handmade jewelry
Handmade jewelry is that which is crafted by hand, just as jewelry has been since it was very first created by humans. Unlike modern machine-made jewelry, no two pieces of handmade jewelry - even of the same design - will be identical.
Many artists who handmake jewelry use no pre-made or fabricated parts at all, even creating their own findings, such as ear hoops and hooks, brooch pins, clasps and more. But, the term handmade includes all jewelry where assembly is done by hand, regardless of whether the designer uses pre-fabricated parts. What makes handmade jewelry special is not only that so much care is put into the creation of each piece but also that each design will be original and unique.
Much handmade jewelry is created using age-old metalsmithing techniques such as forging, raising, chasing, soldering and more to create complex forms in various types of precious and other metals. Metals may also be etched, engraved or coloured using a wide variety of techniques.
However, a great deal of handmade jewelry is created without utilising even these techniques. Instead many jewelry makers create pieces entirely by hand with the assistance of basic hand tools, for instance wrapping gemstones and beads in wire or creating simple strands of beads for necklaces or bracelets.
Handmade jewelry makers utilize many types of metals and gemstones in their work, from gold to bronze, diamonds to cubic zirconia. Many contemporary jewelry artists make use of even more diverse materials such as paper, textiles, plastics and much more.
Jewelry made by the world's most renowned independent goldsmiths, desginers and gem carvers now competes with major brands as a way to distinguish oneself. While even the most simple handmade jewelry is competing with cheap mass-produced jewelry because of its uniqueness and often the originality of the designers.
There are several big awards that particularly recognise jewelry designers who create and design their own jewelry. Awards that particularly recognise such designers are the "American Gem Trade Association"; the "BundesVerband der Edelstein und Diamantindustrie" in Gem Center Idar Oberstein, and even the "De Beers Awards" are handed sometimes exclusive handmade jewelry designs.
See Also:
External links
- Metalcyberspace A directory of many handmade jewelry designers and their websites.
- Gem and Diamond Foundation Showcases award winning handmade jewelry designers and museum collections.
- Perlina Handmade Jewellery Handmade glass bead and sterling silver jewellery crafted by Gemma Wild. Perfect for that special occasion, every day wear or as a unique gift for a loved one.
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