What is Artisan Jewelry?

A very natural and information seeking question has always been, what is artisan jewelry? First, one must understand what an artisan is, to further understand what exactly artisan jewelry is consistent thereof.

An artisan is a skilled craftswoman or craftsman that creates something usable or decorative by their own two hands. By their own two hands - now think about this. How many artisans do you really believe are still out in the world today. With the efficiency of grand technology and massive pieces of machinery; being an artisan in today's world is a feat.

In the case of artisan jewelry, the pieces would be decorative; or rather, wearable art. Each piece is handcrafted by the artist, designed by the artist, and often sold directly by that very artisan.

Artisan jewelry is that which is made of not only precious metals or gemstones, but other materials as well. This can include, but is not limited to: plastics, brass, fabrics, glass, etc. In using these materials, the craftsperson creates what we know today, as artisan jewelry.

In some cases, a few individuals choose to use recycled materials when creating; which is not only good for the environment, but is a statement made by those who wear the art. Pinky Elodie, for instance, is a jewelry designer that creates wearable art, made from only locally purchased and/or recycled materials. This meaning, that each and every piece supports an artisan, and a local community of hundreds or thousands of individuals and business owners. Who wouldn't want to support such a cause?

Shopping locally for materials to make artisan jewelry, is yet another statement a jeweler can make and pass onto the owner of the art. Few actually pursue this mode of creativity, but for those that do, there is great reward for the artist and the community the artist works within.

There are few artisan jewelers that still exist in the United States, and some might state that they are on the blink of extinction. As designs become more popular, often times artisans turn into commercial salespeople over the years. This meaning, that products are developed via cheaply purchased goods, and then created by hourly workers (often times outside of the United States). The artist very rarely has a hand in the work, and often never sees the finished product.

If one can find an artisan jeweler to support, it is important to do so. They are currently few and far between, and as years go by and rates of over-seas mass production decreases, these individuals will flourish only on your support.

Do your research when purchasing from 'artisan jewelers'. Are they claiming to truly hand-create each individual piece, or are only the designs being produced by the artist? A true artisan jeweler will state outright if they do make each and every piece. And do not be afraid to ask, if you truly wish to support a great and noble cause.

Pinky Elodie is an artisan jewelry line, wherein each and every piece is hand-created by the artist: Bonnie Sedan. Using only recycled and/or locally purchased materials, Pinky Elodie by Bonnie Sedan strives to improve the health of the earth and the communities of those that live upon it.