6 of 6

Write now Article Tools

For uniqueness and individuality, designer/artisan/artist handcrafted jewelery provides you with something far different from the mass-produced jewelery genre. I hope this guide assists you in making an informed decision in regards to the safety of your piece, component information and other relevant points. This guide specifically addresses buying jewelry online (eg. Ebay) but it is just as relevant for when you are at a local markets and looking to buy something special, or planning to commission a piece from a designer.

You can pick up boutique, classy and fashionable designer pieces at a fraction of the cost that reek quality and style.... and will last the years if you know what to look out for!

Unfortunately, to look in the designer jewelery section, lots of items here ARE mass produced, vintage and / or imported. This guide deals specifically with jewelery that has been handcrafted by artisans and craftspeople who view their work as enduring, wearable art. It may make a statement, or celebrate beauty and individuality.

I first started on Ebay buying and making jewelery. This guide draws on several years experience and I hope it makes your shopping experience online more educated and hence, more enjoyable.

To start, to refine the mass-produced items from the unique pieces, jewelery handmade is a good search term. You can alternate this, with less results, but you might just find that special something, with jewelery handcrafted designer Another option is to include the materials you want in the search, such as jewelery handcrafted pearls or jewelery handcrafted hematite If you like beading, or chain, add these words in your search string. These searches will refine your options, if you are after something specific.

Other things to consider are:

Components:
Gold-plated and silver-plated will wear off, and may trigger allergies for those with sensitive skin. For more durable components, sterling silver and gold-fill is preferable. Or be out-of-the-box, and go for titanium or niobium! You get what you pay for here!

Jewelery may also be made from a variety of other mediums - silk thread (as in pearl knotting), waxed linen. These items need to be treated gently and if pulled on (for example, a toddler in arms wanting to chew) will break.

Tigertail (or any other kind of beading wire.) Some of these wires, especially tigertail, have a tendency to, if they get bent, retain that kink. This isn't obvious if the weight of the item is such it pulls it down or straight. The

• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Tips for buying artisan or handcrafted jewelry ?
We want to hear your view. Write now!