What is an Independent Jewelry Designer?:
Look around the internet in general, and make a stop at craft sites, like Etsy. Visit jewelry booths at local craft shows and consignment shops. Much of the jewelry you'll find in those locations (particularly Etsy) was probably made by independent jewelry makers -- people who come up with a concept and handcraft it into reality.
What types of jewelry do independent jewelry makers create?:
Independent jewelry makers work with beads, metals, glass, gemstones, plastics, clay and all sorts of other materials. Some recycle vintage and discarded items, turning them into jewelry. There's absolutely no limit to the types of jewelry you can create.
How can I learn the skills required to make jewelry?:
Skills depend on the type of jewelry you plan to make. Explore community education and degree-based classes at local colleges and universities. Find craft shops that sell the types of supplies you intend to work with, because they nearly always hold workshops. Search the internet for classes near you, using keywords that match what you are looking for, such as: jewelry making classes boston, beading classes cleveland, glass bead making classes indiana -- you get the idea.
Don't miss Tammy Powley's site, right here on the About.com network: About.com Jewelry Making. Tammy can teach you many of the skills you need.
How do independent jewelry makers sell their products?:
I've already mentioned a few ways jewelry makers sell their products. Etsy has become a popular destination where craftspeople of all kinds sell their wares, but there are many similar Web sites to consider for online marketing.
About.com's Arts/Crafts Business site will help you develop a business plan for online and offline sales.