Jewelry Design Protocol
March 19, 2007 by Tammy Powley
Filed under General Jewelry Musings, Jewelry Business Tips, Jewelry Design Careers
I recently had a reader email me with a question on the proper way to give credit when using a jewelry design for profit. She has used some of my designs, has them for sale, and has posted that they originally came from me and wanted to know if that was the correct way to credit a designer for her/his work.
Well, yes and no.
First, let me say that I often allow people to do this, make my designs and sell them on a small scale. Why? Because I know how much work it can be to sell jewelry – been there done that. I know they are not going to get rich doing it. However, as I said, “small scale.” If you want to go over seas and mass produce them, then forget about it.
But that is me. Many jewelry designers would have a totally opposite opinion. That is why step number one is to first ask the jewelry designer if it is okay to do this. Never assume that because a tutorial is published that this gives you the freedom to take someone else’s work and sell it. Generally, the rule of thumb is that you can duplicate the jewelry piece for personal use, such as for yourself or as gifts.
Next, if you do get the okay to do this, do your best to credit the designer. If you are selling on line, one way to do this is to include the person’s name and a link to her site. Double check that the designer’s name is spelled correctly and the link works.
Finally, if the designer says, “no,” then respect her wishes. In fact, it may even be time to rethink your whole processes because if you plan to actually make some sort of living selling your jewelry, you should be able to create your own designs. It might be worth switching directions and concentrating on sharpening your design skills before you work on your selling skills.
Excellent post. It’s probably an issue most designers haven’t thought about, but it especially important now that so many design ideas are readily available on the Internet.
Tammy, I really liked your wording in this entry- esp. the last paragraph.
Thank for speaking out about this issue. I have shared several of my designs with other jewelry makers only to see my designs appear at the next craft fair! Some credit would have been appreciated! I have no problem sharing but would like to be acknowledged. Especially, as you say, since it is generally just for personal use. And I totally agree with your comment about making your OWN designs if you plan to sell. That is really the point of it all.
Exactly, John. I think often people just assume that if it’s on the web, then it’s free or if they buy a magazine, then that gives them the right to the ownership of the designs.
Thanks, Cynthia. It’s not always a good thing to jump from making to selling jewelry too quickly, and this is one reason why.
Marlene – Nice to know I’m not the only one this has happened to.
How true is this? Unfortunately for online sellers there’s always a chance that your designs will be copied because you have no choice but to upload pictures. Ive seen it happening in a couple of craft sites. More education needs to be spread about this.