Bringing Back Jewelry from My Travels

by Pat Wrobleski

I really enjoy traveling, and when I do I like to bring back gifts to friends and family from places I've visited.

Buying local, handmade jewelry is a wonderful way to do this, for many reasons.

First, jewelry is easy to transport and travel with, as it often doesn't take up a lot of space in my luggage.

Second, locally produced pieces are often very affordable, given the exceptional quality and craftsmanship of the pieces.

Third, being able to give a gift to friend or loved one, and being able to tell them a personal story of the artisan who made the piece connects to my travels, and I'm able to say, "I thought of you when I saw this piece, and here's why...".

Finally, I think that supporting locally produced goods helps protect and bolster local economies, but spending money on mass-produced goods only drives down local economies.

That being said, I often buy from local artisans who are able to connect their communities into their work.

Pieces made from locally gathered materials are my favorites, such as beach glass, unique woodworking, concretions, etc.

Being able to communicate a love of locale is why I buy handmade jewelry, and an artisan must be able to communicate that love to me. Personality is important, and an ability to understand salesmanship.

Often, I have turned away from otherwise beautiful pieces because of a caustic personality on the part of the seller.

Likewise, I have found beauty in otherwise humble pieces because an artisan was able to connect me to the piece and thus to their community in some way.