<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<rss version="2.0"
	xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"
	xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/"
	xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/"
	xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"
	xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/"
	xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/"
	>

<channel>
	<title>TaoGem Gemstones &#187; Gemstone Announcements / Promotional</title>
	<atom:link href="http://taogem.com/archives/category/general/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" />
	<link>http://taogem.com</link>
	<description>inexpensive wholesale interesting unique unusual loose cut gemstone cabochons supplies for designing custom jewelry</description>
	<lastBuildDate>Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:10 +0000</lastBuildDate>
	<generator>http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1</generator>
	<language>en</language>
	<sy:updatePeriod>hourly</sy:updatePeriod>
	<sy:updateFrequency>1</sy:updateFrequency>
			<item>
		<title>Spokane Area Social Network Crafts, Lapidary, Jewelry, Misc Art / Artists</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/194</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/194#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Aug 2009 00:59:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[art]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[artists]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lapidary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[newport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spokane]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/spokane-area-social-network-crafts-lapidary-jewelry-misc-art-artists/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Brand new Spokane area Social Networking Community for crafts, lapidary, jewelry, and all other related artists.
This community was started as a means to simply bring a variety of local niche artists from the Spokane area together in hopes of creating interesting and unique opportunities for all members.
Members are not limited to the few arts categories [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Brand new <a href="http://spokanecrafts.ning.com/"><strong>Spokane area Social Networking Community</strong></a> for crafts, lapidary, jewelry, and all other related artists.</p>
<p>This community was started as a means to simply bring a variety of local niche artists from the Spokane area together in hopes of creating interesting and unique opportunities for all members.</p>
<p>Members are not limited to the few arts categories within the site title. All area artists are encouraged join up, and benefit from networking within the Community.</p>
<p>When we think of Artists, our minds can travel to any number of artistic niches. An attempt to categorize or list us all could be never ending.</p>
<p>My little artistic niche is lapidary. More specific, semiprecious gemstone cabochons that are used in custom jewelry design.</p>
<p>It is interesting that many arts related events, shows, festivals, fairs, etc., comfortably combine an endless mix of all imaginable artistic related niches.</p>
<p>Aside from selling our wares at these events, there are also golden networking opportunities between vendors and visitors. Any number of business building possibilities. Unique, often surprising, and totally unexpected opportunities can present themselves.</p>
<p>These events let us network face to face. Both with other vendors, and of course any local artists walking in to attend.</p>
<p>These &#8220;face to face&#8221; networking opportunities can turn out to be much more valuable in the long term than any single sale as a vendor at these events.</p>
<p>That is the goal of this community. Except, to provide an &#8220;online&#8221; social network that can potentially let these same interesting, unique, surprising, and totally unexpected opportunities unfold between area artists. Did not have any particular agenda in mind when I created this. Just sorta thought would let opportunities unfold spontaneously between members within the community.</p>
<p>Hey, maybe even make a friend or two while there ! If your in the Spokane or surrounding area communities, then <a href="http://spokanecrafts.ning.com/">come on over and join in</a> !</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/194/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Spokane Sandpoint Newport Area Jewelry, Crafts, Gemstones, and Antique Show / Event / Festival</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/193</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/193#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 07 Aug 2009 01:23:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[antique]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[newport]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sandpoint]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spokane]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/spokane-sandpoint-newport-area-jewelry-crafts-gemstones-and-antique-show-event-festival/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[It will be held on the grounds of a Victorian Tea House, and a lovely home just across the lane.
Admission is free, and there are 70+ vendors.  Vendors will cover everything from antiques, collectibles, vintage goods, primitives and arts and crafts, jewelry and of course my gemstones.  Both homes will have vendors set [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It will be held on the grounds of a Victorian Tea House, and a lovely home just across the lane.</p>
<p>Admission is free, and there are 70+ vendors.  Vendors will cover everything from antiques, collectibles, vintage goods, primitives and arts and crafts, jewelry and of course my gemstones.  Both homes will have vendors set up… with the one across the lane featuring more artists. An expected 2500 people attending.</p>
<p>Another great thing is that the Tea House will be open for tea on both Saturday and Sunday for $10 per person, no reservations necessary.  The hostesses will also be serving us vendors lunch those days as well, so very sweet.</p>
<p>Of course I will be sharing all about it once it is over (along with all sorts of pictures).</p>
<p>Treasures on Foxwood is located between Newport and Diamond Lake (Washington) just off Highway 2, between mile markers 328 and 329.  There is a billboard right at Foxwood Drive (the road is just past the billboard if you are traveling from Newport and just before if you are traveling from Diamond Lake.</p>
<p>If you are in the area then stop on by and say hi and check all the vendors out. Great opportunity to see some nice gemstones up close !</p>
