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collar ideas - 11/16/2012 6:20:26 AM

ChatteParfaitt

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This was touched off my Athena's Suck it Up thread about uncomfortable collars.

You see, I've been kicking around the idea of making hand made collars for a few years now. I have a background in design, and think I could create some beautiful AND functional collars that were not uncomfortable to wear. That would be my goal, at least.

Just so you know, I would not be doing chain mail collars, and (most likely not) flat metal collars, as there are people who do that beautifully.

My questions for the forum members is this: Where have you come across beautiful, functional AND easy to wear collars? Web site links or picture would be awesome.

Would you consider a macame collar, knowing it was extremely well made? That is, the fittings were soldiered on sterling silver, and it was decorated with semi-precious stones or (perhaps) hand made polymer clay 'faux' beads?

For those collars made of sterling silver and (perhaps) semi-precious stone, what would YOU consider the maximum amount you would pay for a collar? (I know this is a hard one, I just want an over all guestimate.)

What do you think the demand is for custom made collars?

I appreciate any input I can get on this, as I consider the folks here on CM as experts on the subject.

Thanks in advance.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 6:54:04 AM

AthenaSurrenders

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I would guess that it's a niche market but could be quite lucrative once you built up the reputation. There might not be many people out there wanting custom collars, but those that do will be willing to pay for something just right.

I don't know about macrame but more because it's not my particular taste rather than any concern about quality.

As for money, well, I keep hinting for a £4000 Cartier bracelet as my 'collar' (in my dreams) so the sky's the limit.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 6:55:52 AM

SimplyMichael

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Most kink people are cheap as fuck, the few that arent are hard to market,to, and most people buy,from,someone they know. I speak from experience vending to the kink community, I used to make the most beautiful wood items. Doms will spend $400 on a violet want,because its gets them fresh meat but they dont buy nice collars. Male subs spend money on wanky,shit and prodommes spend it on things that will get male subs to hire them. Thats the rough,outline of the market.

That said, I have seen a few silversmiths who make amazing stuff but it was just a hobby on,the side of a real business. Having half given up on finding a worthy partner, I never kept a card. Frankly, I would ask on some of the fet crafting,forums.

My guess is the price point is around $100 bucks. One market I would look into is gorean, they have some jewelry they use.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:16:59 AM

ChatteParfaitt

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Making custom collars is a very small niche market, and from what I have researched, not terribly lucrative unless and until you establish a good following.

I guess what I interested in (among other things) is what kind of designs would appeal to you? You say macame is not your thing, so what is your thing?

What do you have against macrame? Too itchy, or scratchy, or too much of a hippie look?

If you know what you are doing, you can create some elegant designs. I am thinking soft silk cord that could be dyed to match the beadwork. It would be flexible, hand washable, sturdy enough to be functional, and yet design wise not scream "BDSM collar.'

One of the issue with sterling is that it is very soft -- so although it's easy to work with, it's not the sturdiest metal out there.

There are many basic design components to deal with, which is why I am asking for help.

Thank you for your input.

< Message edited by ChatteParfaitt -- 11/16/2012 7:17:51 AM >

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:22:02 AM

chatterbox24

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I think you could probably sell right here and at least make your money back.

I think a silk collar with sheen to it, braided, with a quality clasp, with a small dangly jewel in the center, or small jewels incorporated within the braid would be gorgeous. and ohhhhhh so feminine.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:31:02 AM

ChatteParfaitt

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I consider $100 too low for what I am offering, which is why I am trying to get a better idea of what I think the market will bear.

And yes, I agree, kinksters can be very cheap when it comes to collars.

I've seen some cheap ass collars that I don't think are terribly comfortable, as well as some marvelous collars made of gold with real gem stones, and everything in between. Only the better sites offered custom collars.

So I have a fairly good idea of what's out there, I guess what I am asking is what SHOULD be out there. What would you personally like to see that you don't see offered?

Does the idea of semi-precious gem stones appeal to you? I am saying semi-precious b/c they can be very decorative, without the exorbitant expense of 'real' gems.

In any case, I will check around on FL, so thank you for that tip.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:38:58 AM

chatterbox24

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I have some expensive necklaces, gold, silver etc. Just regular necklaces.

