Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras Gets Classy

The New Orleans newspaper, The Times Picayune, runs an annual feature pointing out what item is hot for Mardi Gras. When the article comes out this season the item should be masks – the runaway best seller. The designs of feather masks and masquerade masks have reached a new level in artistic design. But Venetian style masks go a step beyond to the quality and design you expect in an art gallery. The top of the line includes masks on sticks with lacquered handles of turned wood. The sticks support full face papier mache' masks hand painted in designs that are definitely inspired by Venice. Now the best part – The top of the line is under $11.00 wholesale. As a matter of fact, Venetian masks start at $3.25 with the price break for a dozen.

That's nice but do they sell? Masks have dominated our sales since the beginning of October, Out- distancing bridal, rhinestone jewelry, costume jewelry, hats, and every other category. Will they sell for you? If you have doubts, buy a few to add a lot of class to your display, especially during the Mardi Gras season. Mardi Gras is Feb. 20th so there's time to test. This may be a profitable surprise.

Mardi Gras Jewelry

New Heights in Mardi Gras Jewelry

In all the world, there can't be a gaudier piece of fashion jewelry than a huge hand-made Mardi Gras pin with tinsel, ribbon, beads, and a painted face. Well this year – you guessed it – Mardi Gras jewelry is taking on a lot of class. Nice designs are cast in metal and hand-painted for a classy fresh look. Many pins have matching earrings that range to petite sizes (yes, small Mardi Gras jewelry) for the conservative ladies.

Much of this classy jewelry will appeal to customers that don't even know that it is Mardi Gras jewelry. But finding someone who doesn't recognize Mardi Gras is becoming more difficult with the spread of this celebration. So if you haven't done Mardi Gras jewelry before, this is the best chance ever. Add some Mardi Gras pins, earrings, and bracelets to your fashion jewelry and introduce your area to the stress relief of fun times.

Valentines Jewelry

Old Expression-New Sophistication

Retailers know Valentine's Day is huge, for florists maybe the biggest day of the year. TV commercials are full of diamond hearts and expensive expressions of love. But when it is over, it's fashion jewelry that piles up the jewelry sales for retailers. This year affordable fashion jewelry climbs to a new level of quality designs. A big player is Murano style glass. Antique dealers know this age-old art. But now fashion trends move Murano style glass front and center. The art reminds viewers of antique glass paper weights with suspended designs.

Now this glass work preserved by Murano, Italy inspires costume jewelry designers. This Valentines Day there are beautiful works in Murano style glass with puffy hearts that have a suspended rose design. Sets include heart necklaces with stylish elongated earrings. Yes, Valentines jewelry includes brooches, pendants, and earrings, but the freshness of Murano style glass is a must for a new look that gives affordable quality. Constant surprises keep customers coming back, so gain their trust with this surprise for Valentines Day.