<p><center><img src="http://melissaburford.typepad.com/.a/6a00e5511e75a0883301157141a61b970c-800wi" alt="Foxwood" width="405" height="308" /></center></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/193/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Networking &#8211; Local Arts And Crafts Events Combined With Online Social Communities</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/192</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/192#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 01 Aug 2009 06:24:32 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[artist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[barter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bezel setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[event]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metalsmith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[silver solder]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[silversmith]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spokane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trade]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/compensate-declining-online-sales-utilizing-local-spokane-jewelry-gemstone-events-shows/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Recently I did a little poll on my forum asking other lapidaries how their online sales have been doing. There were a couple of comments that stood out. First, although the number of folks utilizing the poll were few, online gemstone and jewelry sales seem to be in decline past few months. The month of [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Recently I did a little poll on my forum asking other lapidaries how their online sales have been doing. There were a couple of comments that stood out. First, although the number of folks utilizing the poll were few, online gemstone and jewelry sales seem to be in decline past few months. The month of July stood out the most for myself.</p>
<p>One comment that really stood out was how it is local artists, various shows, and events that a great deal of sales as well as new business opportunities are coming from. I do know from experience not related to lapidary how successful attending local shows  can be. Both from sales and equally important&#8230; Networking ! Meeting local artists and lapidaries ! Online social networking can be very successful towards these. A comment was made on another forum about the importance of utilizing &#8220;local&#8221; online social networking from a &#8220;networking&#8221; perspective.. Not to focus on &#8220;local&#8221; online social networking for sales, but concentrate on using it as a local networking tool..</p>
<p>What do some of these thoughts and experiences have to do with the title of this blog entry? For myself it is obvious the importance of getting involved socially on a local level.</p>
<p>If we think about it, not everyone has access to computers, or many that do, are not using them to introduce themselves to national and international online businesses related to their artistic niche. A couple of months ago I had a sale from someone local.. The very first in three years of selling various items online. I am sure there are a whole lot more than just this one who share common interests with me !</p>
<p>Yes, we are certainly in a recession/depression.. No question. It has hit home for myself, family and friends in many significant ways unrelated to my online business.</p>
<p>&#8220;When things are tough, the tough get going&#8221; ! In other words&#8230; Get out there and socially meet some folks from my community !</p>
<p>I think there is kind of a separation for many online business owners like myself. Many are solely selling online as compared to a storefront on Main street. We maintain and operate our online businesses.  A store on Main street operates with many of the same promotional/marketing trials and tribulations except one is online and the other is on Main street. Many brick and mortar type stores utilize online sales right along with their store. Then again, many do not.. An ideal way to close the gap on that separation as an online business owner would be to combine online social networking with selling at local niche events / shows.</p>
<p>I think you get where I am going. Most likely your already well aware. Maybe much like myself we realize what we need to do, and just need to get out there and become locally active within the arts community.</p>
<p>I hear a lot of successful events/shows cheers from many online jewelry designers, and artists after completing their shows.</p>
<p>There are some things that I started to do a couple days ago, and perhaps you can do if your interested in learning how to become more active locally.</p>
<p>Searching online for as many local crafts type events as I could find. Some are &#8220;juried&#8221; events. Meaning a business license and State tax number are required. Plus we have to be voted or somehow accepted into these juried events. Fees are required just like a non juried event.</p>
<p>I used key search words/phrases like, &#8220;Spokane Washington gemstone jewelry shows&#8221;, &#8220;Spokane crafts hobbies shows&#8221;, &#8220;Spokane arts festivals shows&#8221;, etc&#8230;</p>
<p>I found many ! From little events at various jewelry and bead shops, park events, and larger shows at fairgrounds. Both local and in near by communities.</p>
<p>So for myself, I feel it is important to get busy. Get out there and start socializing locally. Network with other lapidaries, jewelry designers and other gemstone related artists who may be interested in my business just as I am in theirs. Trading, and bartering are possible outcomes. Business building and networking possibilities are another and will likely present themselves quickly. Any number of things can happen when business owners who share interests within a common niche network, share new ideas, products, and services.</p>
<p>I decided to take the advice of another CST forum member and am in the process of creating a <a href="http://spokanecrafts.ning.com/">Spokane area social community within the Ning network</a>. It is brand new and much work to do yet, but it&#8217;s a start ! A Ning site that will be completely devoted to, and focuses upon various related and common interest niches for Spokane, and surrounding communities.</p>
<p>So&#8230;,  the purpose of this blog entry is sort of both a kick in the butt for myself and of course create some discussion and feedback from other online gemstone and jewelry designers/artists who are presently, or may be considering the same things.  How to bring some of those local artists who visit the areas community stores into our online world.. Consider local community social networking to compensate for declines in our online businesses.</p>
<p>Forgive much of the repetitive rambling. Thanks too for stopping in and reading through.</p>
<p>Don&#8217;t be shy.. ! Please reply with any suggestions, comments, feedback, personal experiences,  info about shows and events in the Spokane area, etc&#8230; !</p>
<p>Have a great day !</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/192/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Joining Jewelry Design Social Networking Communities</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/174</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/174#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:36:03 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[agate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bezel setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cabochons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jasper]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lapidary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metalsmithing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[networking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pendant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[silversmithing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[social]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/joining-jewelry-design-social-networking-communities/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[About a year ago I began exploring various marketing and promotional techniques for the purpose of boosting my online presence.
