The only thing that I would add is smile and think how funny that person would look in long red wool underwear. It works for me every time.

Personally, I’m as fond of real gems and gold as the next gal – but honestly! – it’s just not always appropriate to wear the real stuff. That doesn’t mean I don’t want to showcase my own personal style, though. I love having the option of wearing cosmetic jewelry, because it’s great for things where I want to look nice, but I don’t want to risk wearing something else. Or it’s perfect for those times I want to wear something vintage, or really ornate, that I could never afford in real gemstones. I sell cosmetic jewelry for the same reason – I’m sure other people think as I do, and that helps me smile and carry on.

Just laugh it off and know there are TONS of people who appreciate your work; and there will be more.

That Heart is STUNNING!!!

“Oh, you mean the pretentious kind?”

But if it happens in the future and you need a line, you could say something like, “I’m with you. Remember that slob Coco Chanel, mixing real and fake pearls? How gauche!”

The negative people should keep going and find another place to leave their poor energy, so that a positive person who is compelled to have one of your pieces finds YOU. If they don’t move first, make your move. Clear them out of your mind. The positive person is no fool. They know very well they can get diamonds any day at a department store. When they fall in love with you and your work as an artist, that is one of a kind. You connect meaningfully.

Every great leader probably faced critics, but also changed countless lives in the process. Don’t back down. A good jewelry community and customer base will have your back. We’re here for you.

If it is the location (some people will not spend money at craft shows because of various reasons such as wondering about the quality or followup if there are any issues) invite them to check out your website if you have one or see if you can add them to a mailing list.

If I sense that it’s really not going anywhere, I just smile and let them go on…don’t let them take up room in your head.

I wouldn’t be rude back (not sure why people always want to be rude back, it only makes you look like a jerk in front of other people)…just let it go.

Go find the ones who want what you’re selling.

Honestly, I don’t know how I’d respond to that comment either. I’d probably just give them a tight smile and go speak to another customer in lieu of possibly saying something rude. At most, I’d probably say something like “That’s okay. Luckily, I have lots of customers who like my imaginary jewelry” and give her a wink.

I’ve had customers complain about prices, tell me they could find that item cheaper somewhere else (I tell them, “okay”) and that they don’t like the design on an item. It’s hard to keep your composure and just take it, but I don’t ever want to be a person who is rude to someone in my booth. You never know who’s listening….it could be a potential customer who will be impressed with your ability to remain cool.

Your jewelry is beautiful and I’m sure LOTS of people would be happy to wear it!

I don’t really have any advice to add to what the others have said. We, unfortunately, depend on the customers. But we can’t make them like our products. I don’t like working with glass and plastic, but I can admit that artists who have a passion for those items make beautiful work. It’s not for me personally…but that doesn’t make it any less beautiful. It’s not any less “real” or “less” just because it doesn’t match my tastes.

“I’m sorry you prefer other kinds of jewelry. I make and bring items based on what I think the people attending the show will want. Tell me what you’re looking for and I’ll bring that in the future. I also do custom work, and if you tell me what you like and how to contact you, I’ll get back with you with some custom designs.”

This will often start a dialogue, and will sometimes result in a sale. At least you’ll have given them the opportunity to accept your kind offer. As far as price of materials, if I have a contract for a custom order (with deposit to cover the cost of materials), I will use diamonds, 24K gold, or whatever the customer wants.

I have been selling my work for awhile, but that one “real jewelry” comment really caught me by surprise! I do like the idea of a small brochure explaining the work…I may do that for my next shows… and I really like the idea of responding with “Can you see me? I’m real…” And yes, the social-crowd-Diva just fascinates me to no end.

…and thank you for all the compliments…I pour my heart into my work…each one is a very real member of my heart family… 🙂

And really, what are these snobs doing at handmade shows, anyway? If they want “real” jewelry, they should get their backsides to the mall and bring their Visa so they, too, can overspend on jewelry that’s marked up 1,000%. AND, they can look like every other cookie cutter wearer of said jewelry.

As for me? I’d be proud to wear your jewelry…it’s gorgeous. And being an ex-silversmith, I know the work that goes into it. It’s beautiful…don’t give those ignoramuses another thought. In truth, they probably do their shopping at KMart. If they have to advertise their position on only wearing an expensive, overpriced piece of jewelry, they’re showing their lack of class and don’t deserve to wear a unique piece.

Just chuckle the next time someone says something like that…it’ll be the reaction they least expect. It’s like you know something they don’t and believe me, they’ll be thinking about it because they didn’t get the expected reaction out of you (like the hurt or embarrassed look they thought they could provoke…). If you treat it as though they said something funny and ludicrous, it’ll take them back a step!

Additionally, if you’re feeling particularly feisty some day, a sweet reply might be, “Oh, this isn’t for you; I only create art.”

Probably just as well she didn’t buy any of your pieces–she sounds like she’d be one of those nightmare customers anyway, never completely happy with some aspect of it, always expecting alterations, and always for free.

I think your pieces are lovely. Keep making your “not-real” jewelry.

I have a relative that does things like this when they are “afraid” the person with them is interested and going to spend money. It is an old habit that doesn’t make sense now, and is very frustrating to deal with. So, the rude woman probably never even looked at your beautiful work. The comment was aimed at her unfortunate friend or relative. Keep smiling, it could be worse… You could be stuck shopping with that woman for the day 😉

If I, standing there….even as a fellow browser, probably would have snidely asked that rude clueless woman what she considered “real” jewelry. How narrow minded and uncreative she was to have made that comment! Nonetheless….every artisan who publically shows their work eventually hears something negative. It’s normal….you have absolutely nothing to worry about…as your work is uniquely creative and lovely! Take care…and best of luck!