The Timeless Handmade Jewelry Article

Jewelry has always been essential to people who love to accessorize. One special piece can make such a difference in the presentation of the same outfit. There are so many different variations and handmade jewelry stands out because of its uniqueness. Beaded, carved, filigreed, engraved, sequined, knitted, and painted, various techniques for handicraft arts have been continually developed in all cultures throughout time, which certainly expand the variety of handmade jewelry.

Handmade jewelry makers utilize many types of metals and gemstones in their work, such as brass, copper, silver, gold; crystal, quartz, turquoise, coral, and amethyst. Many contemporary jewelry artists make use of even more diverse materials such as glass beads, fabric, acrylic as well as organic /natural material such as wood, leather, shell, hemp, raffia grass, animal horns, bones, and even teeth. In fact, jewelry made of these materials gains more and more popularity.

Compare to mass-produced jewelry, handmade jewelry involves much more with culture, humanity, and history. Most handmade jewelry has a certain ethnic flair. Or I should say, most culture has their own unique handmade tribal jewelry. Miao, for instance, an ethnic group in South West China, is well-known for their amazing women’s 20+ kg silver costume jewelry set as well as their extraordinary craftsmanship on silver jewelry making. Although Miao silver (a combination of nickel and copper) is utilized as a more affordable alternative nowadays, the popularity of Miao handmade hair sticks and accessories is still increasing because of their varied and creative designs. Tibetan handmade jewelry, on the other hand, featured bold styles and dramatic colors. The styles are versatile enough for you to find “go anywhere” pieces to wear with anything from jeans to an evening dress. Thanks to the convenience of the internet, I have collected native American cuffs, African leather necklaces, Tibetan style beaded turquoise and coral bracelets, Miao hair jewelry sets, Indian Kundan necklace and earrings, and oriental carved lacquer and Cloisonné hair sticks, with some simple clicks of the mouse. My biggest surprise was a piece of one-of-an-kind refractory porcelain hair stick. The exquisitely handmade flowers look so real and almost too pretty to wear.

Finding a gift for loved ones or special events such as a bridal shower is never easy. If you want to make an unforgettable present, you might want to consider handmade jewelry. My friend Maggie, a pretty and smart girl, bought dozens of Tibetan silver cuffs studded with gemstones for her bridal shower. “How many times will a woman want to wear identical stuff as somebody else’s?” She said. How true! Her gift turned out to be a “bomb” on that day!

Price is always the concern. The price for handmade jewelry varies in a large range depending on the material, craftsmanship, and sometimes brands. The most important thing to remember when shopping for handmade jewelry is that you are looking for uniqueness. It does not have to be expensive or made of precious material. It is the style that catches you and others' eyes. Also, while the internet made it easy for us to shop at home, it also provides means for us to compare styles and prices, as well as search for the best deals such as free shipping, on-sale, and coupons.

Whether you are looking for something to accent a dress for a special occasion or unusual gifts for the loved one, try handmade jewelry and make the memory timeless.