I think just like myself, a lot of brand new online lapidary related business owners find ourselves somewhat overwhelmed with the many different possibilities that just sorta seem to present themselves to us as we embark [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>About a year ago I began exploring various marketing and promotional techniques for the purpose of boosting my online presence.</p>
<p>I think just like myself, a lot of brand new online lapidary related business owners find ourselves somewhat overwhelmed with the many different possibilities that just sorta seem to present themselves to us as we embark on SEO related techniques.</p>
<p>These practices are completely different in application and technique today than they were when I first gave thought to developing my online presence a little over a year ago.</p>
<p>Different in technique and application, but the basic practices are much the same. Not much sense in sharing in detail. Today my main primary online sites although different are similar in a lot of ways.</p>
<p>I have gone through a couple of different selling sites and have now settled into a great shopping cart. Gone through several blogging software packages and have now finally settled into one that is excellent.</p>
<p>Online jewelry design related business owners like myself who have at least these two basic and very important type of sites up and running properly have just by the nature and course of events that lead to accomplishing them, found ourselves also educated about a few other very important things along the way.</p>
<p>Without a doubt we were told the importance of participating in at least a couple of forums that discussed jewelry design related topics. We learned the importance of joining in discussions and starting topics of interest related to our jewelry related niches. The forums we choose can be a little different for each of us depending upon what exactly our jewelry design related niches are.</p>
<p>From the time I first started out right up until just recently, my jewelry design related niche solely consisted of the sale of gemstones to jewelry designers. Because of that I settled into a couple of fun forums that were a mix of jewelry making related topics.</p>
<p>Still today, this &#8220;practice&#8221; is still the same, although the technique has changed because I started a lapidary related forum of my own. Still&#8230;. the need to mingle with others who share my same interests is extremely important. One big bonus is that I am truly having a great deal of fun. Although I have not actually met any of our forum members in person, we have connected. Connected with many who I have come to feel share a friendship as well as our common interests.</p>
<p>Let there be no mistake though. No matter if I had created a forum of my own or not, the need to mingle and connect with others is a must. Making participation in a couple of forums a daily routine is beneficial because sales can and usually do result from participating.</p>
<p>We also without a doubt learned yet another important, almost daily practice that would become just as routine to us as forum participation. &#8220;Social networking&#8221;.</p>
<p>Not just any social networking, but a group of people that socialize within a community. Unlike a forum, these communities consist of many different categories of network groups. This was much harder for me to get an understanding of than was the straight forward and easy to understand forum process. When I would participate within the arena of a forum, it all made perfect sense. You post a topic that you want to share or learn from and or reply to someone elses post.</p>
<p>Social networking did not come so easy for myself, and that is really putting it quite mildly. With the exception of the very first community that was introduced to me. It is the Squidoo community. At least this Squidoo community did make sense. Although&#8230;.. when a person becomes a member and creates a &#8220;lens&#8221; which is your home page within the community, the interaction with other &#8220;lensmasters&#8221; is different from that of truly socializing within a network of community members. It is really just a community of home pages, or lenses.</p>
<p>Squidoo was really the only community that I found and participated in where at least it made some sense. You could add your jewelry design related lens to other jewelry design related groups within the Squidoo community. The ideal result for myself was for an actual designer to see my gemstone supply lens and hopefully <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/TaoGems">purchase from me after visiting my lens</a>.</p>
<p>This was not really social networking. I was sure that social networking had to be somewhat similar to participating within a forum. No matter which social network I signed up with, they just make absolutely no sense at all. Networks like StumbleUpon, Delicious, and others just seemed completely unorganized. I could not see how social networking was suppose to improve upon my internet presence in any way.</p>
<p>Finally I gave up on the whole thing&#8230;..</p>
<p>Then recently while trying to come up with some ideas for my forum members to use for their own developing of an online presence, I <a href="http://gemstone.smfforfree4.com/index.php/topic,1186.0.html">posted several social networking communities</a> and shared how important it is to participate within one or two. Yes, for myself too !</p>
<p>I could hardly preach such a thing without at least giving it another whirl myself. I tried to list social networks that in one way or another had something to do with lapidary, gemstones, jewelry, and or jewelry design. While going through and looking at each of the networks that I listed for members to consider, I found one called <a href="http://www.ning.com/"></a>Ning. The <a href="http://www.ning.com/">Ning community</a> consists of a wide range of social networks. They have several <a href="http://www.ning.com/?view=search&amp;term=jewelry+design">jewelry and jewelry design related networks</a> within the community. There are several perfectly fine jewelry design networks to pick from.</p>
<p>It was not long before I had <a href="http://www.jewelrynetwork.org/profile/TaoGem">created a page about myself</a>. Then I headed off to the main page for the network I joined. I picked the <a href="http://www.jewelrynetwork.org/">Jewelry Design Network</a>. I don&#8217;t really want to go into lengthy details about the group. I just really wanted to share that the Ning community networks made sense to me right away. The Jewelry Design Network consists of a variety of different kinds of jewelry design related members.</p>
<p>I am really glad that I found a jewelry design related network that has other online lapidary businesses as well as a variety of other crafts people. In no time at all I found myself joining in and discussing lots of interesting topics.</p>
<p>Joining this network is turning out really a-ok. Turning out to be a lot of fun. Not to mention that I can report some sales directly related because of participation within a social network. A network that finally made sense to me.</p>
<p>Just felt like adding a blog entry with a few of my own trials, tribulations and success with trying to get started in social networks. There are many out there to pick from. What my have been awkward and or uncomfortable for me to participate in, may well suit someone else just fine. The bottom line, is that it really is something that everyone should really include in our arsenal of tools/sites towards developing and maintaining the best possible jewelry design related online presence that we possibly can.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/174/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>2</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Quartzsite Arizona Gemstone and Mineral Show 2009</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/166</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/166#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:24:23 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quartzsite arizona]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quartzsite gem mineral]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quartzsite rock show]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/quartzsite-arizona-gemstone-and-mineral-show-2009/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Quartzsite 2009
Shows 2009
Quartzsite, in western Arizona, just 20 miles east of the Colorado River on I-10, Quartzsite has been a rockhound&#8217;s paradise since the 1960s. These days, it is also a mecca to well over a million visitors each year, most of whom converge on this small town in a wave of RVs during the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.desertusa.com/Cities/az/quartzsite.html">Quartzsite 2009</a></p>
<p><a href="http://www.desertusa.com/Cities/az/quartzsite.html#anchor832166">Shows 2009</a></p>
<p>Quartzsite, in western Arizona, just 20 miles east of the Colorado River on I-10, Quartzsite has been a rockhound&#8217;s paradise since the 1960s. These days, it is also a mecca to well over a million visitors each year, most of whom converge on this small town in a wave of RVs during the months of January and February.</p>
<p>At this time of the year, 2,000 vendors of rocks, gems, minerals, fossils and everything else imaginable create one of the world&#8217;s largest open air flea markets in Quartzsite. Eight major gem and mineral shows as well as vendors of raw and handcrafted merchandise peddle their wares to snowbirds, collectors and enthusiasts, making Quartzsite the place to be the first two months of each year.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/166/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Tucson Gem, Mineral &amp; Fossil Showcase &#8211; January 31 &#8211; February 15, 2009</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/165</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/165#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 16 Nov 2008 18:06:53 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tucson 2009]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tucson fossil]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tucson gem mineral show]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tucson mineral]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/tucson-gem-mineral-fossil-showcase-january-31-february-15-2009/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral &#38; Fossil Showcase.