I have a necklace that is two tone blue and green, made of some kind of silk material cloth, the material strings are not braided, but separate, and it has a really pretty dangly smooth stone like matching centerpiece. It cost a fraction of what the silver and gold did, and I had more compliments on that necklace then any I have ever had. I have never wore it without getting a compliment. It doesnt have to expensive to be very attractive and unique. MIght broaden the market.

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My crazy smells like jasmine, cloves and cat nip.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:48:53 AM

AthenaSurrenders

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Hmmmm it's hard to say beyond just 'don't really like it' which I know is no use whatsoever. I think maybe 'too fussy'. I'm a big fan of very simple.

If it's a symbolic collar and not intended to be tugged on or anything, I prefer something that lies low on the neck rather than a choker. I think it's more elegant and flattering. I'd also prefer the clasp was part of the decoration, if that makes sense. Perhaps something that clasped/locked at the front. Seems no matter what type of jewelry I wear on my neck the clasp sneaks round to the front.

Semi precious stones can look fab or can look old-womanish. Or hippyish.

I'm not very good at articulating what I like I'm afraid, and I can't draw to show you.

I think the problem with the pricing is that people are not used to having handmade items anymore and so have lost the idea of how much a person's time is worth. I think you might have people thinking 'It's just silk, why does it cost that much?' because they are used to mass-produced items and forget that something that took ten hours to create is going to cost a lot more than the raw materials. Same problem people who made handknitted clothes face - people think '£200 for that? I can get it for £40 in Topshop' because we're out of the habit of having things individually made for us and have no concept of the value.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:53:04 AM

ChatteParfaitt

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The necklace you describe is close to one of the kinds I am thinking of designing. Actual macrame can be very pretty and elegant if done with the right materials. It's also deceptively sturdy.

Here's an example (though it doesn't have a ring, which I would incorporate, possible as part of a pendant).

Attachment (1)

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:56:06 AM

ChatteParfaitt

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Here's another one:

I like this one, it has the look of 'estate jewlery' but I agree it is rather fussy.

At this point I am thinking functional collars, or as you say 'can be tugged on.' This means I would incorporate a steel ring (covered with the silk cord for looks) as part of the design.

I love necklaces where the fastener is part of the design. That's just a great look. I have considered the fastener is part of the ring as well, but again I have design issues, since I think the ring needs to be steel and fully attached to the necklace. And steel you have to weld, you can't merely soldier it.

I like simple looks as well, and I love pendants. I think those two ideas are preferable for a symbolic piece, and have considered how I could design something that was still BDSMish w/o screaming collar.

I admit I'm not a big fan of the BDSM symbol based on the triskelion.

Attachment (1)

< Message edited by ChatteParfaitt -- 11/16/2012 8:04:12 AM >

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:57:04 AM

TieMeInKnottss

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Do you knit or crochet? There are some beautiful designs. I found a couple that are knitted with beads worked in. There are now so many different finers to work with-metallic floss, leathers, cotton, silks..

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 7:59:26 AM

AthenaSurrenders

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That's nice, though my personal preference would be one continuous strip of macrame with the decoration also acting as the clasp. The decoration is also a bit grander than I would pick personally (though I see that some people would like it that way). I think the idea of incorporating a ring into it would be nice.

Lastly, it's hard to tell on that picture but if it were mine I'd like it to be even thinner. But again, I can see people liking all different thicknesses.

Looks fun to make.

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Upon the hours and times of your desire?

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 8:06:39 AM

ChatteParfaitt

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I don't knit or crochet (unfortunately) -- and I've no idea of anyone is doing that for collars.

What an idea !!

(I love this forum.)

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 8:10:40 AM

ChatteParfaitt

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They are fun to make, and you can do one in an evening or two in front of a video, IF you know what you are doing for the design.

An issue with a skinny choker is that it could roll, the thicker ones don't do that. You could use wire as a foundation for a skinny one, but now you are sacrificing comfort.

I like the idea of a choker opening in the front, too.

So far this is giving me some great ideas. Thanks so much.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 8:17:13 AM

chatterbox24

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I have attached a picture of this very simple necklace, keep in mind its had the hell worn out of it and has lost some of its luster. But its between a chocker and neclace, and it just lays really nice on your neck. It doesnt look as good in the picture as it does on either and it feels good to wear because its soft and thin. Just giving an idea to you which isnt expensive but got tons of compliments.

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I am like a box of chocolates, you never know what variety you are going to get on any given day.

My crazy smells like jasmine, cloves and cat nip.

