Confessions of a Jewelaholic: Tips on How to Score Your Exclusive Reserve Favorites on Wednesday, December 14th!

Photo: ecouterre.com / Touchstone Pictures - Confessions of a Shopaholic

Being a huge fan of sample sale sites such as HauteLook, Gilt Group, and Rue La La, there are a few tips and tricks to scoring what you want when quantities are limited. As for JewelMint's upcoming Exclusive Reserve Sale, some of my favorite sample sale tips still apply and a game plan for the big day (December 14th) could be the difference between scoring those Cosmopolitan Drops and dropping the ball.

While it may seem a little silly to have a 'game plan' in an attempt to score all those favorite JewelMint pieces you've missed out on, this is some serious stuff! If you're a girl who loves her JewelMint (like myself), you know just how exciting this exclusive reserve sale is and just how cutthroat this event will be!

I mean, could you actually imagine if this sale were taking place in a physical location? It would be absolute insanity. On the other hand, makes you wonder if all the site traffic on Wednesday could actually cause the site to crash. We're talking exclusive (possibly last-to-be-seen pieces) here - a site crash honestly wouldn't surprise me at all! For the sake of all of our jewelry boxes, let's hope this doesn't happen. :)

So without further ado, here are a few tips I'm sharing with you to keep in mind come 6pm & 8pm PST on Wednesday, December 14th!

Tip 1 - Remember that shipping on all JewelMint items is FREE
Use this to your advantage by placing multiple orders, especially on the first one, two, or three items you know will be available in extremely limited quantities. If you can narrow down one specific must-have item on your list, snag it and check out - fast! I'll go into detail below listing the current availability for each specific piece as a reference to help you to...

Tip 2 - Make a list and check it twice!
Write out a list of the pieces you know you want in the order of importance. Next to each piece, notate the current availability of each piece to help you then rearrange the list based on what will most likely be first to sell out. Lastly, keep this information in mind to help you determine the sequence of your purchasing. Having this final list handly will help you to stay on track and hopefully help to ease your nerves knowing you have a plan. It may also help to...

Tip 3 - Gather your codes - if they're allowed.
While the email (here) didn't specify anything about the use or non-use of promo codes, you may still want to be prepared and gather your codes just in case they are allowed. This is especially important if you have multiple one-time use promo codes you plan on using during the event. Write your codes down or type them out for easy copying and pasting. Fumbling for your codes at the last minute could hold you up at checkout. And even though you may have codes you may even want to...

Tip 4 - Determine if using codes on multiple purchases outweighs the risk of missing an item.
As stated in Tip #1, placing immediate orders on the most rare pieces could be a strategic move. However, if you spend too much time placing multiple orders for the sake of using multiple promo codes (especially those one-time use codes), it could set you back in terms of items selling out faster than you can enter a code and finalizing your check-out. By the time you enter your codes, the item(s) may already be gone, as in snagged by someone else who was faster. One alternative could be to hold off on using any one-time use codes for items with a higher availability - while this doesn't guarantee you will still score an item, the time saved could help you get one of those pieces that have only 2 or 3 in stock.  Again, this is only applicable if promo codes are allowed for reserve pieces. Prevent another hold up by...

Tip 5 - Making sure all your account information is up-to-date.
Prior to the event, make sure your shipping information, billing address, and all other info is accurate and up-to-date. This will make for a quick checkout and less fumbling during all the frenzy! Also, don't forget...

Tip 6 - You may still get a second chance.
For qualifying members that will have exclusive "first dibs" on the first half of the event, know that just because you missed out on some of the items in the first half, the second half of the event will begin at 8pm PST. At this time, the second half of all the pieces will be fair game for everyone! Cross out any of the items you scored during the first half and, if necessary, rearrange your list for the second half of the event. And last but not least...

Tip 7 - Know the availability of each Exclusive Reserve piece.
Below please find links to the lists I've compiled of all the pieces that are currently on the Exclusive Reserves list and their current availability. Use these lists to help you get your shopping game plan (as mentioned above) ready for action!

(Side note: Prior to the finalization of this post and the list below, it seems as though JewelMint has made the available quantities listed to be less specific. For example, a couple hours ago the Celestial Wreath Necklace was showing as 2 available in stock. It's now showing that "less than 10" are available. While this kind of hinders the shopping 'game plan' idea a little bit, I guess we'll just have to work with what we now have.)

Exclusive Reserves Availability:
JewelMint Exclusive Reserves List - Alphabetized
JewelMint Exclusive Reserves List - By Availability

How will you be gearing up for JewelMint's Exclusive Reserve sale on Wednesday 12/14? Which pieces are on your must-haves list? Will you be using of these tips? Do you have any additional tips of your own?

xoxo, Lily

If you're new to JewelMint, click here to sign up!

P.S. Join us live here on JewelsAndMints.com on Wednesday, December 14th staring at 5pm PST to chat live about JewelMint's Exclusive Reserve Event! See you there!

JewelMint's Exclusive Reserves: Rare Pieces Available Starting at 6pm PST on 12/14 - Do You Qualify for Exclusive First Acess?

Photo: JewelMint

JewelMint released an email this afternoon to select members announcing the new exclusive reserves system becoming a reality! Starting at 6pm PST on Wednesday, December 14th the reserves will be available for qualifying members and will then open to all members starting at 8pm PST!

