornment, signifying rank, wealth, status, or as a medium of trade. Today, jewelry continues to serve a diverse array of functions, from a cherished family heirloom and a marker of significant life events to a fashionable accessory or a valuable investment.
With the rapid rise of online shopping and the accessibility of platforms like Shopify, more shoppers are now turning to online jewelry stores. The global online jewelry market is projected to grow by nearly USD 20 billion between 2020 and 2024, making this a prime opportunity to enter the market.
If you’re considering launching an online jewelry business, this guide will give you a comprehensive overview of the market potential and the necessary steps to establish your store. From Digital Marketing strategies to SEO, E-commerce Website Design, and Lead Generation, we cover everything you need to know to succeed in the B2B and E-commerce space.
Table Of Contents
- Jewellery and India
- Why is selling jewellery online a good idea?
- Business models for selling jewellery online
- Where can you sell jewellery online?
- Benefits of setting up your own online jewellery store
- How to start a jewellery business online?
- Examples of Indian online jewellery stores
- Not just a great opportunity, but a golden one
Jewellery and India
In India’s diverse market, jewelry ranges from affordable fashion pieces to high-end masterpieces, including both glamorous designs and religious symbols. Materials vary widely, from coated alloys to pure gold and platinum. Jewelry holds significant cultural and personal value, with affordable, fashion-forward pieces gaining popularity alongside traditional, investment-worthy items reserved for special occasions. Overall, jewelry remains a central and enduring element of the Indian market.
Why is selling jewellery online a good idea?
The latest trend in the jewelry market is selling jewelry exclusively online, bypassing the costs and overheads of a physical store. With the rise of high-speed internet and technical advancements in urban India, accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic, online shopping has surged, and jewelry sales are no exception. Features like free returns are making it easier for customers to buy jewelry online without needing to see and touch it first.
Online shopping has expanded the customer base for jewelry. Even traditional brick-and-mortar stores are launching online shops and using social media for sales. Jewelry enthusiasts are turning their hobbies into online businesses, while wholesalers and dropshippers are benefiting from digital sales.
Starting an online jewelry store requires minimal capital compared to a physical store and just basic technical skills and product sourcing. With growing consumer interest and the ease of setting up an online store, selling jewelry online is a promising venture.
Business models for selling jewellery online
There’s often a significant difference between the perceived value of jewelry and the actual cost of materials and labor involved in its creation. Jewelry’s market prices typically far exceed production costs due to its emotional and symbolic significance, making it a high-margin business—a positive aspect if you’re entering the market.
To start selling jewelry online, you first need to select a suitable business model:
- Expanding Your Existing Store Online: If you already have a physical jewelry store, setting up an online presence can be straightforward. Simply create an online store to reach more customers.
- Creating and Selling Your Own Jewelry: Whether as a hobbyist or professional, you can reach a broader audience by starting an online business to sell your handmade jewelry.
- Sourcing and Selling Jewelry from Third Parties: You don’t need to make jewelry yourself. You can design your website, curate, or customize jewelry from manufacturers, or even use drop shipping or private labeling to sell third-party products under your brand. This model requires lower investment and careful logistics management.
Choose the model that best fits your capabilities and business goals to succeed in the online jewelry market.
Where can you sell jewellery online?
There are many online platforms where you can sell jewellery. These platforms can be grouped into three main categories:
- Social Media : Leverage platforms like Instagram and Facebook for effective jewelry sales, utilizing their vast reach and engagement. Combine Instagram marketing, Facebook marketing, and LinkedIn lead generation to quickly establish and grow your online presence, ensuring you capture a broad audience and drive sales efficiently.
- E-commerce Marketplaces : Sell your jewelry on established marketplaces like Amazon, Flipkart, or Etsy. These platforms offer access to large audiences and high brand recognition, though they come with seller commissions and compliance requirements.
- Independent Online Store : Create your own website design with platforms like Shopify for greater control and customization. This option requires an initial investment but provides flexibility and independence for your jewelry business.
Benefits of setting up your own online jewellery store
Building your own online store offers key advantages over selling on social media and e-commerce marketplaces:
- Integration: Seamlessly connect with social media platforms and e-commerce marketplaces like Etsy through apps and plugins, allowing you to manage sales across all platforms from your store.
- Scalability: Expand your store without restrictions or marketplace commissions, tailoring it to your needs.
