A Tasty Trunk Show at Dabchick

Stop by our trunk sale for fabulous deals on lovely vintage and vintage recycled jewelry, vintage accessories, handmade bags and tasty treats on Sunday May 6 from 1-4 pm.

 

Dear Etsy “Con” Artist: I’m Not Flattered Yet, Please Try Harder

The phrase imitation is the sincerest form of flattery is just another way of saying “to copy is to flatter.”  And on Etsy, this form of flattery is everywhere.  If you’re going to spazz out every time you see someone copy another artist, you’re going to need a big bottle of Xanax to sell on this “One of a Kind” (OOAK) venue.

I’ve sold my altered vintage jewelry on Etsy for three years (along with hundreds, who knows, maybe thousands of other vintage jewelry crafters).  I see a lot of copycats but I know it goes with the territory.   I’m practical.  Maybe there are no original ideas, just reinterpretations?  But, this blog rant is not about re-creations, it’s about rip-offs.  And, when it comes to ripping off my product, I must speak my truth.


Them's Some Big Cajones
So, in a nutshell: Another Etsy shop owner buys my least expensive bracelet, copies it (poorly), posts her fugly cuff bracelet for sale in her Etsy shop, and, attempts to return the original piece to me for a refund. As my husband said, “them’s some big cajones…”

And, he’s right. But.., rather than let it go, which is best in all things Etsy and in life, I’m going to ignore the wisdom in my head, and write about it as a form of exorcism therapy. Oh, I’m also going to send “Ms. Cajones” a link to this blog. I’m not going to ask her to remove the item from her shop. No one’s going to buy it anyway. (Secretly hoping April from Regretsy buys it, www.regretsy.com). I have a major girl crush on April, she’s a hilarious version of American Idol’s Simon Cowell - except for handmade artists, and did I mention she's funny.

Just about every month I get a “convo,” (that’s Etsy slang for email conversation), asking, “how do you make your bracelet cuffs?”  Or, “what clasp do you use” to hold this or that necklace together?   Sometimes it so completely unconsciousness that it’s amusing.  And while I usually don’t respond, I do admire the ball-sack.

How to Spot a Trickster

Other times, people know they are violating one of the 10 Cs, so they try to be really tricky.  I can spot a trickster a lot better having sold on Etsy for a while.  The trickster always begins with the back-story.  For example, here’s an actual convo from a potential customer.  “I’m really interested in purchasing this bracelet for my daughter’s 30^th birthday next month in Atlanta but I was wondering what you use to create…

Tricksters accidently use lingo, like questioning how a product “adheres” to a “surface”.  Serious buyers don’t use those words.  Serious buyers always ask one or all of the same questions:  What’s the color?  How will it fit?  And, how quickly can I get it?  That’s someone who wants to buy your product, end of story.

Often tricksters are extremely concerned.  They worry the product will fall apart, and because of their immense paranoia, they must be told specifically how it was created to alleviate their self-torture.  A money-back guarantee is not sufficient for them.  My 100% positive feedback is not enough for these worrywarts.  They must have precise details.  Preferably asap, stat, immediately.  And, please include a detailed photo tutorial.  Close-up photos are very important to worriers.

Fabulous, Not Fugly
Over the year’s I’ve played in the sandbox with my tricksters, leading them on a little, revealing just enough to confuse or annoy them, asking them if I can attend their daughter’s 30^th birthday party in Atlanta…  But, I’ve embarked on a new path of spiritual growth and I don’t have time to mess around. 

So if you want to rip me off, come and get it.  You can copy my jewelry but ya can’t copy my style, baby. 

Invoice from Dabchick to Ms. Cajones  (Dec., 5 2011)

Dabchick Sends Bracelet to Ms. Cajones in Dec.

Fugly Cuff for Sale at Ms. Cajones’ Etsy Shop (Jan. 2012)

Ms. Cajones lists Fugly Cuff in Jan.

