subject: Wearable Art [print this page] Handmade jewelry is anything not made by a machine. Tools may be used, including electric tools, but they must be hand held tools. Imagination and craftsmanship is where the value in handmade jewelry lies.
Each piece of handmade jewelry is slightly more unique than another. Handmade jewelry can make a powerful statement and add interest and intrigue to even the most ordinary outfit.
Jewelry was used as currency. Nassarius shells are the first traces of jewelry dated 100,000 years ago. In ancient times, jewelry was made from whatever materials were readily available in the area, leading to certain cultures becoming well known for specific types of jewelry. Wood, shells, bones, and coral were used, as well as pretty much anything indigenous to the area.
Handmade jewelry can be found at local art shows, craft or county fairs, where artisans will sell existing pieces and often accept commissions for custom made pieces. You can often get handmade jewelry at a lower price than precious metal or stone jewelry. You can negotiate the price, as well. Just remember the amount of talent, skill and time that these people take into making these pieces of jewelry. You want to make sure that you value this jewelry just as much as you would value a piece of artwork.
Nowadays, people make this jewelry using different materials, such as gemstones, ceramic beads, crystals, resin, glass, brass or gold. Copper, silver or pewter. Wood and shells might also be used.
To help retain the ancient cultures' pieces of handmade jewelry, many artisans will follow these designs and create modern pieces of jewelry to represent the ancient symbolism from the past. These pieces make unusual gifts and superb mementos when travelling, and are far more useful and striking than many curios one might buy. The maker wants to try and capture the personality of the wearer in each piece they make to help suit the wearer and this is why each piece of handmade jewelry is so distinctive.
Handmade jewelry rarely contains nickel or lead, so it's safer to wear.
Beads or filigree brooches can be made into simple handmade jewelry. Each piece is created with care and creativity. You can wear these pieces for years to come, and appreciate the artistic flair.
