by Sandra Sheridan

Created on: June 15, 2009   Last Updated: June 19, 2009

Every piece of genuine handcrafted jewelry has a story that adds meaning to your favorite necklace, bracelet or other accessory. It is that story and one-of-a-kind creation that brings so much pleasure to buying from the many artistes throughout the world who have devoted their lives to crafting jewelry. And now you have so many choices with accessibility to the worldwide web! You'll discover a virtual global store from which to choose jewelry that reflects your style and commitment to authentic handicrafts. It's pretty special to get that "wow" reaction from perfect strangers, when they notice your dazzling pendant or earrings!

Take the time to look through guild and crafts sites, e-bay offerings and individual jeweler sites. Your choices go far beyond your own geographic location. If you need a particular style (or metal requirement, due to allergies), don't hesitate to contact the jeweler with questions and requests. Even though not listed as a product, you might request handcrafted earrings to match a necklace or bracelet. The following are three unique examples of jewelry artisans who offer creations from North Carolina to the countryside of France. .

North Carolina is renowned for its appreciation of handcrafted art, so it's no surprise that Stuart Nye jewelry is in Asheville. During the depression, Nye acted on belief in himself and an eye for beauty to begin creating the fashionable Sterling Silver leaves and flowers for which Stuart Nye is known today.

Through the last seventy-plus years, Stuart and his apprentice artists have refined their methods, added copper and brass creations and continue to feel that their "ignorance" is an asset that makes their jewelry "fresh" and "different", born of mountain folks with a "heritage of craftsmanship. They use simple tools to form delicate pins, earrings and necklaces of delicate dogwood leaves, Cherokee roses and elegant lilies. And their inspired designs still are affordable for the ordinary person who enjoys authentic craftsmanship.

Across "the pond", Marie Pastorelli, is a French ceramiste who combines the style of Paris with the colors of Provence. Marie is as warm and authentic as the extraordinary ceramic jewelry she creates. She is an independent artisan who lives and works in the small Provencal commune of Auriol, France, near Nimes. In the middle of her career, Marie has purchased a home where she is building a new atelier (studio) on site - a place to blend everyday life with her inspired

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