Known for its unique and handcrafted nature, artisan jewelry is a beautiful and individual option for an occasion. The artisans creating the jewelry often use a wide variety of materials to create their pieces. Artisan jewelry is unique for several reasons, setting it apart from the mass-produced or commercially manufactured jewelry.
The materials each artisan uses should be unique to the individual, and speak to their story. The customer can have a large influence on the customization and design process, allowing the piece to tell and story inspired by personal experience or cultural heritage – adding depth and significance to the jewelry. A lot of that can be portrayed through unconventional materials, such as unique gemstones, reclaimed metals, and even wood, leather and more.
Alternative Gemstones
Gemstones add beauty and value to artisan jewelry, and they come in a wide array of colors, shapes, and sizes. Even though gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and amethysts are popular in all kinds of jewelry, they can also come in varying colors. Items like rubies, emeralds, opals, turquoise, and countless other stones can be used to make the piece more unique and individual. For example, using natural or cultured pearls, which are derived from oysters and other mollusks, are often used to create classic and elegant pieces of jewelry.
Semi-precious stones are another option to highlight the individuality of your piece. These stones are less expensive than the stones listed above, but still offer a diverse array of colors and textures. Examples of these stones include garnet, quartz, citrine, and agate. These semi-precious stones can deliver a distinctive look that might fit what you’re looking for in a customized piece of jewelry. Along the lines of adding color, glass beads or blown glass elements can also be integrated into the design to add vibrant colors and artistic patterns.
Get Creative With Metals
Traditional metals like gold, silver, and platinum are frequently used in artisan jewelry, but they can also be alloyed with other metals to create different colors and properties. Another way to create colorful and decorative surfaces is by using enamel. This is a technique where powdered glass is fused to the metal using high heat, resulting in those unique colors.
Some artisans will also use wire of different metals – such as copper, brass, or even sterling silver – to create detailed and intricate designs. Leather is also commonly used in bohemian or rustic-style jewelry, particularly in bracelets and necklaces. Another uncommon item that can use is wood. The artisans can incorporate various types of wood into jewelry designs, ranging from exotic hardwoods to recycled or reclaimed wood.
There are a number of ways to craft and create individual jewelry through the creative and customizable process of making artisan jewelry. These pieces can be unique to the individual, creating heirlooms that can tell your story for generations. For more information on all of the different methods used by artisan jewelers, reach out to the experts at Kate Maller today.