When you walk into many department stores or specialty stores, you see jewelry that is cheaply made and mass produced. Each one is a carbon copy of the other because it was made by a soulless machine that creates the exact same thing on an endless loop.
Handmade jewelry is the exact opposite. Each one is made by an artisan and each piece is unique. If you’re ever wondered how is handmade jewelry created or interested in creating your own unique jewelry, then this resource can help.
Whether you’re using plastic beads or precious metals, handmade jewelry holds a special place in many people’s hearts.
How is Handmade Jewelry Created?
There are many types of handmade jewelry from simple beaded necklaces to intricate designed pieces using machinery that takes years to master.
It all begins with a spark of creativity. Perhaps they’ve dabbled in it as a hobby and decide to step up their game or are tired of the extravagant prices at department stores and want to make it themselves. People admire a friend’s jewelry and discover they made it themselves or the see jewelry on shops like Etsy and determine they want to try it out.
The genesis of handmade jewelry making is mix of creativity and curiosity. Once you’ve got that, everything else is process.
Choosing a Medium
There are many types of jewelry from rings and bracelets to necklaces and earrings. Artisans must first decide the medium to create. Do they want to specialize in a single avenue or branch out into several? Many times they start out in a single type and then expand as they grow in experience and talent.
What’s The Budget?
After deciding on what kind of jewelry to make, designers have to determine their budget to discern the materials they can work with. Some handmade jewelry use expensive metals and gems, but others can use inexpensive materials such as plastic beads and metal wiring.
A lot of it depends on what the jewelry is used for. If the jewelry is for personal use, then the budget tends to be lower. People who plan on selling the jewelry may use more expensive materials and sell them at a higher price.
You also have to take into account your current expertise and machinery costs. If you’ve never created a ring before, then you probably don’t want to start with gold and precious gems. Save that for when you have more experience.
The Method
You’ve decided on what you want to create and the tools and materials to create it. The next step is actually how handmade jewelry is made.
Beading is a popular jewelry method because of its expense and the finished product. It’s also a great hobby to do with children. There are many types of beads to choose from including magnetic hematite, glass beads, pewter and more.
You’ll want to have several types of beads available as well as the type of connection whether it is a metal chain, wiring or even nylon string. Your imagination is the limit on what you can create.
When you use other types of materials you may need metal shaping tools, files and other tools to get the finished product you want. You can spend hours creating a magnificent ring, but it won’t look its best without a buff and shine.
Metal working is another popular jewelry making medium, but it also requires numerous tools to create a finished product.
What to do with the Jewelry?
Once you’ve made the jewelry, what are you going to do with it? You’ve got several options. You can wear it yourself and give yourself a one-of-a-kind piece. Many people try to sell their wares. It could be an online store like Etsy or through local craft and vendor shoes.
It might start out small with people asking about the jewelry and commissioning you to make some for them.
Handmade Jewelry Is Unique and Beautiful
There’s something special about handmade jewelry and we hope this helped you understand how is handmade jewelry created.
If you’re interested in learning more about beading or beading supplies, please explore our site.