Jewelry Articles
Which Styles of Jewelry are Most Complimentary to Me?
Using jewelry to best accent your own unique features involves more than just picking out pieces that appeal to you. Just as you choose clothing and cosmetics that accent or mask certain facial or body features, proper choice of jewelry can help you look your best.
A Blue Love Affair With Something Blue Anklets
For much of history, the color blue has been a symbol of love, loyalty, and trust. There is a lovely rhyme that has been popular through the ages: "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue and a silver sixpence in your shoe." Believe it or not, this charming rhyme dates back to Queen Victoria's time.
Queen Victoria was born in 1819. She ruled from 1837 to 1901. Her marriage to Albert was celebrated in 1840. It was a timeless romance. One for the ages.
Jewelry History Timeline: Part One, Antiquity
It's genuinely fascinating to see the way jewelry evolves over time. The differences between what's made today and what was made 100 years ago tell an infinite variety of stories, not to mention the centuries of jewelry history that came before. From antiquity to the present day, the rise and fall of different fashions, technology, and resources have woven an elaborate tapestry for admirers and creators to adore.
A Brief & Storied History of Handmade Jewelry
The art of crafting jewelry by hand is one that predates much of human history. Even before the first written words were invented around 6,000 years ago, people were making ornaments out of stone, bone, and other materials to be worn on the body. Gold necklaces have been found in ancient Babylonian archaeological sites which are estimated to be around 8,000 years old. It seems that jewelry has existed as long as civilization itself, and throughout history has been most often made by hand.
The History of Handmade Jewelry: Back Then to Now
Creating handmade jewelry has been around practically since the dawn of time, with the earliest records of handmade jewelry being made by Neanderthals in Europe. Perforated beads that were made of sea shells and small stones have been dated as far back as 115,000 years ago. They've been found in a cave called Cueva de los Aviones, which is located on the southeast coast of Spain. Shortly after, humans moved on to using items such as bones and teeth to make primitive adornments for themselves and others.
Artisan vs. Handmade Jewelry: Is there really a difference?
When searching for pieces of jewelry to add to your collection, it should not only be a representation of taste but also your personality. Finding those pieces to add to your chest should take about as much effort as finding the right dress to wear to a cocktail party or finding the perfect handbag. Any jewelry aficionado understands each piece that is added to their collection has a story of origin. They are also able to tell you what and why that particular piece is so special to them. All jewelry is not created equally. With that in mind, your jewelry should be a clear and unique representation of YOU.
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Your Sterling Silver Jewelry: Cleaning & Preventing Tarnish [PART 2]
There are many tarnish-removal methods available on the internet. Unfortunately, it's hard to sort out the ideas that work from those that don't. Even worse are the remedies (like toothpaste) that might remove the tarnish but which will definitely damage freshwater pearls or Swarovski crystals that are nestled amongst the silver!
Your Sterling Silver Jewelry: Why Does it Tarnish? [PART 1]
We know that you love your sterling silver jewelry and like to wear it everywhere you go. However, there are a few places your precious metal jewelry would rather not go! Two places that top the list are the beach and swimming pools. Not only are salt and chlorine damaging to your jewelry but just being around that much water can hasten the advent of that dreaded scourge of sterling silver jewelry... tarnish!
Beaded Jewelry: Timeless & Trendy
Wearing handmade beaded jewelry can be an addictive expression of individuality. The variety of styles, colors, sizes, shapes and all around diversity of features one can find in beaded jewelry is quite probably limitless. The spectrum of choices also make it possible for nearly everyone to find something unique and wearable regardless of age or gender.
Handmade Lampwork Beads
Lampwork beads are handmade one at a time by using a torch and a melting glass to make original glass beads. Occasionally, a bead can be made again, but it's rare that they're ever identical, making each bead one of a kind.
Top Three Gemstones for Good Luck
Have you ever wondered about the symbolic meaning behind the beautiful gems in your beaded jewelry? Whether you purposely seek out gemstones and crystals for their supposed metaphysical properties or you just like the way they look, there's no doubt that it is interesting to understand the traditional meaning behind your unique beaded jewelry. Here are the top three gemstones that have historically been used to bring good luck.
Jewelry and the Value of Uniqueness
At SWCreations Jewelry, we hand-craft each piece of jewelry that we sell, because we believe in the philosophy that items made with care carry more value and provide better assets to our customers.
In some ways, jewelry is all about unique personal expression. That's why it's hard to get excited about items that are mass manufactured.
Living Coral: The Exotic Beauty in Living Things
There isn't anything precisely like the feeling you can get from a truly distinct piece of jewelry. When a color stands out in such a way that it perks your imagination and makes a genuine impression, you know you've found something worth carrying with you for years to come. This year's Pantone Color of the Year is one such color that really has a feeling all its own. "Living Coral" perfectly embodies the elements of change, transformation, and creativity.
