Image via Wikipedia
Why should a consumer purchase jewelry handcrafted by an artisan? Manufactured jewelry is generally more affordable and easier to find when shopping, too. Why is it a good thing to purchase something created by someone whose name you have never heard? Just because jewelry is found in a high-priced boutique does not mean that it is a wise choice.
Beads can be made out of almost every material known to man. Glass, precious metal, wood and even plastic is used to create these small pieces of art. Mass produced beads do not receive the attention to detail that an artist shows to his work, and lampwork beads are usually made by an underpaid and underage laborer who does not have the time to properly clean the bead or anneal it after it is made. This poor workmanship results in dirty jewelry and cracked glass.
‘Findings’ are the bead caps, chains, hooks and other pieces that keep the piece of jewelry together. It is easy for a jewelry assembler to walk into a craft store and purchase these items. This is evidenced by walking into any Saturday morning craft show where you can see that each jewelry table has the same look. A true artisan creates the whole piece of jewelry and it shows in the uniqueness of the piece.
Some people consider jewelry that does not contain precious stones or metals less than luxurious. In reality, heirloom-quality, artisan made jewelry is an investment in the arts and the posterity of man.
