[Caitlin]

Hi Aizza
Are you going to sell only the local SS pearls? I think that would be your "hook" Pearls directly from the Isle of _____"(fill in blank) "Home grown, personally picked by me, " etc

How well do you know your pearls and the local business?

for instance, what is the best pearl you have seen locally? The largest? What is the local pearl history? How did culturing get started on your island? How do you pick and buy pearls locally? How well do you know the local producers? How well do they like you? Who else buys their pearls? Do you get to the Pearls before the big buyers get their pick cause yu are local? Who are the big buyers? Who makes your jewelry? Is it made on the island? This imiportant info to interest buyers..

How do you "grade" your pearls, now? Isn't there some kind of grading standard for SS pearls? Do you know your pearls well enought to grade the the same as others in the industry do? Knowing all this and being able to share it with customers will help.

If you can get certificatons and degrees, get them, but being the most knowledgeable and transparent about the pearls you sell should help. Sell the Mystique of your local island! Selling pearls online is all about selling.Selling is all about drawing a picture of your pearls from your island as unique and special and you as having a unique and special affinity for picking quality pearls- you are the pearlman of ----Island! and similar sales talk, esp. if it is true.

I don't see the certification as the biggest problem in your online task, I see that as shipping and return policies. How in the world would I even get a pearl necklace from you? By slow boat? By UPS? These are my questions as a customer. If I like your words and pictures and know I have 90 days to return them and a feasible way to return them, I might try your personally picked pearls from a romote island- especially if they are well-priced including shipping.