In this section we have gathered some of the most popular information sources, such as trade journals, magazines, blogs, and association websites. Industry information is always changing. For the latest news, current issues and popular opinions, try following one or more of these sources. In addition, interacting with the websites that provide this information through commenting and asking questions may also provide you with more information.
Associations
Trade associations often publish free industry newsletters that are excellent sources of information for your business plan. Such newsletters often have articles that cover in-depth topics on business management, manufacturing practices, how-tos, and current industry news.
Craft Council of British Columbia (CCBC) | "Craft Council of British Columbia is a charitable arts service organization which supports all stages of artistic practice in the craft sector; creates opportunities for artists to exhibit, sell and produce art; provides a voice for artists and craft organizations and aids in the development of active communities around craft." Check out the happenings page for in depth information about craft markets and events.
Canadian Jewellers Association (CJA) | CJA is the voice of the Canadian jewellery industry. The site includes a members directory and links to various educational opportunities and events.
Metal Arts Guild of Canada (MAG) | MAG is a member-based organization for silversmiths, goldsmiths, jewellers, and metal artists. The site includes blog entries, interviews with other artists and frequent newsletters.
Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) | The Society of North American Goldsmiths supports and advances the professional practice of artists, designers, jewelers and metalsmiths, through education, innovation and leadership. Check out the resources and opportunities page as well as the maker profiles.
Jewelers of America | JIC is the consumer education arm of Jewelers of America, a US national trade association. JIC features information about fine jewelry and watches, including jewelry history, fashion trends, care and cleaning, and purchasing tips. Check out the gifts and trends link at the bottom of the page.
Magazines & Trade Journals
Trade journals (often called magazines or trade publications) can be very useful in helping you find current articles relating to business research. Contact your local research library to determine which trade journal subscriptions they have. There are also free trade publications that you can access online.
Canadian Jeweller Magazine | CJ is Canada's oldest trade journal, having been in existence for over 135 years. It is aimed at jewellery and watch professionals, and features key articles, news, and industry trends. It is published 5 times per year.
Jewellery Business Magazine | Serves independent, chain and mass merchandise jewellery retailers across Canada, as well as appraisers, gemologists, designers and goldsmiths. Published 6 times per year.
MAGazine | Official magazine of the Metal Arts Guild of Canada. Published 3 times per year.
Metalsmith | Official publication of the Society of North American Goldsmiths with information on jewelry design and metalsmithing. Published 5 times per year.
JCK Magazine | Jeweler's Circular Keystone (JCK) is a jewelry industry trade publication that features editorials on industry issues, market forecasts, new products, jewelry trends, and more. It is published monthly and focuses mostly on North America.
Blogs
Jewelry Making Journal | A website that features ideas and strategies for selling handmade jewelry. The site includes tutorials and videos and has tips and ideas for starting a jewelry business.
Jewelry Making Daily | A frequently updated blog with jewelry-making tips from industry experts, free step-by-step jewelry projects, videos and events.
Gem Gossip | "This jewelry blog focuses on jewelry trends, antique and period jewelry, celebrity jewelry, as well as exclusive designer interviews." It is updated regularly with new content.
Gemologue by Liza Urla | Written by a gemologist, this multicultural blog covers jewelry trends from around the world and is presented in English, Brazilian Portuguese, and Russian. The site includes lots of interviews with celebrities, designers, and fashion models
Discussion Forums
Orchid Jewelry Forum | "Orchid is both a reservoir of content and a network of active relationships for the benefit of the gem and jewelry industries. Through Orchid, participants may resolve their questions about virtually any subject relevant to the broad spectrum of involvement surrounding the gem and jewelry industries."
Etsy Forums | A large and extensive grouping of arts and crafts forums, so it can be easy to get overwhelmed. We suggest starting by searching the main forum to see who is talking about what interests you.
Consultant Websites
MarketWatch - Industry Analyzer | The Industries section contains current data on Dow Jones Industry Sectors. Aggregate data as well as company-specific data is available.
Firsthand | A free source of industry information. Use the Industry Profiles to research growing industries and best industries by major, and Company Rankings and Profiles to find news, company information, and industry-specific sample professions. Basic monthly membership is free and offers access to blogs, discussion forums, and job listings.
As with all sources, news articles and blogs should be carefully evaluated. For information on how to evaluate your information, watch video tutorial Module Five: Using Information Responsibly.