There is something really unique about handmade jewelry that makes it different than all other type of jewelry. For one thing, it is a personal creation that is one-of-a-kind. Maybe the handmade jewelry you design is not original in style, but you can certainly add a little of this and a little of that to make the design all your own. So how does one go about making handmade jewelry? Is it an art or a science? Although I am not an artisan myself, I can tell you a few things you need to do in order to get on track to be a handmade jewelry specialist or just a hobbyist.
The first thing you need to do is find a handmade jewelry artisan who is in your area or one who offers an online course. There are so many principles that need to be understood before you bead your first bracelet, wire your first necklace, or refine your first silver jewelry bangle. The things I am referring to have a lot to do with understanding the culture behind handmade jewelry and why it is truly an art, not a science. Yes, there are a lot of scientific components to silver and a great deal of physics that go into beading, but most of the “heavy lifting” as they say comes from the pure desire to make jewelry that speaks to your heart.
The one thing I want to caution you about is trying to be an artisan or a handmade jewelry professional only for the money. To be honest, some artisans perform their craft only as a hobby as well as a way to supplement their income. In fact, few artisans can claim that they make millions making handmade jewelry. That does not mean that you can’t do it, but you need to go into it with the perspective that you are doing this for the experience, not just the money. If you make money then great! But if you don’t make money, you will feel disappointed unless you have the right perspective.