The art of jewelry design has been around for many centuries, with men and women from around the world crafting incredible pieces to be worn by everyone. These pieces have been made from a number of materials, from gold and stainless steel to specially crafted wire wrapped jewelry designs. The beauty of jewelry design and jewelry is that it is understood around the world and can be bought and sold from any country around the globe. At the same time, jewelry is a very expensive market and with the use of pure gold, diamonds and precious gemstones, making it, at the same time, a beautiful art to behold.
What can be considered jewelry?
Jewelry is defined as a personal adornment in which various materials and gemstones or objects are used. This in itself suggests that jewelry is practically anything that you can wear and that is seen by those around you. Jewelry doesn't necessary stick to one function, but instead means various things to different people. Over the centuries and still today, jewelry doesn't simply imply something that one wears for artistic display. Using gold designs, wooden designs or wire wrapped jewelry designs could all mean something different to various cultures. The functions that jewellery has been used for:
" Functional Use: The wearing of clasps, pins and buckles.
" Protection: Some cultures use jewelry in the form of amulets.
" Symbolism: Different pieces of jewelry can mean different things around the world.
" Currency: It has been used as a means to exhibit wealth and class.
" Artistic Display: Used in shows and exhibitions; particular pieces from other cultures and countries.
The materials of jewelry
Jewelry can be made using many materials, which allows it to be versatile and appeal to a wide customer base. What this also allows is for people who make jewelry to create a wide range of pieces and therefore continue to be creative with what they do. Most jewelry is formed through the use of various alloys and metals such as gold, silver, bronze. More modern jewelry makes use of platinum due to its increased strength as well as aesthetic appeal. Further more, one can use wire wrapped jewellery designs, which is considered easier to use as it doesn't require expensive equipment. Stones that are used range from Diamond to semi-precious and precious gems. Over the decades, man-made gems, such as the Cubic Zirconia, have become available and popular and are used as substitutes for gems that are hard to extract or import.
Pam Older is a Jewelry Designer, who after working in the publishing industry, decided to take the route of a designer-entrepreneur. Her jewelry has been feature in O, The Oprah Magazine and will be shown on the hit TV Show, Desperate Housewives. Her collections includes wire wrapped jewelry designs, unique handmade silver designs and so much more. With her signature cluster necklaces and her use of contrasting beads, this jewelry is both elegant and casual; making anyone who wears it the picture of sophistication.
