Initially, handmade
products were considered the most premium items in the industry, but with today's
culture of mass production, finding high-quality craftsmanship can be a
challenge. The art of crafting jewelry has been sitting in the center of tradition
and culture of various countries worldwide. Handcrafted jewelry has been deemed the best type of jewelry you
can ever find in the market. They usually are more costly compared to commercially
produced jewelry. Nonetheless, you want to make sure that you buy
the highest quality of artisan jewelry. This guide will help you analyze
some of the elements of ethnic jewelry to guarantee its excellence.
The Level of Craftsmanship
Handcrafted jewelry is a handmade item
by highly skilled artisans. You need to examine the level of craftsmanship,
from the profound details to the aesthetic value of the jewelry. You also need
to consider the complex method used in casting the base metal, the cut of the
jewelry, and how they arranged the necklace's beading. The quality of the
craftsmanship encompasses the intricate process used in crafting the jewelry.
The Cultural Heritage
Those buying handcrafted jewelry are aware that they
support fair trade and sustainable
industry. However, you may not be aware that you are also keeping the rich
tradition and culture of a community. Various societies in our world have
created a technique in creating ethnic jewelry and localizing it. The art
behind the handmade jewelry will preserve the culture and tradition where they
originated from.
The Excellence
When you acquire
your handcrafted jewelry from an extremely skilled artisan, you can guarantee
that you are getting the highest quality piece. Handmade jewelry requires keen
attention to detail, and they make sure that the materials they use are of the highest
quality; commercially made jewelry often has flaws. Most of these mass-produced
jewelry pieces used inferior materials such as inexpensive metals and plastics.
On the other hand, artisan jewelry only utilized durable and premium materials.
They are commonly made up of gold or 925
sterling silver. Ethnic jewelry can
also be made from organic materials such as ivory, seashells, woods, etc.
Going Eco-Friendly
Finally, buying handcrafted jewelry is a perfect
opportunity to support an eco-friendly industry. It removes the pollutions that
are created through mass production. In addition, organic materials also have a
negligible impact on our environment compared to plastic manufacturing. Other
handmade jewelry pieces are made from reusable items such as gemstone, leather,
and metals. In today's increasing concern for our environmental health, going
green by supporting the industry of handcrafted items would be a great option.
Ethnic Jewelry Buying Guide
Ethnic jewelry is
intended to be colorful, unique, and eye-catching. Traditionally, this piece of
handcrafted jewelry is not used for
decorative purposes. Individuals have been wearing them for protection,
strength, fertility and can sometimes be a symbol of the identity of the
particular tribe. It may also be used to display the social and economic status
of the bearer. Single women also wear
ethnic jewelry on the tribe to capture the single men's attention. The
husband also gives other types of jewelry to their wife to show everyone in the
tribe that they already have a husband.
Fair Trade and Sustainable Economy
Some jewelry
workers are creating handcrafted jewelry
to eliminate the alarming poverty within the community. These artisans are
working hand-in-hand with fairtrade international with hopes that they will
improve the standard of living by complying with the association's guidelines.
They partner with the consumers and producers, and they regulate the sales to
provide the producer with a better deal.
How to Choose the Perfect Ethnic Jewelry
The process of
choosing the perfect ethnic jewelry
is contingent upon your reason for buying. Some individuals are buying handcrafted jewelry for decorative and
aesthetic purposes, but some are fascinated by the rich history and the
significance of the organic tagua. If
you are buying it due to its cultural and historical significance, we advise
you to conduct a quick research or personally ask the seller of the jewelry.
The Materials of the Jewelry
The more expensive
ethnic jewelry is created chiefly
from authentic ivory; however, faux ivory is pretty popular nowadays. The use
of organic materials in this handcrafted
jewelry is indeed gaining attention where artisans are using woods,
bottles, beads, melted glass, and others to create beads. For those looking for
authentic ethnic jewelries, the materials utilized should be locally available.
There are also pieces of jewelry that have mixed traded items, but generally,
the materials should be local. For instance, African jewelry should be composed
of fossils, stones, precious metals, and ceramics.
The Design
The design of
authentic ethnic jewelry should be
heavily influenced by the tradition and culture of the tribe. For instance, if
you are looking for a 925 sterling silver in Thailand, you need to examine and
check if the rich tradition of Thailand inspires the principal elements in handcrafted
jewelry. However, if you are looking for a more contemporary style, the design
should blend the old and modern traditions.
Finally, for those
looking for ethnic jewelry, you
may want to consider handcrafted jewelry
that you can wear on different occasions. You need to account for the
versatility of the jewelry, which means that it should be available in varying shapes,
colors, and sizes.
Essential Tips When Buying Handcrafted Jewelry Online
Authentic handcrafted jewelry is unique, memorable,
and beautiful. Regardless of whether you are looking for that unique jewelry
that you will add to your collection or a gift for that woman in your life,
there are myriads of options that offer handmade bracelets, necklaces,
barrettes, rings, pendants, and earrings. To have a convenient and excellent
online shopping experience, we recommend following these essential tips.
Finding a Reputable Source
Never mistake the handcrafted jewelry from the jewelry
that is commercially manufactured. Most online eCommerce sites will only offer mass-produced
jewelry. Professional artisans create handmade jewelry with unparalleled
passion and pride in their work. When finding a reputable online site, make
sure that you will only look for an online store that has been in the industry
of artisan jewelry for more than ten years and has been managing a functioning
online store for at least 4-6 years.
Inquire on the Customization
When you buy handcrafted jewelry, it is a perfect
opportunity to showcase your personality. Remember that your artisan jewelry
can be adjusted and modified in several ways based on your preference, and you
should definitely take advantage of this feature. The necklace length, base
metals, the names engraved, the shape, and the design are just some of the
elements that can be modified. It is the chance for you to get the kind of
jewelry you've always wanted.
Take a Very Accurate Measurement
Ethnic jewelry is an excellent piece of art but remember; handcrafted jewelry can no longer be
returned, unlike commercially produced jewelry. Therefore, it is imperative to
have an accurate measurement to ensure that it will be a perfect fit. It only
takes a short moment to create a precise measurement that guarantees you that
you will be enjoying your piece of jewelry more. If you are looking for a ring,
ask someone to take your ring's measurement using a piece of string and wrap it
on the largest area of your knuckle. Take the string, hold it against a ruler
or a tape measure, and compare the measurement you derive on the sizing chart
online. Remember that it is always better to go for something larger,
especially if your size is in-between.
Finally, you also
need to understand your gemstone by conducting research. The information should
not be limited to the gemstone's value; make sure that you also understand the
proper maintenance and whether the shade of the gemstone can be enhanced. Those
buying handcrafted jewelry are not
necessarily buying a piece of item that they can treasure but also precious
jewelry that they can pass over to the next generation.
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