Handmade jewellery – a conversation about fashion
Ten years ago when I travelled extensively throughout the Caribbean I always made it a point to buy myself an exotic accessory be it handmade jewellery, clothes, belts etc. These were usually business trips so not a lot of time for shopping and browsing but I found that when I wore my exotic finds somebody would ask me “where did you get that” and that would automatically be the start of a conversation. Of course they would always be impressed that I visited fabulous Trinidad and Tobago or picturesque Jamaica.
Now I don’t travel as much but can buy a wide range of exotic handmade jewellery and accessories online from online boutiques like Munique Fashions www.muniquefashions.com which means that my artisan jewellery collection is growing and I am experimenting with more bohemian jewellery as well. Invariably I get the same response when I wear handmade necklaces bought online, with friends and perfect strangers asking me “where did I get that”? I must say that I feel just as unique and special as my handmade necklace when this happens to me.
For me handmade jewellery must be a bit like a ballad that you can listen to over and over again like Adele’s – Someone like you which I simply cannot get enough of.
Recycle your old jewellery
But have you thought about recycling your old jewellery? I’m sure many of us would have inherited rings and necklaces with precious and semi precious stones, brooches, chains, earrings etc from relatives which we don’t wear because it’s too vintage, not our style, broken and the list goes on. But instead of keeping our unworn jewellery tucked away in a drawer, find yourself a reputable jeweller to melt it and redesign it for you. I'm sure that you may have seen some stunning jewellery necklaces or rings that you simply adore.
It’s always a temptation to sell your unwanted jewellery for cash as there are many online jewellers offering cash for gold. But I’m a hoarder and just sentimental and much prefer to transform my unwanted gold into a jewellery piece that I would actually wear. Birmingham is fortunate to have the jewellery quarter and I’m sure with a little research you can find e reputable jeweller near you.
Choosing handmade jewellery
I am an absolute magpie for handmade jewellery and there are hundreds of online boutiques and shops where you can buy jewellery handmade. But with so much on offer, how do you choose? Me I look for unique jewellery designs and jewellery made from unusual materials like black wood or blue coral. But more than uniqueness, impact is also important and you can find individual handmade jewellery in simple contemporary jewellery designs that makes a huge fashion statement. Our latest find the volcanic lava pendant ticks all these boxes and comes mounted on an 18 inch sterling silver snake chain. Perfect for that elegant evening out making it an ideal gift for her for mother’s day, valentines day, anniversary present, birthday gift or for just one of those occasions when you just need to day I love you.
Fashion personality or fashion DNA or style DNA as it is also called also influences your buying decisions when it comes to jewellery. Ethnic jewellery lovers will certainly find Munique’s copper jewellery range simply majestic, earthy and natural. There are some copper jewellery pieces like the bali girl copper jewellery gift set that simply reminds me of Cleopatra like jewellery. Even if you do not buy the entire jewellery set, the handmade copper necklace, the copper bracelet and the earrings are stunning jewellery pieces to be worn on their own.
But most importantly for me is quality and craftsmanship when it comes to handmade jewellery as I want to enjoy my handmade jewellery gifts forever.
Summer Jewellery
While I struggle to get into some of last years summer clothes due to an indulgent winter, luckily I don’t have to get in shape to wear my summer artisan jewellery. At summer I always look forward to wearing what I call my flora and fauna jewellery especially my flower jewellery handmade necklaces, rings and earrings. My firm favorites have to be my leather flower necklace, blue coral ring and heliconia copper earrings from what I like to call my exotic jewellery collection.
Munique’s artisan jewellery is suited to all types as it is contemporary jewellery well made by hand. Munique's leather flower necklaces are handpainted and look just as life like as the hibiscus flower and the orchid flower. The blue coral silver ring is very sophisticated indeed with tiny beads for the stamen and circular shaped petals. Copper jewellery is fast becoming my most worn jewellery metal. The colour is amazing and goes so well with most looks including the nude look, a fashion trend that is always in style it seems. So Munique’s copper and brass heliconia copper earrings is my go to piece when it comes to earrings and can be worn summer after summer after summer not to mention all year round.
Handmade flower brooches and necklaces
Flower brooches are fast becoming a must have fashion accessory having been popularized by no other than Michelle Obama on the campaign trail to becoming the first lady. Eccentric fashion diva Carrie Bradshaw of Sex and the City popularity has also been pictured wearing flower brooches and lately Marc Jacobs in his latest spring summer 2011 collection used huge fabric flowers and corsages to accessorize his collection from head to toe; in the hair and around his models waists and necks.
