Thedistinguishbetween jewelry that gets a second fantasticlook or even purchased and jewelry that doesn't is often in the way it is displayed. Many jewelers mayoverlook the importance of displaying their art correctly and feel the work will sell itself. This isn't always so. So what makes a good jewelry display?

Effectivejewelry display showcaserequire balance between style and restraint. While there is no perfectly right way to show your jewelry, there are a few things to consider.

One feature the good jewelry display is that it canreflects the style and personality of the jewelry collectionand the taste of the targeted customer. Be as creative with your display furniture, backgrounds, and textures as you are when creating your jewelry. For newideas, flip through catalogs that feature women's fashions and jewelry. The idea is not to copy the way the catalogs display jewelry, but to use their settings as a springboard to a great new display of your own.

Of course one can get carried away and put too much into their jewelry display cabinet, which can communicate the wrong message. Picture an entire table filled with bamboo stalks, tiger-print fabric, and driftwood under and behind every piece of jewelry. This is far too busy and cluttered, even if those elements do communicate the style of the jewelry line.

Jewelry should show up against whatever props and background materials you use. A clear crystal quartz pendant would be practically invisible on a leopard print silk scarf, but a chunky silver cuff bracelet on the same scarf would stand out nicely.

A background that contrasts visually with the jewelry will help the jewelry stand nicely. Choose no more than three colors for your display elements and tablecloths - for example gray, white, and blue. Each item you use for your jewelry displays would be one of your three colors. Also choose no more than three textures - for example stone, lace, and linen; each display element would be one of these textures.

When laying our your jewelry display, take proportion and height into consideration. You can use all kinds of things to vary your heights in your jewelry displays, so experiment.

Other ideas for visual interest are to put things at unusual angles, and set props at a diagonal. Diagonals are always dynamic.

Lighting is another critical aspect of showing your jewelry. All jewelry looks best when it is well lit. Whether you are showing your jewelry in a store, at a show or on the street, you can't count of the lighting to be of the quality you want, so be sure to purchase the right type of lighting equipment to correctly light your works.

Now for practical matters. Be sure all of your jewelry is cleaned and shining. You don't want to show dusty jewelry or work that has been tarnished. Also, avoid clutter at all cost. Clutter creates confusion in the mind of your customer, which will decrease your chance of making a sale. Keep your display as streamlined as possible without sacrificing interest and originality.

Last, be sure customers can touch your jewelry. While you may be a bit hesitant due to shoplifting, keep in mind that studies have shown that customers are four times more likely to buy something they have touched or tried it on.