As a lover of handcrafted jewelry, you already know the difference between mass produced and manufactured costume jewelry and individually handcrafted jewelry made by artisans.
A further distinction exists between fabricated handcrafted jewelry and handcrafted beaded jewelry. Fabricated handcrafted jewelry is made by silversmiths or goldsmiths who almost always have had formal training and have received a degree from an art school or who have apprenticed with a Master. On the other hand, artisans who create handcrafted beaded jewelry may or may not have formal training. Rather than create the gold or silver used in their jewelry, these artisans purchase those materials.
In addition to purchasing metals, beaded jewelry artisans must also purchase gemstones, crystals, glass or other materials. The quality of these materials plus the skills, expertise and creativity of the artisan will ultimately determine the beauty and durability of their jewelry. What's important for you, the consumer, is to know what you're buying. This article will help you to make informed choices about purchasing handcrafted beaded jewelry.
METAL MATTERS
When buying jewelry you have several choices of metal. Most often gold and silver is used by fabricated artisans. However, beaded …show more content…
Argentium Sterling Silver: The best argentium sterling silver is created in 935 and 960 percent grades. Argentium must be above the 92.5% content of sterling silver. Argentium sterling silver is favored by both silversmiths and beading artisans. This metal is absolutely vibrant. In fact, it is brighter than platinum, white gold or sterling silver. While silversmiths tend to use the 960 grade, beading artisans use what argentium manufacturers produce. The guarantee is that argentium sterling silver contains more recycled silver than sterling, so you know you are getting more than 92.5% silver in argentium. One major benefit of argentium silver is that it is very low maintenance, easy to care for and
A further distinction exists between fabricated handcrafted jewelry and handcrafted beaded jewelry. Fabricated handcrafted jewelry is made by silversmiths or goldsmiths who almost always have had formal training and have received a degree from an art school or who have apprenticed with a Master. On the other hand, artisans who create handcrafted beaded jewelry may or may not have formal training. Rather than create the gold or silver used in their jewelry, these artisans purchase those materials.
In addition to purchasing metals, beaded jewelry artisans must also purchase gemstones, crystals, glass or other materials. The quality of these materials plus the skills, expertise and creativity of the artisan will ultimately determine the beauty and durability of their jewelry. What's important for you, the consumer, is to know what you're buying. This article will help you to make informed choices about purchasing handcrafted beaded jewelry.
METAL MATTERS
When buying jewelry you have several choices of metal. Most often gold and silver is used by fabricated artisans. However, beaded …show more content…
Argentium Sterling Silver: The best argentium sterling silver is created in 935 and 960 percent grades. Argentium must be above the 92.5% content of sterling silver. Argentium sterling silver is favored by both silversmiths and beading artisans. This metal is absolutely vibrant. In fact, it is brighter than platinum, white gold or sterling silver. While silversmiths tend to use the 960 grade, beading artisans use what argentium manufacturers produce. The guarantee is that argentium sterling silver contains more recycled silver than sterling, so you know you are getting more than 92.5% silver in argentium. One major benefit of argentium silver is that it is very low maintenance, easy to care for and