So how will JewelMint's new reserve system work?
"Exclusive Reserves are new-condition pieces that are now out-of-stock . We have at most a few dozen of each that we saved for the purposes of exchanges or returns. Most of these pieces will never be available ever again. We plan to offer a half of these items first to valued JewelMint members and to those who have wait listed, and then offer the other half to everyone else. These items are not eligible for discounts, returns, or exchanges. In addition, you may not purchase more than one item of the same name."

Who is eligible to purchase first? 
"Current JewelMint subscribers who have been members for a certain amount of months or members who have purchased over a certain number of products. In addition, current members who have wait-listed for one of these items before December 8th will receive access to these at 6:00 PM PST."

The schedule:

Wednesday, 12/14 6pm PST

First half of Exclusive Reserve inventory available for:

• Wait List members for those pieces
• Long time JewelMint subscribers
• Members who have purchased a certain number of pieces

Wednesday, 12/14 8pm PST

Second half of Exclusive Reserve inventory is open to all members.
Click here to log in to see if your account qualifies for the first half of the event and to browse the selection before it becomes available!

Additionally, if you plan on purchasing any of the items from the exclusive reserves, a "game plan" may be in order. Stay tuned for more information on how you can help prepare scoring all those items on your wishlist!

JewelMint Jewelry Care: Tips & Tricks!

 

Photos: JewelMint

I've had a few requests for a post regarding tips and tricks for caring for your JewelMint Jewelry, how to keep it looking its best, and how to correct the unexpected. This posting will be permanently linked to the sidebar for reference, and I'll continue to add or modify this post as necessary.

Here are some ideas for caring and storing your favorite JewelMint pieces. Some of these tips may be obvious while others may be of some great use!

• If at all possible, keep your pieces of jewelry in pouches to protect them from tarnishing, etc., even while in jewelry box storage.
• Treat the surfaces of your jewelry just as you would your glasses or sunglasses: the best method for cleaning your jewelry is to use a super soft cloth (such as those made for glasses). 
• Costume jewelry in general is best known for having a thin layer of plating. Once that layer is gone, a base layer will become exposed, and the damage is done. Try to stray away from using the following on your jewelry: harsh cleaning agents, soap, scrubbing sponges, ammonia, Windex, vinegar, chlorine, alcohol, nail polish remover, etc.
• If completely necessary, you can attempt to clean your plated jewelry with a specialized costume jewelry cleanser. It is best to find a cleaning agent that is safe for even the most weakest of metals and plating.
• Use an extra soft toothbrush (a baby toothbrush is best) when gently removing any gunk or grime. Be careful when scrubbing while, again, keeping in mind that the plating and adhesives can be delicate. Once it's gone, it's gone.
• Follow the directions for any plated jewelry cleaning agent as best as possible for the best results. Depending on the agent, you will not want to immerse the piece fully in any chemical solution as full immersion can weaken any bonds.
• There are times when you may need to dry off your jewelry. For this, you can try a blow dryer on a low and cool setting to help speed up the process.
• Tip to help remove tarnish: Fill a small dish with lemon juice. Put the piece of jewelry in the small dish immersed with the juice, and leave until you see the tarnish has disappeared. Once the tarnish is gone, carefully rinse the piece with water, and dry. For best results, use the blow dryer tip above. Use with caution when adhesives are involved.
• A lot of people swear by the use of Krylon® as a coating to protect their jewelry from tarnishing, wear, etc. Keep in mind that the use of Krylon® will alter your piece forever (which could be a good thing in some cases). Here are a few tips to keep in mind: 
• There are many finishes available such as: Crystal Clear Acrylic, Matte Finish, Satin Finish, pigmented metallics, etc.
• Choose and even test out different finishes on old pieces of costume jewelry that you don't mind being possibly ruined. 
• Fumes from the Krylon® can be harsh, always try to do this in an open area - preferably outside.
• Always vigorously shake the can for a few minutes (or the time specified) for best results and directly prior to use. 
• Check the initial output/flow of the spray before each use by testing it out on paper or cardboard. If it is going to splatter, it's best to make sure it happens on another tangible item, and not your jewelry.
• Take your time practicing your technique until you have a correct distance and flow technique down. Again, practice on items you don't care much about losing.
  
• Coat one side of jewelry at a time. This takes time, do not prematurely touch or turn over your item until you are positive that it is dry. This will probably include having to leave your item and coming back to it when the drying process is complete.
• Very thin, even layers are best when coating. Take your time; multiple thin layers are always better than fewer thicker layers that can cause permanent drip lines. It is very easy to get carried away with Krylon®, I can't stress enough how taking your time can prevent disasters from occurring.
• Weather can also be a factor when using Krylon® outside. Wind can kick up dust that can ultimately end up in your finish if not completely dry. Warmer days will help the finish to dry faster. Direct sunlight is usually never good for jewelry. Just some things to keep in mind prior to starting your project.

I hope this post can be of some help to those of you looking for some guidance on how to care for your beloved JewelMint! However, please utilize the suggestions above with discretion as some of the above tips may be good for certain pieces of jewelry, but not others. Please feel free to add your own suggestions in the comment section below!

xoxo, Lily