The &#8220;Gem Show&#8221; is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at nearly 50 sites around town. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>For two weeks every winter, the world meets in Tucson as it becomes a bustling, international marketplace of buyers and sellers at the Tucson Gem, Mineral &amp; Fossil Showcase.</p>
<p>The &#8220;Gem Show&#8221; is much more than a single event at one location. Rather, there are thousands of participants and attendees at nearly 50 sites around town. Dozens of shows take place at the same time &#8211; in giant white tents, at hotels and resorts and at exhibit halls.</p>
<p>There&#8217;s something for everyone at the many open-to-the-public shows &#8211; from gold and diamonds to granite bookends and glass beads, and from fine specimens of dinosaur fossils to opals dug from the Australian Outback.</p>
<p>The main event of this two-week showcase is the Tucson Gem &amp; Mineral Show which packs downtown&#8217;s Tucson Convention Center over the final weekend. This show attracts thousands of treasure hunters from every corner of the globe and is open to the public. There are displays from renowned museums and private collections along with over 250 mineral, gemstone, jewelry and fossil retail dealers. It also features hands-on exhibits only for school children.</p>
<p>Most of the gem and mineral shows around Tucson are free and hours vary.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glda.com/prereg_exhibitor_tucson.html">Exhibitor Information Request Form</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/165/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>How to Sell Semi Precious Gemstone Cabochons in Various International Countries and Markets</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/161</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/161#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 25 Oct 2008 09:44:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone search engine optimization]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[international gemstone markets]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[International gemstone sales]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[international lapidary service]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry design international]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[selling gemstones]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/how-to-sell-semi-precious-gemstone-cabochons-in-various-international-countries-and-markets/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[In a thread started by Alana over at CST. &#8220;I believe these are some hard times for our business right now&#8221; we seem to have discovered common sales experiences in regards to a greater percentage of International sales recently as compared to National. Possibly a connection to the present Global Recession.
I can speak from personal [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>In a thread started by Alana over at CST. <a href=http://www.creativeshoptalk.com/index.php/topic,2093.0.html>&#8220;I believe these are some hard times for our business right now&#8221;</a> we seem to have discovered common sales experiences in regards to a greater percentage of International sales recently as compared to National. Possibly a connection to the present Global Recession.</p>
<p>I can speak from personal experiences that it is possible to achieve international sales without any special marketing techniques. For myself, that became apparent when I sold Chines Snuff Bottles on eBay. A collectible item. For that reason the international buyers would go the extra step in figuring out how to deal with communicating and purchasing from an English website/store without any extra effort on my part. </p>
<p>This chart that shows how the International Internet is now the fastest area of online revenue growth.<br />
It describes perfectly my own personal experiences with International &#8220;buyers&#8221;. With the exception of a couple shown on this chart I would say that it closely represents my percentages of International sales when selling Chinese snuff bottles.</p>
<p>So.. without any extra marketing techniques the buyers will come and buy if we are selling something desirable, competitive and collectible. Of course certainly having a simple site translation capability is a big plus. </p>
<p>In order to really get in and get our semi precious gemstone and gemstone jewelry design sites in the face of potential International buyers there are other things I am learning are necessary.</p>
<p> <center><a href="http://s517.photobucket.com/albums/u340/taogemstones/?action=view&#038;current=a_international_graph.gif" target="_blank"><img src="http://i517.photobucket.com/albums/u340/taogemstones/a_international_graph.gif" border="0" alt="international_sales_chart"></a></center>
<p>What if we sell gemstones that other Countries mass produce. Things like gemstones that are mass produced and sold cheaply because labor can be pennies on our dollar.</p>
<p>I know that I can not compete with these run of the mill semi-precious gemstones. Basic minerals and especially basic shapes. Especially oval, round and straight forward domed gemstones. It seems like the Asian and India markets dominate mass producing these common semi-precious gemstones. We can compete with the freeform designer type semi-precious gemstones though. Just like the Chinese Snuff Bottles that are desirable. Truly collectible bottles are not able to be mass produced in any market. Each can be and should be unique. Freeform and or designer type semi-precious gemstones are desirable to jewelry designers in many Countries. Unique and unusual freeform semi-precious gemstone cabochon minerals.</p>
<p>I believe that for a Lapidary this opens the door for International sales  Making it quite feasible to enter into International SEO and SEM (Search Engine Marketing).</p>
<p>But how is it done? It does take a little more than just placing a language translator on our gemstone and jewelry design sites.</p>
<p>I have just started to search for information on how to best communicate my semi-precious gemstones to the International markets, shown in the chart above. </p>
<p>I thought it would be a good start to make a blog entry to maybe stir up some discussion, experiences, advice and guidance from other Lapidaries who are involved with or interested in talking a bit more about how to get our semi-precious gemstones into these markets. </p>
<p>These first couple of terms (International SEO and SEM) that I stumbled upon while searching for information about how to sell Internationally.</p>
<p>Here are a few more terms/phrases that I am still investigating.</p>
