Artisan Jewelry as Part of Today's Culture

Trends come and go and what's in vogue one year will be completely pass the next. However, there has been a growing shift in society and in the marketplace, toward things that are wholesome, healthful, local, handcrafted or in some way just more homespun. Artisan jewelry has become a big part of this movement toward true, handcrafted, organic products.

This trend towards handcrafted and homegrown products is a healthy one, no pun intended. It not only supports local, individual producers, it showcases and supports individual talents, gifts and vision. Consumers get higher quality products, more artful and unique design and a more valuable piece of jewelry, value that is more than monetary. Designers and artists get the encouragement and support they need to practice their art and create opportunities for the artists yet to come.
 

Artisan jewelry is much like artisan bread; it's created with older techniques, in a much slower, painstaking process and with better, more natural materials. The creators of artisan jewelry are more interested in creating art than a product, and this shows in the natural beauty and unique design of each piece, much as it does in each loaf of artisan bread.
 

People today are seeking more connection with other cultures and other times. Artisan jewelry is a great way to help make that connection. The nature of artisan jewelry lends itself to expressing the styles, cultures and elements of many world cultures. There is artisan jewelry that has Celtic influences, African elements, Native American style and many more global attributes. Many people enjoy collecting pieces that reflect and honor a certain culture or ethnicity; others choose pieces based on aesthetics alone.  Both approaches are correct and both types of jewelry buyers find a lot to love about artisan jewelry.
   

Artisan jewelry has a more natural, organic look to it, which not only suits certain tastes, but blends well with many of today's fashions and lifestyles. There are pieces created from sterling silver as well as white, yellow and rose-colored gold. No matter which metal a shopper prefers to wear, they'll find a wide variety of pieces to choose from.
     

Artisan jewelry also utilizes a more natural look in gems and stones, leaving more of the natural beauty and forsaking too much manipulation and conformity. This adds a great deal to the visual interest and individuality of each piece, and is largely responsible for the unique look of artisan jewelry. No two stones or gems are cut the same way, set the same way or combined with other materials the same way.      
     

One of the terrific things about artisan jewelry is that no two pieces are exactly alike. In a world where so many products are mass produced, especially in fashion, a truly unique piece is a rarity. Its rarity alone sets it apart, sparks interest and makes it a valuable piece of art or a sentimental treasure.  
     

This trend towards that which is unique, handcrafted and organic is a welcome one, indeed.