How to Buy Steampunk Jewelry

Intricate, beautiful and unusual, steampunk jewelry pieces are a hot trend that will always get you noticed - but they can be a little tricky to find! Below are some ideas for where you can look to buy steampunk jewelry and accesories.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet connection

1. 
   My steampunk jewelry collection started with this piece

   First off, it helps to define what you're looking for! Steampunk has been variously described as Victorian science fiction, as an offshoot of the cyberpunk movement of the 1980's, or as "scientific romance" - a marriage of 20th century items with a Victorian aesthetic. Whatever the terms you use to describe it, steampunk jewelry is remarkable for its intricate detailing and use of natural materials. People who like steampunk jewelry are often drawn to the "darker" aspects of steampunk pieces as well - many pieces are made of old clock parts, for example, which when worn on a living body present obvious allusions to mortality.

2. 

   A great place to start looking for steampunk jewelry is on Etsy.com, the granddaddy website of handmade artisan and vintage craft items. This massive site has thousands of listings for steampunk items - my tag/title search for 'steampunk' came up with over 18,000 items, all with beautiful pictures, shipping details, seller info, and more!

3. 

   Check out the Steampunk Lab for heaps of pictures of exciting new steampunk designs and accessories. You can buy steampunk jewelry ready-made, or get some gear (pun intended) to make it yourself.

4. 

   BUST Magazine's Feb/Mar 2009 issue ran an eight-page spread on steampunk-inspired styles, complete with clothing and accessory purchasing information. Contact BUST at bust.com for a back issue, or check out the issue at your local library - the article is called "Apocalypse Now."

5. 

   Want to make steampunk jewelry, not just buy it? Check out the Jewelry Business Blog - see link below in the Resources section.

Tips & Warnings

• Steampunk is a rising trend, but it doesn't have to be "trendy." Classic steampunk jewelry pieces are eminantly wearable and will always be in style!
• Steampunk can be a little delicate! Treat your jewelry pieces with care and they'll stay in good shape.

Resources

• Jewelry Business Blog
• BUST Magazine
• Etsy
• Steampunk Lab

[vintage]

on 9/7/2009 great article and resource