<p>Deliver qualified global visitors<br />
Visibility within foreign search properties<br />
Global internet search<br />
E-Globalize<br />
CE Certification<br />
Power supply conversion<br />
Gate way page.</p>
<p>The first most interesting and seemingly a great place to start is with the Gate Way pages which is directly related to SEO and SEM.</p>
<p><b>Search Engine Optimization (SEO)</b></p>
<p>Using Search Engine Optimization (SEO), we can use keywords and phrase information and construct what is called a “gateway” page, or page that introduces our company/site. </p>
<p>Incorporate our gemstone related keywords and phrases into the text of the gateway page, as well as in the HTML code that is used to build the page.  Apparently each search engine is different with the “rules” that must be followed when submitting pages to their search engine, and moreover those search engines within each country has different rules. So apparently we need to learn how to optimize our gateway page for international search engine optimization.</p>
<p>This page will need to be translated into the language of the Country of choice. Looks to me so far like a gateway page for each language/Country.</p>
<p>Then we submit our gateway pages to the various key search engines in the Country of choice.  Over time (this will depend on the search engine and market) our gateway page will continually gain visibility within the natural search engine area on each of the key search engines in that Country.</p>
<p>The following may help explain better how the process works.</p>
<p><b>The Opportunity</b></p>
<p>In the last 10 years, the total number of non-English searches online has completely reversed to now include over 75% of the total population, and this number is still increasing.</p>
<p><b>Keyword Density</b>, or the amount of traffic online in markets outside of the US is not nearly the same as it is in the US.</p>
<p>What this means is a much <b>higher chance for a successful long term top ranking</b> in international gemstone and jewelry design markets compared to the US market, if we act before the global markets catch up to the US in online search competition.</p>
<p><b>The Global SEO Process Steps</b></p>
<p>First of all, we know that <b>99% of all searches abroad are conducted in the native language of the user</b>.  So gemstone cutters, lapidaries, and gemstone jewelry designers have a chance to be seen globally be those searching for our gemstone related products or lapidary services.  We must have a presence in their native language.</p>
<p>The first thing to do is to create an &#8220;entry&#8221; or &#8220;gateway&#8221; page that can be submitted to search engines in the global markets we select.  Let&#8217;s now take Chinese as an example.  This Entry or Gateway Page will be consistent with your Website look and feel, and be fully optimized to achieve top rankings in the selected markets.</p>
<p>There are different accents, <b>different symbols and different alphabets, and the rules, regulations, and algorithms vary by market and search engine within each market</b>, which is why a thorough understanding of international search engine optimization is important.</p>
<p>When a prospective customer does a search and finds our gemstone and or jewelry design Entry or Gateway Page, they will see at the bottom a link to our gemstone / lapidary home page, with an explanation in Chinese that once they click on this link they will go to an <b>English only site</b>, and that all subsequent correspondence will be in English.   </p>
<p>The prospective customer then clicks on the link at the bottom of the page and is transferred to your main gemstone or jewelry design page.  Statistics show that <b>85% to 90% of foreign users will click through to your English language home page!</b></p>
<p>From the same site there is a <a href=http://www.princetonci.com/E-GlobalizeFAQ2.html>FAQ page</a> that gives us some things to think about. </p>
<p>So&#8230; this is where I am at. </p>
<p>Because of the above, it is apparent that I will need a gemstone / Gemstone jewelry design gateway page for each language/Country I would like to target.</p>
<p>I am not sure yet if I need to have a separate dot com for each of these gateway pages, or if we can simply create one.</p>
<p>With a Wordpress Blog, perhaps use the static page that is available, create another separate gateway page, etc.. </p>
<p>With a ZenCart, maybe the same. Create a EZ page or something as the gateway page.</p>
<p>It seems a fairly easy and straight forward technique in regards to the gateway page concept. Then simply submit to the <a href=http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oGklmhWwJJMw0BXxJXNyoA?p=international+Search+Engine+submission&#038;y=Search&#038;fr=yfp-t-501&#038;ei=UTF-8>various International Search Engines</a>.</p>
<p>I am off to do some more research and figure out how to best create my first gateway page. Probably for my ZenCart to start with. Then perhaps my blog.  Likely starting with China, or possibly Spain. The two larger pieces of the pie in the above chart.</p>
<p>One thing&#8230;. I have no experience with making the payment process and currencies set for the various countries. I think this will be the biggest challenge.</p>
<p>If you work with gemstones and or gemstone related jewelry or gemstone art work feel free to comment. Very interested in hearing from others who have or are interested in any part of selling gemstones Internationally.</p>
<p>Thanks for stopping by my blog and reading through this entry!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/161/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Gemstone Article News Letter About Cabochons for Jewelry Design</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/159</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/159#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:30:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[agate cabochons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bezel setting article]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone news article]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone newsletter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jasper cabochons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry design news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[silversmithing news]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/gemstone-article-news-letter-about-cabochons-for-jewelry-design/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Many of you have been doing business with me for almost two years now. You have come to know that I did not start my gemstone business because of dependence on the income. I am sort of in between doing this as a hobby and online business.
