Staying creative through rising metal prices

I’ve been having a lot of conversations lately, both inside The Stay Gold Collective and during one-on-one chats, with designers about the current metal prices. I know it’s top of mind for so many of you right now.

A few reminders and tips based on conversations I had with Hilary Halstead Scott and Sharon Zimmerman this spring, when gold prices first started to rise:

✨ Get creative. Try mixing metals or incorporating alternative materials into your designs. This can open up new ideas and help you stretch your materials while keeping your brand aesthetic strong.

✨ Don’t take price comments personally. When someone says a piece is too expensive, it just means it’s out of their budget, not that you’ve priced incorrectly. Trust the value of your work.

✨ Raise your prices. If you offer made-to-order pieces, double-check that your pricing reflects the current metal market. Staying on top of this ensures your business remains sustainable.

✨ Listen to your spreadsheets. This came up in a casual chat with a group of Stay Gold members, and it’s such good advice. Let the numbers guide your decisions; they’ll help you stay confident and clear about your pricing.

These challenges can also be opportunities. Rising material costs push us to innovate, refine our pricing, and explore creative approaches that keep our work evolving. People are still buying beautiful, thoughtful jewelry, so keep showing up and sharing your work.