Handmade or artisan jewelry is considered more authentic, genuine, and meaningful than those produced in a factory. One characteristic that distinguishes handcrafted jewelry, apart from the use of quality metals like the time-held gold, silver, and platinum, or the emerging titanium and steel, is the artisan's aesthetic touch. While the poster print may resemble the original, it is merely a copy. The original piece is more authentic since it contains the artist's personal touch. Here's what you should know and look for in unique artisan jewelry.

What is Artisan Jewelry?

Handcrafted artisan jewelry is made by an artist instead of mass-production equipment. The resulting jewelry does not have a uniform appearance, but it does have a distinct sense of individuality. Artisan jewelry can be as simple as a small hoop earring to multi-metal, multi-stone bracelets. The completion of these jewelry items could take anywhere from a few hours to several days. One thing that all artisan jewelry items have in common is that they are all made using simple tools and hands, and no two artisan pieces are the same.

What Are the Different Types of Artisan Jewelry?

There are severaltypes of artisan jewelry. Some of them include:

Hand-Assembled Jewelry

Hand-assembled jewelry is the most basic type of handcrafted artisan jewelry. This specific piece of jewelry is a fantastic accessory that provides a one-of-a-kind and personalized experience at an affordable price. Some examples of these pieces include bracelets, rings, earrings, and necklaces made from chains, charms, and other jewelry elements.

Wire-Wrapped Jewelry

Jewelry made using the wire-wrapped technique is pretty easy to spot. Most artisans employ this wire wrapping technique to produce charms or pendants using stones or beads. The most basic form of wire-wrapped jewelry serves as an ornamental frame decorated with embellishments that give the jewelry a sense of vibrancy. With time, many artists develop elaborate techniques for weaving the wires to produce stunning patterns.

Enameled Jewelry

Enameled jewelry is a fantastic way to add a splash of color to metallic jewelry. Enameling, in its most basic form, is the technique of fusing glass powder to metal surfaces to form a relatively permanent bond.

Beaded Jewelry

Depending on how and which beads are used, handcrafted beaded jewelry can be a simple or intricate art. For necklaces or bracelets, artisan jewelry makers can string many beads on a single strand of stringing material. For customization, some bead versions include numbers and letters. Artisans also employ larger statement beads packed with smaller ones to achieve a unique design.

What Makes Artisan Jewelry So Unique?

Some of the aspects that make artisan jewelry stand out include:

High-Quality Materials

Almost all of the materials used in a handmade piece are of exceptional quality, such as gold-filled materials rather than gold-plated. Gold-plated jewelry features a thin gold coating on metal such as brass which chips and tarnishes quickly. However, gold-filled jewelry has a thicker gold layer and is much more durable.

There’s likely no way to know which alloys are used in mass production plants, let alone state a preference. Some metals can cause reactions in some individuals, and many cheaper metals turn colors and tarnish over a surprisingly short period of time. On the other hand, most artisans who design and create their own pieces use higher-quality materials that not only look amazing but will last.

As previously said, no two pieces of handmade jewelry are alike. This is because the artisan must not only find the appropriate material but also ensure that it is of the greatest possible quality. As a result, you can rest assured that your jewelry, such as earrings, will perform admirably and endure even longer.

Artisan-crafted jewelry is meant to last a lifetime and does not trigger allergic responses due to concealed hard metal or other materials that a manufacturer might employ to save production costs.

Because artisans work with smaller orders, they are able to produce high-quality work. This is in contrast to corporations who produce for the masses and, as a result, make jewelry meant to be worn a few times and then discarded like fast fashion.

While it is understandable to want a wide range of jewelry to pick from, you must be certain that the piece you purchase will last. Because most mass jewelry is poorly constructed, it has a short lifespan. The item could break during a networking event, on your first date, or even when a friend tries to examine it. Such situations can be embarrassing, especially if they 'looked' expensive. Handmade jewelry, on the other hand, is made of high-quality materials and, with careful care, can last for years.

From silver to gold, platinum, turquoise, and more, you can always grace the ballroom or that special event with flair.

Each Piece Comes With a Fascinating Backstory

Each item of custom-made jewelry (such as necklaces, rings, pendants, and the like) can have a story behind the artisan's material and design choices. These pieces help preserve historical records, some of which are emotional and worth remembering. This elevates the object to a work of art rather than just an ornament.

No Mass-Production Machinery Involved

Artisan jewelry is typically created only by the artisan's "hands." They painstakingly solder, saw, cut, and form pieces without using manufacturing technology. A machine can produce hundreds of units each hour, whereas a person can only produce a limited number. While some never consider this when purchasing jewelry, the attention to detail and higher-quality materials mean handmade jewelry is much less likely to have defects and imperfections than mass-produced jewelry.

How to Find the Best Artisan Jewelry

Finding the best artisan jewelry is essential. You can ensure excellent quality by:

Looking For Reputable Artisan Jewelry Designers

The first thing to look for in a jewelry designer is their reputation. Are they trustworthy and dependable? Are there positive reviews from previous customers?

Look for positive feedback about the jewelry's quality and uniqueness. You should also inquire about how long they have been in business. Jewelry designers that have been in the industry for a long time are likely to be more knowledgeable about their craft. They've also had plenty of time to establish (hopefully) a good reputation.

Confirming the Materials

Make sure the materials used are of top quality and that you're getting value for your money. Look for a website or product page that lists the materials used to create their items.

Looking at the Details

Truly artisan jewelry will rarely, if ever, match another piece exactly. If the item has texture, this is an easy way to discern if it was produced by hand. It's possible that they're mass-produced if they appear perfect and flawless.

Looking for the Maker's Mark or Engravings

If the item is made of silver, gold, or platinum, there will be an engraving of characters or symbols, as well as the precious metal purity symbol. A rectangle lacking its corners signifies gold, an oval stamp denotes silver, and a house-shaped stamp suggests platinum.

Artisan jewelry may also include their initials, the maker's mark, and the year the metal was tested. These markings can usually be found on the inside of a ring band. For necklaces, you can find them on the tag near the clasp.

Looking for Customization Freedom

Is it possible to personalize the products on the site? If you're seeking unique handmade jewelry to give as a gift to family or friends, this is a good alternative. The more individualized a handmade gift is, the more special it will feel to your loved ones.

Conclusion

Artisan jewelry is not only one of a kind, but by purchasing from a jewelry designer and artisan, you are supporting a local business that truly cares about every piece they create. You can have a unique handmade item crafted of high-quality materials to last for a lifetime. Because of its distinctiveness and artistic touch, custom artisan jewelry is worth every penny. Dare to be different!

For 10 years, the Liz James studio, nestled in the hills of Westlake, has been designing and producing jewelry to be worn every day, everywhere you go. We invite you to visit our studio as we enjoy getting to know the women who wear our designs and drawing inspiration from them. Whether you are prancing the baseball fields in your tees or gracing the ballroom, we want you to enjoy the simple, easy grace of our handcrafted items that flow with the rhythm of everyday life.Visit our page today to sample some of our unique artisan jewelry.

What to Look for In Unique Artisan Jewelry