Handmade Artisan Jewelry - An Assortment of Beautiful Gems

Handmade artisan jewelry is crafted with the highest quality semi precious gemstones and findings. Many popular gemstones used today are turquoise, jasper, garnets, peridot, jade, mother of pearl and tiger's eye. Artisan jewelry may also feature many variations of cultured freshwater pearls. Distinctive, exceptional, handmade jewelry may also highlight wire works and different styles of sterling silver or gold-filled chains.
Beautiful gemstones are come in all sizes, shapes and colors. The shapes may range from tiny chips, squares, rounds, triangles to large puffed, flat or irregular. The colors found in semi precious gemstones are endless. They may vary from a rainbow or sunset to the colors of the mountains, desert or oceans! Turquoise may be the traditional color or it may be green, yellow or variegated. Some of the many faces and color of jasper include landscape, poppy, African, picture, ocean, red jasper and silver leaf jasper. Jade is another gemstone of many colors such as green, light purple, black, red, amber and white. These many shapes and colors of semi-precious gemstones combined with beautiful findings create exceptional pieces of jewelry.
Cultured freshwater pearls also may be found in numerous shapes, sizes and colors. They may be natural or dyed in shades of green, blue, red, purple, gold or in a combination of colors. The pearls many shapes may be round, coin-like, rice, potato, square, petal, diamond or, stick. Artisans for many years have created gorgeous necklaces, bracelets and earrings with an array of freshwater pearls.
To hold the jewelry together and even embellish it, findings can be made of sterling silver, brass, pewter, or gold-filled bead caps, spacers, and bails found on or between the semi precious gemstones, cut glass, or crystals. These intricate pieces may be decorated with flowers, swirls or just about anything! Findings add to the individuality of each necklace, bracelet or pair of earrings.
In addition, handmade jewelry may be enhanced by wire. Different sizes and kinds of copper, sterling silver, or gold-filled wire, may be worked in designs and then strung with semi precious gemstones, cut glass or crystals. Artists may couple together beads with wire or may use wire to beautifully embellish gemstones and even pearls. The artists have never-ending possibilities with wire creations!
Cut glass or crystals may add more shape and color to a piece. More than one type of gemstone or pearl may be used to create a single gorgeous necklace, pretty bracelet or pair of attractive earrings. Given the many shapes, colors and sizes of these wonderful semi precious gemstones, freshwater pearls, and findings, artists create the most beautiful jewelry.