Lots going on in the world these days. These [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Many of you have been doing business with me for almost two years now. You have come to know that I did not start my gemstone business because of dependence on the income. I am sort of in between doing this as a hobby and online business.</p>
<p>Lots going on in the world these days. These uncertain and financially difficult times can put pressures on jewelry designers and cutters. Trying to balance our everyday responsibilities with our families and for some of us, still trying to continue investing in our online gemstone / jewelry businesses. Then for others interested in gemstones and jewelry design from a hobby perspective. It can be difficult to spend even a few dollars on necessary materials like gemstones so as to continue those treasured pastime interests. <a href=http://taogem.com/taogem-gemstone-lapidary-news-letter-and-minerals-update/><strong>Read More&#8230;&#8230;..</strong></a> </p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/159/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Advantages for Gemstone Jewelry Designers to Develop Relationship with Lapidary Shop</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/115</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/115#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Oct 2008 17:31:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arts and crafts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[beads and jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[faceted gemstones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Faceted natural gemstones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gem clubs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone forum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone wholesale lots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jewelry design and wire wraping]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry design discussion board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry supplies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lapidary]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lapidary and jewelry design]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lapidary forum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lapidary tools equipment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loose cut gemstones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[necklaces and pendants]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unique and unusual gemstones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Weblogs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wholesale faceted natural gemstone cabochons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wholesale gemstones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wholesale jewelry supplies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/?p=115</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[TaoGem Gemstones
It can be a real struggle for a gemstone jewelry designer to design that unique piece of gemstone jewelry. Most designers do not have a working relationship with a specific lapidary shop. This means that the designer is limited to picking out gemstones to work with at random off the internet or perhaps from [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://taogem.com/"><strong>TaoGem Gemstones</strong></a></p>
<p>It can be a real struggle for a gemstone jewelry designer to design that unique piece of gemstone jewelry. Most designers do not have a working relationship with a specific lapidary shop. This means that the designer is limited to picking out gemstones to work with at random off the internet or perhaps from their local bead store.</p>
<p>There can be some excellent advantages to having a personal relationship with a quality lapidary shop.</p>
<p>The ability to actually design your jewelry around your desired gemstone mineral type, color, shape, etc, really opens the door to truly being able to express your designs as you like. This is especially true for the designer who would like <span style="color: #ff9900;"><strong><a style="color: #ff9900" href="http://taogem.com/general/how-to-tutorial-make-multiple-gemstone-cabochon-pendants-sets-for-bezel-and-silver-smith-settings/" target="_blank">multiple settings on the same piece of jewelry</a></strong></span>.</p>
<p>Their can be excellent discount opportunities as a regular repeat customer to our shop. I truly believe that once you experience the entire transaction, communication, expertise, and quality of work, you will likely return to become another of our valued repeat customers.</p>
<p>Special favors become second nature. Favors like replacing one stone with another due to a last minute change in your design, re-shaping, duplicating, and many more that are generally completely free.</p>
<p>Opening the channels of communication to regular phone conversations as well as email and or contact forms.</p>
<p>As a lapidary shop I understand the importance of the above and am happy to have a versatile relationship with the designers. Having this relationship can remove a lot of obstacles for a designer.</p>
<p>Repeat customers are a valuable asset to the lapidary shop. As a regular customer, the designer will find extremely quick responses and top of the list placement for order requests.</p>
<p>Sometimes designers can feel that they are limited to working with what is available to them from what they see in various online gemstone stores. Perhaps the designer is uncomfortable with purchasing any other way. This is likely only the case because they have not given thought or had the opportunity to consider such a relationship.</p>
<p>If you are a designer with truly unique and unusual designs in mind,  you will find such a relationship just the answer to completing these special designs.</p>
<p><a href="http://taogem.com/">Give us a try</a>. You will not be disappointed!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/115/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Where to search for information about making gemstone cabochon jewelry using bezel settings</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/150</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/150#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 22 Sep 2008 07:44:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone discussion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone forum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gemstone information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to make jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lapidary discussion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning about gemstones]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[learning jewelry designing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[searching gemstone information]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/where-to-search-for-information-about-making-gemstone-cabochon-jewelry-using-bezel-settings/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was thinking today about the different people, places and things that came into my life when I first became interested in learning about gemstone cabochons.
