Custom Handmade Artisan Jewelry for Gifts, Bridal, Prom and Special EventsOne of the benefits of buying jewelry from the person who creates it, is that you often have custom options available, often for little or no extra charge. I'd like to tell you about some of the options that are available with my own jewelry.
Types of Metals for Custom Made JewelryMost jewelry incorporates some metal, even if only the clasp on a necklace. I work primarily in sterling silver. That is what I keep in stock and show in the pictures of my items. If you prefer another metal, just ask me. I keep some stock of 14k gold filled supplies on hand also, and a small amount of copper. Allow extra time for an order and I can make most items in 14k gold, 14k g.f., copper or brass. I am also starting to use patinas on sterling silver, so let me know if you'd like an antiqued darkened silver.
Types of Clasps for Custom Made JewelrySome people prefer certain types of clasps for their necklaces or bracelets. I often use a toggle clasp. These are very easy to put on or off, once you have tried them. I was skeptical the first time I saw them, thinking gravity would make them come apart. But I've now been wearing them for years and only have a problem if a bracelet is too large anyway. If you've never tried a toggle clasp, I encourge you to give it a try. They are really great for the elderly and those with arthritic hands.
Magnetic clasps are also an option that I sometimes use. They are also a favorite for those who have trouble with traditional lobster claw or c-clasps.
If you are not sure of the length you need, for bracelet or necklaces, then a chain with a lobter claw clasp is best. It usually allows for 1 to 3 inches of adjustment. This is a good clasp to use for a gift when you are unsure of the size.
Please let me know if you prefer one type clasp over another. I keep most styles in stock and can often change them on items already made.
Custom Handmade Artisan EarringsEarrings are the easiest item to custom make. I make most of my earrings when receiving the order, so changes are usually not a problem.
The first option with earrings concerns the posts - both the metal and the style. See my section above concerning the type of metal options.
Ear wire Styles for EarringsThere are several types of ear wires posts used in earrings. I normally use the french hook style and include a small rubber or plastic stopper that ensures your earring stays in place. This goes behind your earlobe and is unseen and comfortable. The french hook style tends to disappear into the design, which is the reason I like to use it.
Leverbacks are also popular. They are a bit more expensive, but they are very secure. This is a good option for heavier earrings and more expensive stones. Leverbacks become more of a presence in the design and might not be right for certain designs.
There is also an option for those who do not have pierced ears. Non-pierced options will be either clip-ons or screwbacks.
Length and Styles for Custom EarringsEarring lengths start at 1/2 to 1 inch for a simple bead or pearl, usually sandwhiched between two tiny metal or crystal beads.
Slightly longer earrings are made with 2 or 3 beads. This is a nice option to go with a necklace that has several beads in it.
Another delicate earring style is a single bead set on a hammered spike. Pearls work especially well with this.
Chains are very popular right now and I love to add several beads to a chain. They can be delicate or chunky.
You can see a few more earrings styles in the Bridal Jewelry section below.
Keep in mind that custom earrings can be made for you to match any of the necklaces you purchase from me, even if I don't have matching earrings shown. Please just ask, because I always try to keep at least a few extra matching beads for just such a request. I've mentioned only classic styles here, but trendy styles can also be custom made.
Custom Hand-made Artisan NecklacesNecklace LengthsThe length of the necklace is the simplest option for customization. If you see a necklace you like, but you need a different size, don't hesitate to let me know. Long necklaces can be shortened and shorter necklaces may be lengthened by either adding more beads or adding some chain or extra rings to the clasp. There is often no extra charge for this.
The easiest way to decide on a length is to measure a necklace you own already. The length is from one end of a clasp to the other. So, for example, a necklace that hangs down 12 inches, is a 24 inch necklace, since the full strand is measured.
Custom Necklace Styles - Simple Strand NecklacesSome examples of a simple style for necklaces are the classic round beaded strand, perhaps with a special clasp. This can be created in any length.
Chain Style Necklaces - Y and Long Beaded ChainChains are also very popular right now. The Y necklace, created with wrapped wire and chain can be used for any combination of bead types and colors.
Gemstones can be wired to each other without chain for a more organic style.
I have also made some long chains with crystals and/or small gemstones wrapped between the links. They are very delicate and can be doubled for a fuller look or worn long with other shorter necklaces for the layered look. I like to wear one long beaded chain in the summer, when the humidity here makes it difficult to wear too much jewelry. (I'll try to get a better picture of this example soon).
Pendant NecklacesPendants or crosses or other focal points can always be added to a necklace. Occasionally I will string a pendant on a simple chain or cord. I purchase pendants and crosses in quantity and have many in stock, that are not shown on the website. Let me know if there's a special stone or style you need.
Some examples of pendant styles I carry are large abalone, gemstone crosses, and large multi-gem pendants.
Special Notes for Bridal Party Jewelry Pearls and crystals are a favorite for bridal jewelry.
Pearls now come in many shapes and colors and Swarvoski crystals come in hundreds of colors as well. It is very easy to match the colors for the bride and each of her bridesmaids with a different color for each, if needed.
Swarvoski is a brand name for the company that has created lead crystal beads and rhinestones for the jewelry trade, for generations. Other crystals are inferior in shine - like comparing a lead crystal vase to a cut glass vase. The lead crystal can be breathtaking while the cut glass will be merely pretty.
Swarvoski crystals are available in hundreds of colors and finishes, although we are all limited by what our suppliers carry. They issue new colors every season and do discontinue others.
Some special examples of my earrings designs using Swarvoski crystals include a simple delicate chain with tiny crystals of your color choice on the end. Another option is a cluster of 3 or 5 crystals with a single large pearl, gemstone bead or themed glass bead beneath them.
By the way, you may hear the term Swarvoski pearls. Those are glass pearls made by Swarvoski. I don't use them in my designs, because I am spoiled with a close proximity to suppliers of genuine cultured freshwater pearls. I prefer the natural and feel they will last longer and are a better value than the glass. If you are set on Swarvoski pearls, I will consider them for special custom orders, but I do not have them in stock.
I hand select ALL my supplies, from clasps to pearls, beads to crystals, by going to large suppliers in New York city, on foot, with fabric swatches if needed. These are the suppliers who stock your local beadstores and many of the online bead shops. There is great variety and I enjoy finding the perfect match for your special day.
Custom Colors, Gemstones and Glass BeadsEveryone has their favorite colors and I'm no exception. I tend to use certain colors in my jewelry and tend not to include others, unless requested. If you don't see your colors or gemstones here, just let me know. I'm usually very happy to buy more beads! Swarvoski crystals and glass beads come in more colors than I can list here, so designs that use them can usually be custom made easily to match your needs. Gemstones are usually sold in standard sizes and cuts, so there is often the same flexibility with gemstone jewelry, although certain stones or shapes are not always available.
Incorporating a Special Object or Theme into Custom JewelryThis is what I love to do, incorporate special objects into my jewelry designs. Please let me know if you have a special object or theme that you'd like in a design.
This is a great idea for a special gift. It can be as simple as a themed charm, a postage stamp, an old key, cetain brand beverage or food, or a hobby or sport.
I'm also happy to use an heirloom piece of jewelry you own, whether costume or fine and use it in a new piece. Memories are a very special gift, I believe and should be honored and respected as much as any rare gemstone.
Summary on Custom Jewelry OptionsI hope you now have an idea of the options available to you, when shopping for jewelry on my website. It's not possible for me to show or even mention all the options on each listing. But I am happy to let you know, with no obligations, if I can customize a piece to better suit your needs. I will always tell you if there is an extra charge and if the options will require extra time, before any custom work is done.
