Do you love jewelry created lovingly by an artist? Do you visit all the jewelry booths at Arts Festivals? Do you scour the internet looking for something unique and handmade?
That makes me very happy. Especially since I AM a jewelry artist! But before I started creating my own designs I was right in the thick of it looking for treasures for my wardrobe.
“Artisan jewelry allows you to show off your fashion sense. More importantly, your selection is infused with the love used to create it. After all every piece comes from the heart.” Alene Geed
Tips to help you select wisely.
1) Does the design
SPEAK to you? Did you feel like it just jumped out and picked you? If you have had this happen then you know this experience is not as silly as it sounds. Over the years I’ve had the experience at least twice. I was attending an art festival in Arizona. A pair of earrings I spotted were dying to be worn by me. They were MINE. I still have that pair; still love them; and remember the exact festival where I purchased them.
2) Do yo
u like the clasp or the ear wires? I have always been partial to LARGE clasps that my fingers can work easily. That’s why my designs are all about ‘BIG’. IF these are earrings, then what is your preference? Ear wire, French earwire, or post? This could be a determining factor in your decision
3) What are the components? If the piece is silver, be sure it specifies STERLING Silver (which is 92.5% silver) or FINE Silver (99.9% silver, usually seen with heavier designs since it tends to be softer). If it mentions ‘silvertone’ or silver plate, this is at best a coating of silver over a base metal. And if you happen to be allergic to nickel ; a common allergy, then this will not be a good fit for you. Just so you know I work only with Sterling or fine silver findings.
4) Is the designer reputable? Have they been around for a few years? or is their first Rodeo? Just google the Jewelry company or designer’s name to see what you can discover. Of course there are terrific artisans entering the field every day. So just use this search as a guideline.
5) Don’t second 
guess your decision to buy. Refer to #1 again. If this piece SPEAKS to you.. then BUY IT now. About 20 years ago I was at an art festival with my husband. I spotted a pair of earrings that I liked and that were in my price range. I hesitated, stating that I really didn’t NEED these anyway. My husband said something that stuck with me. “If you like this, buy it now. You may never have the chance again” I use this little bit of advice all the time now. Keep in mind too, that artisan jewelry is most often ONE-OF-A-KIND or Limited Edition.
Take a risk. Leap forward and Enjoy your new piece of Jewelry!
I invite you to check out my line of artisan jewelry.
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Arizona designer Alene Geed is the creator of artisan copper, sterling and gemstone jewelry. Her designs are unique, artsy and feminine with an American Southwest Influence. Designs are available for purchase at http://www.alenesadornments.com
My favourite kind of jewellery is the unique and beautiful creations made by artists. It is always the creations that are handmade that ‘speak’ to me.
Thanks Tamuria. I love hearing this?
Great tips. I love artisan jewelry and the fact that I know the artist just makes me want to buy the pieces even more. I bought some pieces when my kids were in elementary school and I still wear them today. That was 6 years ago. =)
Great to hear Sabrina. And I bet you remember the details of when you purchased them too
I just love artisan jewelry. I tend to find a artist and buy his or her creations. Kinda like I love an author, and read all of her works!
Yes I do the same with authors. Good analogy?
Great advice – I love buying unique and interesting jewelry and fashion through artisans. Love to support the creativity and small business. 🙂
Thanks Anne. Yes it does support small business too..another plus!
Agreed. I try to buyer artisan jewelry when I travel. It reminds me of all the great places I’ve been.
That’s so true the jewelry brings back happy memories of travel and events
I loved this was really interesting on Asian Jeweler and Silver jewelry.
Thanks Lori
Love the “speaks to me” analogy! I have learned this as well, and if I don’t buy it, I will regret. Some of my favorite pieces of jewelry are artisan made; just can’t beat the quality! Love your creations!
Thank you Robin? Happy you learned that lesson. Always buy when it speaks to you
When I was designing recycled watch part jewelry, it always amazed me how people would second guess the piece they were first drawn to. This is why your #5 really popped for me. If only the person would have listened to what ‘speaks to them.” So often they would hem and haw and spend so much time checking out all the pieces, before they returned to the original piece they loved! These are great tips for choosing artisan jewelry, Alene! It is always helpful for someone to be a bit prepared before they buy and to have some guidelines to make it easier for them. Sometimes having too many choices makes it harder to pick just one, doesn’t it?
Thanks Beverley. i have used this same strategy when buying books. Many years ago I was in a book store when a book jumped right out at me ( of course this did not happen literally but it sure felt like it) of course I purchased and loved that book. Still use this method today
Thanks so much Alene for these wonderful tips on selecting jewelry that is right for you 🙂 So many things to think about!
I really like the way you described buying a piece of jewelry. I tend to avoid booths at festivals because I have gotten so overwhelmed by too many items. Your bullets are helpful. I’ll have to identify what I like the most.
Thanks Candess. It will enhance your experience and make it more fun
I love going to festivals. So many choices when it comes to jewelry. While I’ve purchased some interesting pieces, my best buy was a pair of earrings in the sales pile for $1.oo. Still wear them with my more expensive pieces and no one call tell the difference.
What a find! Thanks for sharing
Great tips. I love the one about getting a large clasp that’s easier on the hands – stuff we usually learn by experience. For example, I learned I need very thin ear wires on earrings, and the lighter, the better.
thanks Reba. I have had many ask for the thinner ear wires. and I agree about the lightweight earrings!
It’s not a style of jewellery i have ever worn, but looks so pretty and unique. I will be looking out for it now.
thanks Sonya. We all have our own style. As long as you are drawn to what you love.. and buy it when you see it, that’s all that matters
I would also just like to add that if you see something you love buy it because you will never see it again.
YES!
Normally I go for what I like and if I find it a good fit with my style.
that makes perfect sense Katarina.