- Unified Management: Handle orders, logistics, and inventory from a single dashboard.
- Marketing Control: Easily manage SEO, conversion optimization, email marketing, and more with intuitive tools.
- Customizable User Experience: Design user journeys and control conversions more effectively.
- Data Access: Utilize detailed analytics and reports to gain insights and enhance your business.
How to start a jewellery business online?
Starting an e-commerce websites jewelry business can feel overwhelming, whether you’re transitioning an existing business online or launching a new venture. Fortunately, there are resources available to help simplify the process. Here’s a streamlined guide to get you started:
Essential Resources:
- E-commerce Business Blueprint: A guide to building, launching, and growing a profitable online store.
- Shopify Store Launch Checklist: A practical checklist for starting your e-commerce business.
Key Steps to Launch Your Online Jewelry Business:
1. Market Research
- Trends: Stay updated with jewelry trends using tools like Google Trends. This helps you understand current market preferences.
- Demand: Assess demand vs. supply in your niche to identify opportunities. Consider niches with higher demand or lower competition.
- Pricing: Research competitors’ pricing to set competitive prices while ensuring profitability.
2. Choose Your Niche
- Low-Cost/High-Volume: Appeal to a broad audience with affordable, mass-produced items.
- Bespoke: Offer personalized jewelry for higher margins and unique customer experiences.
- Luxury: Focus on high-end, precious materials with significant profit margins.
3. Create a Business Plan
- Target Audience: Define customer demographics, spending habits, and preferences.
- Product Sourcing: Decide whether to design, manufacture, or source products. Explore options like wholesale or dropshipping.
- Competitive Analysis: Research competitors to understand their strategies and improve your own approach.
- Brand Development: Build a unique brand that reflects your values and stands out in the market.
4. Website Design
- Design: Your website is your online storefront. Use platforms like Shopify or hire a professional to create an appealing and functional site.
- Product Presentation: Use high-quality images and compelling descriptions to showcase your jewelry effectively.
5. Optimize Product Pages
- SEO: Implement keyword strategies, like local SEO, on-page SEO, off page SEO avoid duplicate content, and use structured data to improve search engine visibility.
- Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO): Enhance user experience to boost sales, focusing on clear calls to action and easy navigation.
6. Set Up Payment and Logistics
- Payment Gateways: Choose reliable payment systems to ensure smooth transactions.
- Shipping: Establish a reliable delivery network and consider insurance for high-value items. Develop a clear returns policy.
7. Marketing
- Social Media: Leverage platforms like Facebook and Instagram for targeted advertising and direct sales. Combine Instagram marketing, Facebook marketing, and LinkedIn lead generation to quickly establish and grow your online presence, ensuring you capture a broad audience and drive sales efficiently.
- SEO & CRO: Optimize your store for search engines, google ppc and enhance user experience to increase conversions.
- Marketing Automation: Use tools to automate email campaigns, recover abandoned carts, and engage customers with personalized offers.
By following these steps and utilizing the resources mentioned, you can effectively set up and grow your online jewelry business.
Examples of Indian online jewellery stores
Tanishq Store Tanishq, a prominent offline jewelry retailer, has successfully expanded into online sales. Despite having numerous physical stores, Tanishq recognized the growth potential of e-commerce and launched an online store. To address the challenge of fitting rings without trying them on, Tanishq provides a ring-size calculator through a QR-code-activated app.
Swashaa Swashaa operates exclusively online via Shopify, focusing on affordable jewelry designed for gifting. Their popular Evil Eye collection taps into a trending niche while reflecting the Indian belief in ‘buri nazar.
Myrha by Rhea Bothra Myrha, a contemporary jewelry brand handcrafted by Jaipur artisans, boasts a strong presence on Instagram and a Shopify store. The online store features stunning product photography and encourages visitors to join their mailing list for updates and discounts, leveraging Shopify’s storefront features effectively.
Not just a great opportunity, but a golden one
Jewelry has always held a timeless allure, deeply ingrained in human culture. As demand for jewelry endures, adapting to digital platforms and online sales is a smart move. Whether you’re pursuing it as a hobby or a profession, e-commerce websites offer a profitable opportunity to sell jewelry, either as a supplementary income or a primary business venture.
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How to start an online store in India for your Fashion and Apparel business
About Author
Meet Ritu, an expert writer in Shopify, ecommerce, and web development. Her articles provide insightful guidance navigating the online retail and web technology landscapes.