How to start a jewelry store on Shopify

During three agonizing years of pandemic and Lock-downs, numerous brick-and-mortar jewelry stores turned to eCommerce. During this time, Shopify witnessed its fastest growth. Currently, it commands 20% of the share among various eCommerce platforms.

Its strength lies in its SaaS platform, where an eCommerce website could be quickly developed and deployed.

 

When to select Shopify as an eCommerce deployment platform..

If you wish to have a cool-looking eCommerce website without any out-of-the-box customization, then Shopify is the most suitable platform. As a hosted platform, it has limitations with customization that otherwise could be accomplished in open-source eCommerce platforms like Magento or WooCommerce.

 

Where to start

We don't suggest a do-it-yourself approach, as Shopify development requires good experience in Liquid coding. Selecting an experienced development agency is critical.

Design

There are many ready-to-use Shopify jewelry website themes available on Theme markets like ThemeForest.

However, be careful in selecting a theme as they are embellished with the extra baggage of JavaScript and unnecessary elements with UI effects that may slow down the website.

We strongly suggest picking your development agency which can custom-build a theme for you as per your needs. This will help in a fast-loading website and better SEO

 

Data Management and Data tagging

This is the most critical part. Before you go ahead with development; organize the product data and images in a spreadsheet. For example, for an engagement ring, you may offer a user metal option. eg. 14 Rose Gold, 18K Rose Gold, 18K Yellow Gold, and Platinum Such products are categorized under variable products. Products such as ready-to-wear pendants or earrings are categorized as simple products.

Product Images, Product Videos, SKU, and other attributes of the jewelry eg. diamond shape, weight, description etc should be pre-organized in the data sheet for quick data entry.

We strongly recommend you discuss this with your development agency before starting the work.

 

Jewelry 3D Interactive Models

One of the advanced features Shopify have is embedding 3D models. Embedding a 3D jewelry model of the jewelry will allow a buyer to view the jewelry from all angles.< can we add a 3D model here or in our jewelry demo store we have already some ready G
For this purpose, you will have to hire a 3D modeling expert in 3D software like Blender. The modeler will create these interactive jewelry models from pictures.

The 3D models need to be in GLB or GLTF format and get embedded in the shop with ModelViewer component Having a 3D model of the jewelry dramatically increases the conversion rate.

 

Apps that may be required

Shopify's functionalities can be extended by using third-party Apps. For a jewelry website, here are a few Apps which need to be installed. Note that most of these are paid apps.

 Additional attributes App

- Plugin Details: Metafields Guru (Free to install, allows only 1000 free credits to import data)

https://apps.shopify.com/metafields-editor-2

 Instagram feed app

- Plugin Details: Shoppable Instagram Feed addition

https://apps.shopify.com/foursixty (From $50/month. 21-day free trial.)

 Third-party reviews (Google reviews) App

- Plugin Details: Shopify Google Reviews app

https://elfsight.com/google-reviews-widget/shopify ($5.99 / month)

 Book an appointment App

- Plugin Details: Testimonials Slider & Photos

https://apps.shopify.com/evm-product-reviews-app-testimonials-app (Free plan available. 14-day free trial.)

 

Shopify Subscription Plan

Shopify offers three categories of subscription: Basic, Shopify Plus, and Advance. Although Shopify recommends Shopify Plus we suggest you go for a Basic version. Latter if required Plan can be enhanced to Plus.