Searching for every imaginable educational and how to type sources of information that would help me get started. I had absolutely no knowledge at all, with the exception of having [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I was thinking today about the different people, places and things that came into my life when I first became interested in learning about gemstone cabochons.</p>
<p>Searching for every imaginable educational and how to type sources of information that would help me get started. I had absolutely no knowledge at all, with the exception of having gotten my feet wet from buying some gemstones for resale.</p>
<p>So what are people like myself looking for similar to information I was looking for when I became interested? If your on the same basic track now as I was, and forgetting about building from what we search for and taking it from a hobby to a business.</p>
<p>Some sources of information we search for are basic. How about, what are some basic gemstone terminologies. I mean we have to <a href="http://gemstone.smfforfree4.com/index.php/topic,21.0.html">learn some basic gemstone terms</a>.  Just to be able and have some kind of confidence when initiating gemstone related conversations!</p>
<p>Then, how does someone get the chance to meet people who are experts, and at the same time befriend others who are new and learning just like me and you. I sure did not want to surround myself in a group of experts! I think most folks starting out hope to be able to learn, and yet feel somewhat comfortable at the same time. Comfortable in the sense that we might hang out with others like ourselves.</p>
<p>Well, thank goodness for the internet. Sure it is a powerful learning tool, and it also offers the opportunity to &#8220;hang out&#8221; with both experts and novices and feel perfectly comfortable with either. My first internet searches were about &#8220;gemstone discussion&#8221; and &#8220;gemstone groups&#8221;. All of a sudden these discussion forums started to come my way. People with common interests were coming into my life. Things just took off from there!</p>
<p>That led into finding a local gem and mineral club. More people!</p>
<p>I don&#8217;t really want to get off on every single step of the way that led to being able to finally start making my own gemstones. That is how it worked for me. The same is true for my desire to make my own gemstone jewelry. Of course much has changed, but the truth is that the core of everything I seek to learn about gemstones and now beginning to make gemstone jewelry has been and still is directly related to learning and sharing with others by way of groups on the internet.</p>
<p>Well, I could go on and on, but don&#8217;t want to ramble and talk your ear off. Just sorta felt like another blog entry, and with a little luck other folks just starting out might stumble upon this, and hopefully strike up a conversation by way of simply responding to this blog post. Not much has changed in that regards. Still looking to hang out with others interested in gemstone and jewelry design. Experts and novices alike. No matter. Were all interested in the same thing, and surly have at least a couple of gemstone related topics to talk about.</p>
<p>Hope to hear from you, and thanks for following along through this blog entry.</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/150/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Bezel Setting And Beveled Gemstone Information For Custom Jewelry Designers</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/145</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/145#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 Aug 2008 05:38:09 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bezel settings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[create bezel jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[create gemstone jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone bezel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone tutorial]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[how to jewelry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jasper gemstone setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[semi precious news article]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[silver metal clay]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/bezel-setting-and-beveled-gemstone-information-for-custom-jewelry-designers/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When I first decided to try to sell on the internet there was one thing that still stands out from all the suggestions that were offered through a number of online internet sales forums. It was strongly suggested to specialize and revolve the business around a specific niche.
For myself it became readily obvious just how [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When I first decided to try to sell on the internet there was one thing that still stands out from all the suggestions that were offered through a number of online internet sales forums. It was strongly suggested to specialize and revolve the business around a specific niche.</p>
<p>For myself it became readily obvious just how competitive jewelry and gemstone internet sales are. To simply sell jewelry, and or gemstones can result in being lost in the grand and vast world of  cyberspace. The internet is plagued with never ending numbers of gemstone and jewelry sales galaxies.</p>
<p>It was suggested to &#8220;pick a specialized niche&#8221; within these. I decided as a gemstone site, to develop my niche specific to flat, and beveled gemstones that were specific as well within an associated jewelry niche that revolved around designers who had a particular need for gemstones that are designed for bezel settings. Everything I did and still do revolves around anything and everything related to gemstones specific to bezel settings. Everything from all my various sites meta descriptions, meta tags, key words and the like.</p>
<p>Why am I rambling on a bit about this? Because I would like to share a little bit about what exactly I have to offer jewelry designers and why a designer might truly consider to start to purchase from me and like so many others, become a valuable and regular customer.</p>
<p>I shared in a previous blog posting the <a href="http://taogem.com/general/advantage-to-gemstone-jewelry-designer-to-develop-a-relationship-with-lapidary-shop">advantages for a gemstone jewelry designer to develop a relationship</a> with a specific lapidary shop. This is so true.</p>
<p>Today, I feel really comfortable knowing that I truly do offer some really interesting, unique and unusual gemstone cabochons specific to bezel type gemstone settings, and have built a nice little shop equipped to fill most any gemstone jewelry designers requests.</p>
<p>If your a jewelry designer who creates a lot of bezel type jewelry, you will really enjoy shopping my store. Just as important is for designers to feel totally comfortable in <a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=contact_us">contacting me for special requests</a>. When I designer sees there is an option to just buying what is offered to them and realizes that they can create a piece of jewelry around a particular mineral type and gemstone design it literally opens up a whole new world of designing possibilities.</p>
