I’ve been thinking a lot about pricing lately. (Honestly, it’s something that’s always on my mind.)
When I first started making jewelry, I was a broke college student, and I took real pride in keeping my pieces affordable. I wanted other students—people like me—to be able to own and enjoy well-made, artisan jewelry. Back then, I’d walk around art festivals and wish I could take home all the beautiful work I saw. I didn’t understand why it all cost so much. The art was good, sure, but these weren’t Picassos! Why the big price tags?
Fast forward to my first wholesale order. I was paid $35 for a ring I usually sell for $75. And just like that, it clicked: pricing isn’t arbitrary. It reflects not only the materials and labor but also what it takes to make a living as an artist. When you see work in galleries or boutiques, those spaces often take a 50% commission—and for good reason. They’re offering a platform, marketing, and access to a broader audience. So when I price a pair of earrings at $200, it’s because I’ll only receive half of that, and from that half, I still need to cover materials, tools, studio space, and the years of skill-building it took to get here.
Pricing is still something I grapple with, especially as I’ve noticed that higher prices can sometimes mean fewer sales—particularly at art shows, even the big, well-attended ones. That’s why I’m shifting my focus toward getting my work into stores and galleries. Art shows can be wonderful, but they’re also physically demanding and often don’t reflect the full value of the work, especially under the hot Houston sun.
I know higher prices can be disappointing if you’ve been following my work for a long time, especially if you're someone who truly connects with it. The last thing I want is to exclude people from the Geophilia world. But the truth is: in order for this business to thrive—and for me to continue making and sharing the work I love—I have to price it sustainably.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Supporting artists means so much more than a transaction—it allows us to keep creating and building the lives we dream of. I’ll keep doing everything I can to make Geophilia a world that welcomes you in, while also building a foundation that allows it to grow and last.