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 8:18:07 AM

TieMeInKnottss

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[image]]http://0.tqn.com/d/crochet/1/0/D/7/-/-/beaded-necklace-3-200.jpg[/image

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 9:38:22 AM

MAINEiacMISTRESS

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ChatteParfaitt

Making custom collars is a very small niche market, and from what I have researched, not terribly lucrative unless and until you establish a good following.

I guess what I interested in (among other things) is what kind of designs would appeal to you? You say macame is not your thing, so what is your thing?

What do you have against macrame? Too itchy, or scratchy, or too much of a hippie look?

If you know what you are doing, you can create some elegant designs. I am thinking soft silk cord that could be dyed to match the beadwork. It would be flexible, hand washable, sturdy enough to be functional, and yet design wise not scream "BDSM collar.'

One of the issue with sterling is that it is very soft -- so although it's easy to work with, it's not the sturdiest metal out there.

There are many basic design components to deal with, which is why I am asking for help.

Thank you for your input.

There is a website that makes custom BDSM collars similar to leather dog collars. Everything from thick leather for big boys to delicate pink with gems for the "girls". You can choose every factor to make it your own design...material, thickness, linings, decorations, style, etc. I'd include a link but I can't seem to find it, and My secretary boy is away right now, darnit.

My boys wanted something they could wear under clothing, every day. I searched around and finally decided on plain old heavy stainless chain. It won't break, and they tell Me that when they MUST take it off (for work requirements, etc), when they put it back on the steel is COLD and sends a significant chill through them. (sadistic grin) It does warm up though once it has touched skin for a few minutes.
Personally I love the klink sound the chain makes, and it's thick enough that I can grab a fistful of the chain and drag them down for a spanking when we are in Play session without worrying about it breaking or cutting into their neck. Heavy chain can also be dressed up by adding charms attached with jump rings bought at any craft store.

Keep in mind, if it is to be worn daily, whatever you choose WILL wear out eventually, especially precious metals which are soft. Even the heavy steel links were worn in the joints after a year. Their Collars are not as shiny anymore, but I like the aged, worn "patina" that is tell-tale of their commitment. You can always get several collars and change them to go with different outfits.

In the end, ANYTHING can be a "Collar". It's just a matter of you both putting meaning into it. For those whose vanilla life interferes with having neck jewelry, consider ear or body piercings, a bracelet or even a watch, to be more discrete.
--MM

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 9:44:08 AM

MAINEiacMISTRESS

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Here is one site I ran across the other day on Do It Yourself Jewelry. There are some lovely necklace ideas here and all are very simple to make. I especially like the "DIY Woven chain collar necklace" at the top.
http://pinterest.com/bennyetienne/diy-jewelry/

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 10:26:35 AM

theRose4U

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ChatteParfaitt

The necklace you describe is close to one of the kinds I am thinking of designing. Actual macrame can be very pretty and elegant if done with the right materials. It's also deceptively sturdy.

Here's an example (though it doesn't have a ring, which I would incorporate, possible as part of a pendant).

I could see this as being attractive to more than just the kink market. Metaphysical fairs (which admittedly include a significant chunk of kinksters), the high end fashion market, even ren fairs. Consignment would be a way to get items into the marketplace without a lot of out of pocket for booths & travel

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RE: collar ideas - 11/16/2012 11:02:12 AM

JeffBC

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quote:

ORIGINAL: ChatteParfaitt
Would you consider a macame collar, knowing it was extremely well made? That is, the fittings were soldiered on sterling silver, and it was decorated with semi-precious stones or (perhaps) hand made polymer clay 'faux' beads?

No. I might well buy it as a necklace but for a collar I prefer the simplicity and utility of an eternity collar. My collar tastes aren't very broad. I want my collar to actually be a collar. I wouldn't be able to put a necklace on her and call it a "collar".

For those collars made of sterling silver and (perhaps) semi-precious stone, what would YOU consider the maximum amount you would pay for a collar? (I know this is a hard one, I just want an over all guestimate.)
That'd depend. Right now in my currently unemployed state... nothing. If I was still making fat sacks of cash money probably about $2000 if it was truly perfect for me.

What do you think the demand is for custom made collars?
I'd refer you to Michael's answer. From my own sense as one tiny customer I think the market is jam packed and you'd have a difficult time breaking in. There are already a wealth of choices.

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