Opinions needed

[ElenStone]

I hope this is the right place to post this, I'm still finding my way around ...

I could do with some advice from style conscious mums ... I'm a jewellery designer for Artela and this season our web designer pulled out at short notice, so I've been asked to redesign the site. Web design really isn't my strong point, give me some silver or gemstones and I can come up with something really amazing, but my creativity just doesn't translate to that kind of job.

So far I've managed a simple design, which I think works, but I'm not sure if I'm just telling myself that out of the desire to get back to what I'm good at and I really need to finish it soon, as the selection on the site is minimal while I'm updating and the owner's starting to get a little impatient.

So, what do you guys think - does the current design work? Should I go ahead with it and let them update the range, or is it likely to bite me in the rear with clients finding the design too simple, unprofessional or offputting.

Please give me a few opinions! Current site is here: www.artela-shop.co.uk

Thanks in advance

Elen, I think it needs tweaking rather than redoing. I used to work in Web design (information architect), so I have some idea of what clients are looking for.

Is there the option to take what you've got to a freelancer?

That'd depend on the cost, it's a small company and they're going through a patenting process at the moment, which is really expensive ... coupled with what looks to be major expenses hiring a flash designer for some essential upgrades, they were hoping to keep the basic site design in-house. Unfortunately, none of us are very good at it!

Are there any suggestions you could give me to improve it and could you give me an idea of what a freelancer would cost to do some tweaking and what changes they'd be making so I can pass it on?

Sure, Elen - I'll PM you tomorrow. Brain has decided that it's past office hours.

LOL, I know the feeling. Thanks for the help and advice Conflugenglugen