In order to make jewelry, however, you will need to invest in some basic tools and of course, the beads and findings. Once you’ve made the initial investment, though, the tools can be used over and over for all your jewelry projects. If you are careful and don’t go overboard with your bead buying, this doesn’t have to be an expensive hobby. On the other hand, you can use expensive components and get a designer necklace for a fraction of the cost.
First off, you need to decide what type of jewelry you want to make. Do you want to use semi precious gems like turquoise, garnet and amethyst? Will you be putting a lot of bali sterling silver beads in your designs? Maybe you love lampwork beads and want to design your own jewelry using beads? How about crystals and pearls? Perhaps you are attracted to the precise methods of working with seed beads? Or maybe you want to include all the above in the jewelry you make!
In addition to the materials you want to use, you also need to narrow down a method of construction. At first, I recommend that you focus on making one style. This will help keep down the cost of the supplies as well as help you to become an expert in that style of jewelry making. Once you have one method down, you can branch out and try some others.
The easiest way to get started is to make your own memory wire jewelry. Memory wire is flexible wire that holds it shape when released. It comes in bracelet, necklace and ring sizes. It’s quite easy to use and you don’t have to worry about sizing. You simply cut a length of wire to suit, close off one end by making a circle with pliers, string the beads on and then close the other end. Add a little garnish by hanging a beaded dangle off the end and you are done! The necklaces made with memory wire are nice because they sit tight against the throat and bracelets can be made with multiple wraps for a thick chic look.
Another method for making your own jewelry include stringing the beads on a flexible coated wire (tiger tail or beadalon) and crimping the ends shut with special beads and a crimp tool This allows for more flexibility in design than a memory wire piece but is a bit harder to make and the crimping does take a bit of practice. With this method, you will most definitely need a beading board to lay out your design on as you want to be sure it is symmetrical.
If you like the look of cascading necklaces and charm bracelets, you can make jewelry using lengths of chain. You can buy the chain in sterling, silver plated or gold filled and cut it to suit. Use headpins to attach the beads and finish off the piece with a clasp.
If you do decide to start making your own jewelry, you might need to rein in your impulse to buy every pretty bead and jewelry making component out there. Make a plan of exactly what you want to make and purchase only those things necessary for that design. If you don’t you might end up with a closet overflowing with excess beads like me!
Designer jewelry is a great accessory for a formal or casual dress and is a perfect way to showcase your personality. It represents the creativity of so many people that dedicate themselves to the art of jewelry design. It is usually made of base metals with thin coating of gold, silver or other materials that give it a nice finish. Decoration over the jewelry is made of glass, plastic, stones, ivory and other materials that could be used creatively. Earlier the costumes where designed to match jewelry. However, now designer jewelry is made to match the attire. If there is a floral patterned dress that is to be worn at some occasion the lady would probably select jewelry that is very colorful or even flowery in design. Designer jewelry is also created in other materials like sea shells, wood, plastic and others. These are cut into different shapes and styles that could be worn in routine life. The most elegant of designs that could be worn at variety of occasions are made by some of the most famous designers.
Jewelry designing is one of the hottest career options for youngsters these days. There are numerous universities and institutes offering courses in designer jewelry. These people often have established jewelry and fashion designers as visiting lecturers. They offer some very valuable tips that if considered carefully can help establish career in creating designer jewelry. Jewelry designers can work with established brands or can open their own stores of designer jewelry for catering to people. However, the biggest chances of success are when some experience is gained under an established brand and later a move is made into the independent market.