Handmade Jewelry
Did you know that the stamped design on any piece of sterling silver jewelry is always applied just before the setting of the stone. The process is done by tapping the metal with a hardened steel punch in which a specific design or symbol has been cut. There are many different stamp designs are available commercially and are quite affordable. Some craftsman and silversmiths prefer to make their own punches with their own original designs but the process is surely an art in itself. These punches are considered as most valuable possessions by the Native American jewelry maker. Some of the first silver punches were copies of the leather punches used by the blacksmiths working on their horse saddles. Many of these same traditional designs are still used today.
Contrary to the belief that many of these stamp designs are Indian symbols, most of them have no significance at all, but instead are just designs that are considered decorative by the individual maker of their own Native American sterling silver jewelry pieces. The stamping technique is not one that is learned overnight. Many hours of experience is required before this art form is perfected. If the stamp is tapped too lightly, the design will not show and if it is tapped to hard the stamp can actually go through the metal and thus ruin a potential beautiful piece of handcrafted sterling silver jewelry. If the stamp is not held straight the result could be that the impression is uneven or only a part of the design may be transferred. If a mistake in the stamping technique is made, it is not easy to cover up or correct. Often times the piece will be scrapped or used for another project. Good quality handmade silver jewelry will consistently have bold and defined stamped designs applied to it, so be on the lookout as you do your browsing.
Article submitted by Randall Wilson, owner of Artisan Handmade Jewelry
|
|
Pussy Willow Napkin Rings, Cast in Bronze with Fresh Water Pearls Set of 4 $72.95 Set of 4 pussy willow napkin rings cast in bronze with fresh water pearls. Artist Michael Michaud achieves such astounding organic quality in his work because he starts with nature itself. Michael casts objects of beauty, and then sets the cast in bronze for a beautiful patina. Michael’s napkin rings are the perfect accent for a table set with anything from your wedding china to casual dinnerware…. |
|
|
Handcrafted Natural African Sandalwood Tray – Fair Trade $36.00 This handcrafted wood tray is created by talented Mozambican wood carvers. When they look at a gnarled piece of wood, they don’t cut away the rough to get a workable piece of wood, instead they let the contours of the wood dictate the piece of art. This exquisite free-form African sandalwood tray exemplifies this efficient carving method. Since each tray is created from a different piece of wood, … |
|
|
Asymmetrical Sake Bottle Necklace I want my work to inspire people to see the things we take for granted differently, to be catalysts for conversations with strangers about how their jewelry is actually made from recycled bottles,” says English Ph.D.-turned-jeweler Kathleen Plate, who helps recycled glass come full circle in this chic, Asymmetrical Sake Bottle Necklace. Handmade from remnants of sake and Coca-Cola bottles, modern … |
|
|
Tiffany – Style Table Lamp Art Classic Handmade Decor Amberlamp Perfect for home and office decor that needs just the right accent of classic . This lamp was cerffuly created by European artist .Traditionally Tiffany style decorated with natural Baltic Amber . Art sophisticated table jewelery design… |
|
|
Snail Table Lamp Art Classic Handmade Decor Amberlamp Perfect for home and office decor that needs just the right accent of classic . This lamp was cerffuly created by European artist .Traditionally Tiffany style decorated with natural Baltic Amber . Art sophisticated table jewelery design… |
|
|
Tiffany – Style Table Lamp Art Classic Handmade Decor Amberlamp Perfect for home and office decor that needs just the right accent of classic . This lamp was cerffuly created by European artist .Traditionally handmade and decorated with natural Baltic Amber . Art sophisticated table jewelery design… |
|
|
Denim bracelet $19.00 Bold straight-woven strips of denim, thickly fringed on outer sides, make this bracelet both soft and daring. Designed and hand-made by rural Costa Rican women, using raw materials found in their recycling center (pull-tabs and fabric remnants), it is a perfect match with the Wide denim belt, part of the RecycArt “Wild-west” collection of eco-friendly accessories…. |
|
|
Handmade FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS ~ Set of 6 ~ From PERU! $2.49 HAND MADE FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS FROM PERU!… |
|
|
Bead Bazaar Bead Symphony Bead Kit- Ballad of the Sky $17.64 Create immediately with this bead kit containing everything needed to get started: wood, pearl, glass, crystal, and shell beads, string, findings, and an instructional idea booklet. Comes in a bamboo wood stroage box with a clear acrylic top. Box measures 7 x 7 x1 inches. Makes 4 or more accessories. Recommended for children 8 years and older…. |
|
|
Metallic Bead Necklace Assortment (144 pcs) $18.97 This mega bead necklace assortment gives you dozens of beaded necklaces to wear in a variety of metallic colors. Beaded necklaces are plastic and 33″ long. Great for carnival prizes, party favors and Mardi Gras. 144 necklaces. WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years…. |
This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 2nd, 2010 at 4:46 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
