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How to choose a piece of handmade jewelry

When you choose a piece of handmade artisan jewelry, you are purchasing a piece of work directly from the artist hands. This gives it special meaning and value. Much thought and design knowledge has gone into creating your special jewelry piece. It can feel so special to know that you are one, of very few people in the world who own the very piece that you have.  Here are some guidelines to help you make the best selection:

 

  • Are you buying handmade jewelry for yourself or as a gift?

     Handmade artisan jewelry makes a very special gift. It shows you’ve taken the time to select a piece not found in a department store or produced on the mass market. This will be reflected in the beautiful craftsmanship that the individual artist adds to the piece. There’s often the option of having a custom design created by the artisan exclusively for your special gift giving needs.

    When you buy handmade jewelry, you’re often getting the highest level of creativity and design because the artist has complete control over each phase of the creative process. You’ll have a unique piece of handmade jewelry you can wear with pride.

     

    • Do you like a classical look or do you lean more towards a funky, eclectic style?

       If you prefer the classics, you may want to consider purchasing a single strand necklace with matching bracelet and earrings, possibly in a solid color. This kind of look never goes out of style and looks elegant on any occasion.

      If you lean towards the funky, eclectic look, consider wearing a larger, chunkier necklace or layering several smaller necklaces for a unique and bold look.  You can also choose larger rings that give a cocktail feel.  Who says the earrings have to match the necklace? You can choose necklace and earring combination that suits your own unique personality. 

       

      • What is your basic body build? Are you tall or short, petite or top heavy?

         If you have a petite build, you may find more delicate pieces are appropriate, so you aren’t overpowered by your jewelry. A petite woman can look quit dramatic in a large necklace if it’s worn with a solid colored outfit and is the focal point of her look. In a situation like this, you might want to choose a smaller more delicate pair of earrings to avoid looking overdone.

         If you’re tall or larger boned, the sky’s the limit. You will find big and dramatic pieces quite flattering and you can easily pull off the layered look.

        Although the above is a general guideline, there are no hard and fast rules. Jewelry is all about expressing yourself the way you see fit!

         

        •    What jewelry would be complimentary?

          Again, there are no hard and fast rules here at all. I believe you should wear what you feel good in!

          Jewelry is fantastic for drawing the eye to your most flattering features and pulling the eyes away from your less desirable ones. If you have a round shaped face, a round earring shape will only accent it. Why not try an interesting drop style to draw the eye downward. If you have a long, narrow face, you might want to avoid the drop style earring and go for a shorter button type.

          Do you love your hands? Accent them with a beautiful handmade bracelet! Likewise a nice manicured hand can be accented with a handful of artisan rings.

          Jewelry can change the way you look and feel. Have fun developing your own signature look, and or picking out the perfect handcrafted gift!