subject: Gothic Silver Jewelry Guidebook [print this page] Gothic silver Jewelry Guidebook - Covering all you ever wanted to know about Biker jewelry a.k.a. Gothic silver jewelry
Define: Biker Jewelry (pronunciation: 'bi-ker 'ju-el-re noun) - biker jewelry,commonly also sometimes known as rocker jewelry, gothic jewelry, rock and roll jewelry, rock n roll jewelry deviates hugely in comparison with classic forms of delicate jewelry, carrying more weight and substance than its traditional compatriot. Biker jewelry is easily identifiable owing to the boisterous statement it makes with its uniquely masculine look. It is always created using thick and heavy precious metals; in particular sterling silver, the craftsman's prime choice of material. It is not unusual to see real sterling silver wallet chains weighing an entire lb made by a famous biker jewelry outfit. The magical fusion of leather (sometimes alligator or snake skins), silver and loud designs makes up the essential elements of the renegade biker image. However you don't have to be a biker or live the biker lifestyle to take to biker jewelry. The biker is simply a cultural icon which celebrates the ability to ride freely, to feel the wind blowing hard against your skin, to express your own quirky style without a damn about conformity and to live on your own time. Wearing biker jewelry is about making a powerful statement of freedom and independence.
The gothic silver jewelry of today has evolved from simple classic wallet chains and simple skull rings into highly detailed, custom, handcrafted, stunning pieces of donnable art made in pure sterling silver and other precious metals. In the world of biker jewelry, boldness, designs and motifs matter. The most commonly seen designs include an astoundingly extensive arsenal of animal jewelry, skull jewelry, cross jewelry, fleur de lis jewelry, hearts jewelry and fire jewelry. Experts on biker jewelry treasure good silver designs just like tattoo lovers value great ink designs. Patina on silver creates a unique and beautiful polished black contrasted against a background of glistening silver; an effect no other metal can mimic.
Los Angeles and Tokyo are the biker jewelry capitals of the world. Known as "silver freaks" in Japan, the first Japanese to admire biker jewelry were young tourists visiting Los Angeles in the 1990's who instantly took to the magic of the pioneer Gaboratory's very first gothic silver designs.
First Generation Biker Jewelry and Leather Designers from Los Angeles:
GN - Gabor Nagy started "Gabor" or "Gaboratory" TW - Travis Walker (Gabor's student and employee) started Double Cross Jewelry BWL - Bill Wall (Gabor's partner) started Bill Wall Leather or BWL DP - Dennis Pollicino founded Leathers and Treasures RS - Richard Stark started Chrome Hearts or CH RM - Ryk Maverick started Starlingear VAL - Jerry Van Amburg founded Van Amburg Leathers
Popular Los Angeles Areas for Biker Jewelry: Santa Monica; Venice; Malibu; Melrose Popular Countries for Biker Jewelry: USA; UK; Germany; Hong Kong; Japan; Taiwan
Biker jewelry was the first of its kind in that it catered almost exclusively to men, utilizing bold motifs and daring designs to symbolize power, freedom & rebellion. Once thought to belong exclusively to the realm of bikers, outlaw bikers and rockers, gothic silver jewelry has today entered the realm of mainstream fashion suitable for both men and women alike. Biker jewelry designers and sterling silver aficionados deserve much credit for the rising popularity of men's jewelry, rock 'n' roll accessories, and skull motifs in fashion.
Gone are the times when ties and watches were the only accessories men could look forward to wearing. Today, jewelry has become an important staple to any respectable man's wardrobe, with sterling silver as the prime choice of metal. The attractive fusion of leather, sterling silver and daring motifs make up the primary elements of the biker image, and increasingly, men and women alike are being drawn to biker-inspired fashion as a theme for casual wear. Designers are finally answering to the call of the masses by designing novel lines for both sexes that include biker-style leather jackets, clothing, baseball caps, shirts and, of course sterling silver jewelry.
In recent years, prices of biker jewelry have risen so painfully that fans are increasingly unable to afford it. In response to this development, attractive alternatives to mainstream labels are being offered by freelance jewelers, who use the same sterling silver to create almost identical or similarly styled (inspired) designs as the originals.
Everything you ever wanted to know about biker jewelry and real silver alternatives to designer labels is available at skull rings page will be very useful and informative.
