| Walk down any street in an American city -- I live | | | | what they were doing. The artist hoped this |
| in New York, but it doesn't matter where you are | | | | creation would find a home with someone who |
| -- and almost everyone is wearing some sort of | | | | would know, feel and truly appreciate the unique |
| jewelry. Lately even men are getting into the | | | | nature of their jewelry. |
| trend -- wearing paired hoop earrings -- one on | | | | Handcrafted jewelry can be made of almost any |
| each ear. | | | | material. Designs can vary with every piece. It is |
| Most people are wearing the standard fashions | | | | truly an art form. Most jewelry artisans design |
| you see in department and chain jewelry stores. | | | | unique rings, pendants, earrings or other jewelry |
| Current fashion jewelry takes good advantage of | | | | items. Many will make a series of related designs |
| colored stones and modern jewelry making | | | | that compliment each other. The creative process |
| techniques, and so there is a vast array of truly | | | | is different for everyone. The limited manufacture |
| beautiful commercially made jewelry available. For | | | | of handmade jewelry is what drives the artist to |
| most people, that's fine. There are some of us | | | | constantly create new designs. |
| that want something different ... something with | | | | Art has many mediums. Contemporary art |
| feeling ... something handmade. | | | | jewelry is made with an endless array of beads |
| Handcrafted items take a person with skill and | | | | from all over the world. It can be made from |
| talent time to make using hand tools. | | | | rubber, many types of metal, plastic, glass and |
| Handmade jewelry isn't confined to the boundaries | | | | even paper. Art jewelry is available to fit every |
| factory made jewelry must have simply because | | | | individual and every budget. |
| it is mass produced. In order to make thousands | | | | People are starting to notice. They ask - "Wow -- |
| of pieces that look exactly the same they have | | | | where did you find that pin?" or "That is SO |
| to be made in exactly the same manner. | | | | different -- I LOVE it!" More are shopping in small |
| Machines can do that easily and cheaply. Each | | | | stores, craft fairs and online from small artisans. |
| piece of handcrafted jewelry can be different, like | | | | Handmade jewelry is becoming more popular |
| the artist. | | | | every day. |
| We all know the difference between a home | | | | Consider handcrafted jewelry the next time |
| cooked meal and fast food. Handmade sweaters | | | | you're shopping for someone special. The lucky |
| are a more personal gift than machine made | | | | recipient will know you cared for them and spent |
| sweaters. Handcrafted jewelry is special in the | | | | the time to find a truly unique and personal gift. |
| same way. The person who made it cared about | | | | |