Prettiest Pearl Wedding Jewelry

Pearl Bridal Jewelry from Dabchick Vintage Gems

I adore the luster of pearl jewelry. I believe women of all skin types look lovely in pearls whether creamy white, ivory or champagne in color, pearls have been the "go to classic" for women through the ages. Here are a few of my favorite pearl jewelry pieces curated from my own designs, from statement necklaces to wedding bracelets, and chandelier pearl earrings, this is a simply luminous selection of pearl perfection!

 

For more pearl inspiration visit Dabchick Vintage Gems on Etsy @ http://www.etsy.com/dabchickvintagegems

 

 

Wedding Jewelry, Stunning Bracelets for the Stylish Bride

Five Bridal Bracelets That Make a Bold Statement

While browsing for inspiration, I found these lovely wedding bracelets perfect for the bride who's looking for a major statement for her wrist on her wedding day.

Rhinestone Bauble Cuff

Source: robertachiarella.com via Stacey on Pinterest

Art Deco Vintage Statement Cuff

Source: etsy.com via Stacey on Pinterest

High End Lorraine Schwartz Cuff

Source: uniondiamond.blogspot.com via Stacey on Pinterest

Vintage Belt Buckle Bracelet

Source: theneotraditionalist.com via Stacey on Pinterest

Vintage Pearl and Rhinestone Bracelet

Source: zsazsabellagio.blogspot.com via Stacey on Pinterest

HUGE SALE ON VINTAGE JEWELRY

GET 25% OFF ON ALL JEWELRY AT DABCHICK VINTAGE GEMS ON ETSY

http://www.etsy.com/shop/dabchickvintagegems

Now through Dec. 16 you'll receive 25% off all vintage restyled jewelry at Dabchick Vintage Gems when you enter coupon code GET25OFF at checkout. 


Just visit Dabchick Vintage Gems and select from over 130 one-of-a-kind vintage pieces.  From dazzling statement necklaces and chokers to polished pendants, and brilliant bracelets filled with vintage charms, you’ll make a stylish impression in Dabchick Vintage gems.  


Remember to enter coupon code GET25OFF!

Free Shipping on Statement Jewelry at Dabchick Vintage Gems on Etsy

Free Shipping at Dabchick Vintage Gems

Avoid the Mall!  No Crowds!  Stay in your PJs and shop for luxurious vintage jewelry from the comfort of your home at Dabchick Vintage Gems on Etsy.   Dabchick is running a special free shipping promotion for U.S. domestic customers.  Just Enter FREESHIP1 when you checkout at Dabchick on Etsy http://www.etsy.com/shop/dabchickvintagegems and you'll receive free first class mail delivery anywhere in the continental US.  Hurry in for best selections.
Looking for all the deals? Click on over to Dabchick!

Wedding Jewelry for the Bridal Party: Vintage Wedding Bracelets

Vintage Rhinestone Wedding Bracelets for Bride, Maid of Honor, Bridesmaids by Dabchick Vintage Gems


These four lovely cuff bracelets are infused with a lovely vintage bride floral theme.  They're perfect for an outdoor venue, a flower-filled extravaganza, or even a winter white wedding.  

Wedding Jewelry Vintage Rhinestone Floral Cuffs by Dabchick Vintage Gems

Bridal Cuff

The large bridal cuff is spectacular at two inches wide and filled with vintage rhinestones, milk glass flowers, and lovely repurposed antique jewelry.  The maid of honor's bracelet is set off by a row of snow white milk glass, and vintage rhinestones, and the two bridesmaid's cuffs combine similar elements to a cohesive, romantic style.  The bridal party cuffs are 1 and 1/2 inches wide.

Bridesmaid Cuff

Bridesmaid Cuff

Maid of Honor Cuff Bracelet

If you're looking for vintage style with a modern twist, check out the jewels at http://www.etsy.com/shop/dabchickvintagegems
If you're interested in custom wedding jewelry please contact me at dabchickvintage@yahoo.com