Smart Shopping - Handcrafted
Jewelry Craftsmanship
By Georgia Hadley
The Importance of Good Craftsmanship in Jewelry
When purchasing handcrafted jewelry, most buyers are concerned primarily
with the design. However, to ensure that you are getting good value for
your money, it is important to examine the workmanship itself. I’ve
outlined some of the most common elements of handmade jewelry and how to
identify good craftsmanship.
Wrapped Loops
Many pieces of handcrafted jewelry are made with wrapped loops. These
are used to create links of beads on wire.
When examining handmade jewelry, check to see that the loops are neat
and even, and that no pieces of the wire are jutting out from the loop.
Jump Rings
Jump rings should be closed neatly so that the ends butt together
evenly. Any gap in the jump ring opening is a sign of potential breakage
and loss of the jewelry. This is especially important when purchasing
chain maille jewelry, since it is made entirely of jump rings joined
together.
Not only the strength, but the beauty of chain maille relies on the
proper closing of jump rings. One must be especially observant in its
purchase.
Finishing
There are many techniques for finishing off bracelets and necklaces that
are strung on wire. One of the most popular is crimping. Crimp beads are
special tubes that are either flattened around the stringing wire or
closed with a special tool called crimping pliers, that actually folds
the crimp in and around the wire in a smaller tube that holds the wire
securely.
Crimps should be closed tightly enough around the wire to hold it
securely, but not so tight that it cuts into the wire, which could cause
the wire to break over time. Crimps should also be evenly closed so that
they make a neat tube shape and are not skewed or lop-sided.
Some designers choose to use two crimps on each end of their jewelry.
This is not a necessity but can provide extra durability. Others put one
regular bead between the crimp and the clasp to prevent the crimp from
cutting into the wire over time. Again, this is not necessary but does
provide extra insurance.
Slack
Beads should have enough room for the beads to curve into a circle
without being crowded, as this puts stress on the beading wire and
crimps, which could cause breakage.
However, it’s also important to make sure that when the bracelet or
necklace is formed into a circle, it does not show any gaps between the
beads or between the beads and the crimp/clasp. Well-made jewelry will
be finished with this in mind.
Marring
When working with wire and other components, pliers are used to bend and
shape the metal. If a designer does not take great care during this
process, the metal may become scratched or marred. Although this does
not necessarily compromise the strength of the jewelry, it is a mark of
inexperienced or careless craftsmanship.
Nicks
Nicks may also occur while working the metal components in a piece of
jewelry. They are more serious because small nicks in stringing or metal
wire may cause weak spots in the jewelry and result in premature
breakage.
Over-Working
Wire can become brittle in places that it has been bent back-and-forth
too many times. This creates weak points which may easily break.
Over-worked wire often appears to be cracked or looks thinner than the
rest of the wire.
Cracks
A great deal of pressure can be placed on gemstones during the
construction of jewelry depending on the techniques used. Some gemstones
are more brittle than others. Apatite, while very beautiful and costly,
is one of the most brittle semi-precious gemstones. Check to be sure
that none of the stones have been chipped or cracked while being
incorporated into the jewelry.
Keep in Mind
Handmade jewelry, when well-made of quality materials, is truly a
treasure. Following these basic guidelines will ensure that your jewelry
is not only beautiful, but durable as well.
Georgia Hadley is a jewelry designer, writer, and small business owner
who lives in rural Vermont. In addition to her own business, Adorneya
Jewelry http://www.adorneya.com
she is also a founding editor of Craft Revolution
http://www.craftrevolution.com
a website dedicated to promoting mainstream awareness of independent
designers and their products as desirable alternatives to big-box
stores. Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Georgia_Hadley
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