Love! Unique and Artisanal Jewelry
By Alison Blackman
Gifts of jewelry are true tokens of affection, but unique, artisanal jewelry is particularly special.
The jewelry pieces in this featurer are all unique and one of a kind.These are the perfect gift for yourself or someone you care about…and they’re all so affordable!
From the Artisan Group:
all of these items are made by members of the Artisan Group
The Artisan Group is an organization of over 1,000 small business artisans who offer just about every type of handcrafted product).
Many items are jewelry-related, catering to a wide range of styles and different personalities. My selections from the Artisan Group are in the photo above, going clockwise.
Earrings With Interesting Detail
There is no such thing as having too many earrings! This lovely pair of earrings from Evaline Jewelry is by Evelina Stoyanova.
She works in silver copper and bronze. These Earrings ($30) feature a richly-embossed and delicate design on the metal disk and a cluster of earth-toned faceted beads dangling from French ear wires.
Similar earrings from Evaline Jewelry run about $30.Visit http://www.evalinejewelry.com
A Bold Bracelet:
Tired of too delicate bracelets that don’t really make a statement? The bold leather braided rope bracelet with strong, decorate magnetic clasp we selected is a nice way to wear a bracelet this season.
This leather and metal bracelet from the Artisan exchange is by owner/designer Cindy Kassebaum of Rock & Hardware Jewelry (srp. $32).
Her unique pieces are made of leather, metals and semi-precious gemstones, hand-crafted for men and women.
Cindy believes that the notion that the bracelet defines the look. I agree! Visit https://www.rockandhardware.com
Pendant From Another Time
There was a time when not everything was digital, and watches, in particular, were crafted with tiny gears and metal objects.
The pendant I selected from Jewelry FX by artisan Cindi Oesterreich (srp. approx. $27) harkens back to that time.
This pendant features a gunmetal brass faux locket pendant with a matching chain that is filled to the brim with mini-sized gears and tiny parts of a genuine, recycled watch.
They’re nestled under a shiny dome of clear resin.
A similar piece was displayed and gifted at GBK’s 2016 MTV Movie Awards Celebrity Gift Lounge honoring the MTV Movie Awards Nominees and Presenters.
This pendant is a truly a unique gift for your overly- tech–besotted friends. Visit http://www.jeweleryfxplugs.com
Make a Delicate Statement
Those who love delicate but unique pieces of jewelry will love this little flower pendant from Little Hill Jewelry.
The blossom pendant ($50) is designed by Designer/Writer Heather Jean and can be made in bright sterling silver with a copper accent, or in Oxidized Silver with Copper Accent.
The hammered petals add interest, while the copper center attracts your eye. Although it’s not big and chunky, it really stands out with an open neckline.
Pair it with a bare-necked dress, or even jeans and a tee. Visit http://www.littlehilljewelry.com.
Chic ID/Chain
Eileen Henegan Stout designs her jewelry with a nod to Celtic forms.
I loved that her handcrafted items are designed with magnetic closures for easy on/off (ours also had two lobster claw clasps that were remove-able if you just wanted one or the other fastener.
A similar necklace/ID chain to our with sterling silver chain, pewter beads with Celtic designs and gray pearls ) was $32.
On Stout’s Etsy site there are many different pearl colors and Celtic bead varieties (many also with Swarovski Crystals).
Many also featuring also a decorative silver bar onto which you could hang an ID tag. Visit https://www.etsy.com/shop/EileenHeneghanStout
Keep Beach Memories Alive!
One of the most personal and unique jewelry companies we have discovered is Dune Jewelry.
This company makes one-of-a-kind jewelry items and accessories for women and men with real sand from over 3,000 beaches in 7 continents to select choose from (actual photos are on the website).
If your special beach isn’t on the list you can Submit Your Own Sand.
Dune Jewelry with sand from Coney Island in Starfish Earrings
Whether it’s a place from childhood (our last review we received starfish earring made with sand from Coney Island) or the place you first fell in love or honeymooned, wearing that actual sand, set in beautiful sterling silver or gold, is an amazing gift that reminds you of those happy memories.
Among other accessories, there are key chains, wine stoppers, and a golf divot. Some items are also engravable.
Dune Jewelry Ring with Sand from Live Aqua, Cancun Mexico & crushed peridot & amazonite
I chose the Sterling Cocktail Ring ($98) with sand from “Live Aqua” in Cancun Mexico and added some optional “elements,” crushed amazonite and peridot to add a bit more color. This beautifully crafted, substantial, 27mmx18mm oval ring holds the most amount of sand and is available in whole sizes 6-9.
Aid Through Trade Bracelets
At the NY Now show at the Javits Center last Fall, I spied these colorful roll on bracelets from Aid Through Trade.
I loved their easy to wear, colorful bracelets that are one of a kind.
While volunteering in the late 80’s as a teacher in the Peace Corps, Damian Jones became inspired by the artisans of the Kathmandu Valley and intrigued by the use of glass beads in the Nepalese culture.
He was inspired to work with local artisans there as a way to improve their lives and established the organization Aid Through Trade™
This is a fashion design company, the creator of the Original Roll-On® Bracelet (under $40) . Visit Aid Through Trade.
These colorful bracelets are sold in pairs and sets, Most are under $40.
All jewelry is handmade by skilled artisans in Nepal and the colors and designs are constantly changing.
Buy a set, and share one (or two) with your besties.
No worries about sizing, they stretch and roll over your hand to fit almost every wrist. Visit https://www.aidthroughtrade.com
social tags: @EvaLineJewelry, @rockandhardware, @jewelryFX, @littlehilljewel, @Brileen2010, @AidThroughTrade, #perfectgift, @DuneJewelry, #DuneJewelry, #EileenHeneganStout , #uniquejewelry, #artisinaljewelry, #oneofakind, #uniquee
