The artist creates handmade jewelry without the use of mass production machines. Handmade jewelry does not have a standard “look”. It can be as simple as bracelets and pendants assembled by hand or as complicated as intricate designs that require skilled techniques and hours or even days to complete. However, one thing they all have in common is that the jeweler creates each piece by hand using simple tools.
Why choose handmade jewelry?
Every time you buy a piece of handmade jewelry, you get a unique keepsake. Since everything is made by hand, there is almost always some variation between each individual piece of the same style. Handmade jewelry may have some minor imperfections, such as a cut line that isn’t perfectly straight, but it also has a lot more character. Both the artist whose work you buy and the design of the jewelry have their own story.
Types of Handmade Jewelry;
1. Making Mounted Jewelry:
Hand-mounted jewelry is the simplest form of handmade jewelry. It’s a great way to sell personalized, unique jewelry at a good price. Pre-made pendants, chains and jewelry are usually used to make necklaces, earrings and bracelets. You can easily learn simple assembly techniques in just a few days, making it the perfect way to get started in jewelry making.
2. Wire Wrapped Jewelry:
Handmade wire wrapped jewelry is easy to spot: A lot of wire is used! Most jewelers use wire wrapping to attach stones and beads to charms or pendants. A decorative frame with other ornaments attached by spirals of wrapped wire is the simplest form of wire jewelry. However, some wire wrapping experts may use labor-intensive wire weaving techniques to create intricate and delicate designs. Mastering the art of wire wrapping takes time and practice.
3. Crafted Jewelry:
The term “handcrafted jewelry” refers to a wide variety of jewelry designs, from conventional gemstone rings to artistic jewelry that is wildly inventive. Metalsmithing techniques and jeweler’s bench skills are used to make jewelry. A hacksaw is used by jewelers to cut out the basic shape of a piece or to cut out intricate details. Many jewelers solder the parts together. This can be as simple as joining two pieces together with solder or as complex as having a dozen connections. Learning to craft takes time and effort. Enrollment in studio classes at a college, vocational school, or community arts center is recommended.
4. Beaded Jewelry:
Depending on the beads used, handmade beaded jewelry can be one of the simplest or most complex designs. Bracelets and necklaces can be made using beads on a single strand of stringing material. Some of these beads can be personalized with letters or numbers, have fun shapes to show hobbies, or can make a big statement with smaller ones framing them. However, crafters can create larger and more complex designs with a lot of practice and a few very small beads.
5. Engraved or stamped jewelry:
One of the most popular varieties of handmade jewelry available today is engraved or stamped jewelry. Hand stamping makes it easier for the manufacturer to create customized, personalized jewelry for customers. It’s a simple craft to start with simple tools and techniques. A heavy hammer is used to hammer the impression from the metal stamp onto the metal blank to create patterns. Hobbyists and professionals alike can easily acquire most of these tools.
6. Enamel Jewelry:
Homemade jewelry is a great way to add a pop of color to metal jewelry. Enameling is essentially the process of attaching glass powder to the surface of metals to create a long-lasting bond. Handmade jewelry can have enamel added in a variety of ways. At present, the most widespread method of firing is torches. Since you can use your soldering iron to heat the enamel on your metal, this is considered an easier and cheaper method of enameling.
How can I start making jewelry by hand?
Is it time for you to start making your own jewelry? There are many ways to learn, whether you want to start a side business, advance your career, or just pursue it as a hobby. Try watching YouTube for advice on what to start with and how to do some basic techniques. It’s great to start making handmade jewelry at home, but you’ll really want to attend a class or workshop. The best way to learn is to take a personal training session where you can ask questions and get feedback from a highly qualified jewelry teacher.