The Exquisite Uniqueness of Handmade Jewelry
Mass produced jewelry can never replace the exquisite, uniqueness of handmade jewelry. While manufactured jewelry has its place, it misses the mark when it comes to personal distinctiveness and superb, character. These handmade adornments often speak without ever saying a word. They are frequently the catalysts to the oohs and the ahs, that fill side conversations and provoke the oh so famous question of, where did you get that? One can't deny the instant room magnet you become upon wearing jewelry never before seen.
We Believe in the Magic of Handcrafted over Mass-Produced
When you purchase a handcrafted SWCreations piece, you're not only buying a bracelet or a pair of earrings, you are also making a statement...several at that. You are saying to the world that you treasure quality over quantity and that the conservation of culture, tradition, and individuality is of importance to you.
Unique Care Tips for Your Beaded Jewelry
Beaded jewelry is often a one-of-a-kind piece that you treasure. Whether you're a crafter who creates your own pieces or you have acquired a collection of pieces made by others, it is necessary to know how to care for this type of jewelry. Beaded jewelry often has many components that make commercial cleaners too harsh for use. The way you store your beaded jewelry is also important. Proper cleaning and storage will maintain the life of your jewelry and keep it looking beautiful.
Beaded Lampwork Jewelry in the Roaring 20's
From flapper dresses to pinstriped suits, the 1920's was an era that defined fashion. No element of the roarin' 20's was quite as unique as the accessories. Beaded jewelry was all that jazz and handmade lampwork pieces were an iconic testament to the fashion scene of the time. Discover the rich, rowdy history of prohibition era gems -- and how you can incorporate lampwork beads into your own wardrobe!
Enhance Your Summer Style With the Perfect Anklet
Anklets are an often-overlooked but undeniably attractive piece of jewelry. They have been popular in Eastern cultures for centuries, and they have experienced ups and downs in popularity in the Western world over the decades. However, with such versatility and charm, anklets have the potential to be a timeless accessory. With summer coming up, an anklet could be the perfect finishing touch to your warm-weather look.
Handmade Jewelry Makes a Stellar Gift
Your sister's birthday is next month and you have no idea what to get her. Your anniversary is right around the corner and your wife has given you no clue as to what she wants. You don't want to just buy them something from a big box store. And a gift card or cash is so impersonal. What could you possibly get for them to show them how much they mean to you? Let me introduce to you why handmade jewelry makes such an amazing gift.
Exploring Your Personal Jewelry Focus
We understand that each customer is as unique and original as our handmade pieces! Figuring out what jewelry is right for you can be a challenge. Let us help you find your sparkle by Exploring Your Personal Jewelry Focus.
The Magic of Swarovski: Coated in Crystals
To stay on top of the competition and within current trends, the company began using coatings or effects, which help them trump other bead companies every time. There are two main types of effects Swarovski uses: Classic and Exclusive
The Mystery and Myths of Gemstone Jewelry
Many jewelry lovers opt for pieces made with gemstones, such as amethyst and citrine. Gemstones are a great option for those who appreciate the boho, natural look. But gemstones are not just a beautiful part of the earth, they are also believed with be charged with certain energies.
3 Beautiful Things You Should Know About Handmade Jewelry
Handcrafted arts have become more accessible than ever before. Thanks to internet connectivity, artisans are able to showcase and sell their creations around the globe. The individual designs of every specially made piece of art are easily within reach of anyone looking for something unique. In this world, jewelry creators and admirers alike can share in the beautiful creativity that goes into every piece we choose to adorn. For anyone who adores handcrafted jewelry, here are just three amazing things you should know about what goes into it.
Handmade Jewelry Designs and One-Of-A-Kinds
Handmade jewelry is an art that has been practiced over lifetimes, the main reason is due to the one-of-a-kind aspect of handmade jewelry. Jewelry shoppers typically love the idea of buying something unique, ensuring the fact that they have the only one in the world like it. That quality alone draws people into the handmade design world and keeps them coming back for more. The elite feeling of handmade jewelry provides customers and artisans the chance to sell and shop within a wide price range. In short, nearly anyone can have that positive and confident feeling while wearing artisan jewelry.
History of Seed Beads in Beaded Jewelry: Sizes, Shapes, and Uses
Tracking the history of seed beads in beaded jewelry has been an interesting journey from eighth century Murano to the current day, and it has brought us to the most fun part of all: the sizes, shapes, and uses of seed beads throughout time.
The Wonderful World Of Beaded Earrings
Earrings are such a classic staple of jewelry that the world of fashion would undoubtedly feel something was missing without them. With that said, there is such a diversity of earrings that they almost contain a world within themselves. As makers of handcrafted jewelry, this presents an enormous range of possibilities to shape and experiment with. Beaded earrings in particular present such beautiful promise, their many combinations and colors allow an almost unmatched touch of individuality.
The Sparkling Browns & Tans of Swarovski Austrian Crystals
Deep topaz, brown, tan, and bronze... Swarovski crystals are available in a stunning range of brilliant colors, so why choose plain brown? Well, for one thing, there is no such thing as a 'plain' Swarovski crystal! Even neutral colors shine when presented in the form of a faceted crystal. Adding one of the many special effects coatings adds even more intrigue and color to these remarkable crystals.