<p>It is exciting to see gemstone jewelry designers creative juices begin to flow when they start to design their own gemstones. I especially enjoy cutting and shaping matching and or multiple gemstone sets for a designers unique jewelry ideas. <a href="http://taogem.com/general/how-to-tutorial-make-multiple-gemstone-cabochon-pendants-sets-for-bezel-and-silver-smith-settings">Here are just a few examples of what is possible</a>. The possibilities are endless. <a href="http://taogem.com/general/how-to-tutorial-for-making-fossilized-coral-gemstone-cabochon-necklace-and-bracelet-sets"></a>Gemstone necklace and bracelet sets, <a href="http://taogem.com/general/imperial-stichtite-cabochon-jewelry-design-pendant-with-zoisite-druzy-gemstone">mix and match minerals</a>, <a href="http://taogem.com/general/rainforest-jasper-gemstone-cabochons-jewelry-design-beautiful-pendants-and-matched-pairs">beautiful matched sets</a>, and any number of other possibilities. They are endless and fun too !</p>
<p>Presently my <a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart">store is running a significant discount sale</a>. I do it twice a year. My prices are already extremely reasonable, so to mark everything down an additional 20% is huge, and everyone has been on board.</p>
<p>Lots of customers also frequent the Community Forum too. It has grown over the last year. I truly feel that we have a truly interesting, unique and extremely knowledgeable group. It gets really fun when new members join up who are just getting started. I love it !</p>
<p>Well, I have been rambling on and on now&#8230;&#8230; Just another blog entry&#8230;</p>
<p>Hey, I did create yet another Squidoo Community Lens yesterday. Still a little new and rough around the edges. Another example of building on my little cyberspace gemstone bezel niche, as it is called.. <a href="http://www.squidoo.com/BezelStones">&#8220;Gemstones Designed For Bezel and Metal Clay Jewelry Design&#8221;</a>.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/ecd67d4c6bf8a1585b9667850ba30751">I really like Squidoo</a>.</p>
<p>Well, I guess have created enough outbound links within this blog post. Hopefully a few jewelry designers who use bezel techniques with either silver backing or metal clay have stopped by and read through this post. If thats you, then thanks for hanging in there while I rambled on.</p>
<p>Hope you took a minute to check out the store, my new Squidoo lens and maybe even bookmarked the Community Forum !</p>
<p>If you really enjoyed then <a href="http://www.addtoany.com/subscribe?linkname=WP%20Blog&amp;linkurl=http%3A//taogem.com/feed">maybe subscribe to this blogs feed</a>.<br />
<br.><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/">Main Blog Page</a><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/home-page">Blog Home Page</a><br />
</br.></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/145/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>Store Wide Semi Annual Gemstone Cabochon Discount Sale For Jewelry Design</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/142</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/142#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 12 Aug 2008 20:52:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[cheap gems]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone discounts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone sale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[inexpensive minerals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wholesale jewelry supplies]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/store-wide-semi-annual-gemstone-cabochon-discount-sale-for-jewelry-design/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[
Link to store wide sale.
If your familiar with TaoGem prices, then you already know how inexpensive they are.
Twice a year I like to have a nice little sale and mark everything down twenty percent. On top of that, there are no shipping costs either for National or International gemstone orders.
This is also an excellent time [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/"><img src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/705735989_3f7e2ada46_o.jpg" alt="template1" height="58" width="300" /></a></p>
<p><a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart">Link to store wide sale</a>.</p>
<p>If your familiar with TaoGem prices, then you already know how inexpensive they are.</p>
<p>Twice a year I like to have a nice little sale and mark everything down twenty percent. On top of that, there are no shipping costs either for National or International gemstone orders.</p>
<p>This is also an excellent time to <a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=contact_us">contact me</a> if you have been thinking about special requests for unique and unusual shaped gemstones. The same twenty percent discount applies.</p>
<p>Stop on by and take advantage of the markdowns. The next one will not be for another six months!</p>
<p>Enjoy the sale and have a great day!</p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/142/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
		</item>
		<item>
		<title>New Gemstone Cabochon Supply e-Store for Custom Jewelry Design</title>
		<link>http://taogem.com/archives/132</link>
		<comments>http://taogem.com/archives/132#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 13 Jun 2008 20:43:16 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>TaoGem</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Gemstone Announcements / Promotional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bezel setting pendant]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[design gemstone bezel]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone bezel setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[gemstone setting height]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[How to metal clay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jasper gemstone setting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jewelry design metal clay]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metal clay class]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[metal clay tutorial]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://taogem.com/general/new-gemstone-cabochon-supply-e-store-for-custom-jewelry-design/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[New E-Store Link
Ever since I started using the Wordpress e-Commerce Plugin by Instinct Entertainment customers have been lining up complaining about how difficult it is to shop with. Not user friendly at all.
In response to that, I created a new ZenCart for shopping gemstone cabochon jewelry supplies.
Much more user friendly.
Gemstone categories are broken up into [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/">New E-Store Link</a></p>
<p>Ever since I started using the Wordpress e-Commerce Plugin by Instinct Entertainment customers have been lining up complaining about how difficult it is to shop with. Not user friendly at all.</p>
<p>In response to that, I created a new ZenCart for shopping gemstone cabochon jewelry supplies.</p>
<p>Much more user friendly.</p>
<p>Gemstone categories are broken up into the following:</p>
<p><a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=4">Agate Gemstone Cabochons</a><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=7">Fossilized FreeForm and Matched Cabochon Pairs</a><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=3">Jasper Gemstone Cabochons</a><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=6">Mixed Gemstone Cabochon Pairs</a><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=5">Mixed Unusual Gemstone Cabochons</a><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=1">Agate Matched Gemstone Cabochon Pairs</a><br />
<a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/index.php?main_page=index&amp;cPath=2">Jasper Matched Gemstone Cabochon Pairs</a></p>
<p><a href="http://taogem.com/taogemst_myzencart/">Hope you will stop by and check it out!</a></p>
]]></content:encoded>
			<wfw:commentRss>http://taogem.com/archives/132/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>1</slash:comments>
		</item>
	</channel>
</rss>

