If you’re thinking of hippie-style beaded macaroni necklaces and earrings when you hear the term artisan jewelry, chances are you haven’t spent time at craft shows and shows in recent years. Handmade jewelry has truly stood out with a variety of different metals, styles, gems, and semi-precious stones, as well as non-traditional jewelry materials. Handmade jewelry is often a one-of-a-kind item, making it an ideal gift idea for that hard-to-buy person on your Christmas or birthday list. Handmade jewelry is also in high demand for bridal parties and special events as the wearer is sure to turn heads and comment on the unique jewelry they are wearing.
The internet has truly brought artisan jewelry to your own property. Artisans and jewelers around the world can market their creations over the Internet, literally entering a global market with just the expense of hosting a website and uploading a few digital photographs. Websites typically provide a good cross-section of what the craftsman produced, but they also allow you to communicate regarding custom-designed pieces that you may be interested in having made. Another great place to locate both handmade jewelry and the artisans themselves are seasonal craft shows that are commonly held during the Christmas season in most areas. This will give you a good idea of what is available locally, which can save additional shipping costs and delays associated with Internet transactions.
Many handmade jewelry items feature items such as gemstones, semi-precious stones, or even polished stone that is native to the area where the artisan resides. Often this in itself creates the unique quality of the jewelry, as the materials themselves are not available in stores or in mass-produced jewelry items. In addition, handmade jewelry can also restore or wear some of those quirky pieces you have in your jewelry box, such as individual earrings, hopelessly stacked gold and silver chains, and even rings that no longer fit and make them unique. . and new creations that you can wear with pride.
Some artisan craftsmen will also complete custom orders. This is a wonderful way to design your own jewelry with the help of someone who can give you ideas, assistance, and usually won’t charge you as much as a custom-designed piece from a jeweler. Of course, there are very unique handmade items that you might want a designer to produce, such as an engagement and wedding ring set or an anniversary or family band. However, before going to a traditional jeweler, you may want to spend some time browsing the internet to find out what’s available.
Beaded jewelry is still very popular, although styles and materials have changed over the years. Modern earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and even anklets feature various types of precious and semi-precious stones, decorative silver and gold beads, and truly unique pieces of natural materials like coral, crystal, and shells. These items are both functional and beautiful and can usually be paired with traditional jewelry to give a very elegant and high-fashion look.
