I Prefer One-of-a-Kind or Customized Jewelry

by Elizabeth F.

I have purchased handcrafted jewelery from both a home party and from a vendor at a craft fair.

I have bought jewelry for both myself and my daughters, as well as my sister.

I chose handcrafted jewelry so that I would have unique pieces in my jewelry collection. I also chose them because they really matched some favorite outfits that I own.

When I purchased the jewelry as gifts for my daughters and sister, I did so again so that what they received would be one-of-a kind and made by hand. I wanted their gifts to have a very personal touch.

The biggest complaint I have is that I have had a few pieces fall apart, not because of rough handling, but because the clasps weren't wired well enough.

I was literally walking down a hallway and the beads of my necklace just started falling to the ground. It was very frustrating for me as I scrambled to recover the very expensive beads (they had to have been expensive, considering what I paid) from the floor.

One of my bracelets (made by a different artist) and one pair of earrings met a similar fate.

While I have found the cost of handcrafted to be a lot higher than store-bought jewelry, it is always worth it because I can customize the design and colors I want from one artist I know, and at craft fairs I am able to browse their tables for the perfect pieces.

I will say that I don't have as much luck at craft fairs both because of color choices in the pieces and that most of the pieces look the same. While this may be easier for the crafter, it makes the jewelry less special and much easier to walk away from.

If it helps, I found the artist I buy most of my pieces from by word of mouth. I had a friend wearing some of her pieces and was wowed by them. My friend told me who to contact and the rest is history, so have your friends wear your work.

This same artist also has a home show twice a year and you can buy what you see or place an order for a piece you see with different color, clasp, and bead choices.