About Hand Made Metal Jewelry

Handmade metal jewelery, a trendy fashion accessory, has a long history.

In existence since ancient times, handmade metal jewelery is treasured to this day. Each piece is individually crafted by hand using various metals. An artistic reflection of its creator, this jewelry is a prized fashion statement for its owner.

History

Until 1869, all jewelery including metal jewelery, was handcrafted. The first recorded use of handmade metal jewelery was native "free gold" found in Spanish caves and dating to the late Paleolithic period. Other early evidence of handcrafted metal jewelery dates from the time that humans discovered metalworking techniques.

Metals

Gold, a prime metal used in handmade jewelery, is prized for its malleability, rarity, beauty and ability to withstand fire. In addition to containing precious metals, handcrafted metal jewelery is created from base metals and alloys, including copper, meteoric iron, silver, brass, pewter, nickel and tin.

Techniques and Designs

Handmade metal jewelery designs are created through a process called metal tooling. A jewelry maker uses tools such as files, punches, saws, mallets and pliers to create jewelery that is considered intricate and exquisite and ranges from earrings and bracelets to necklaces and various body adornments.

Cost

Jewelery handcrafted from precious metals is comparatively more expensive than jewelery created from alloy and base metals. Design and fashion trends are the other factors that influence the cost of handmade metal jewelry.

Care

Handmade metal jewelery should not be exposed to harsh chemicals. If it comes into contact with chemicals, it can be washed gently with warm water and mild soap then rinsed and dried well. All handmade metal jewelery should be stored in anti-tarnish bags made of cloth or plastic.

References

• ChristiaNet: Handmade Sterling Silver Jewelry
• All About Gemstones: The History of Jewelery: Origins of Jewelery Design
• Blackdog Handcrafted Jewelry: Jewelry Care and Information

Resources

• "7000 Years of Jewelry: An International History and Illustrated Survey...;" Hugh Tait, Editor; 2008
• "Jewelry: From Antiquity to the Present (World of Art);" Clare Phillips; 1996