Artisan jewelry, also called handcrafted or homemade jewelry, is a refreshing alternative to store-bought jewelry. These items are crafted by individual artists, are unique in design, and often one of a kind items. Each jewelry piece is stamped with the designer's individual taste, flair and style. Artisan jewelry designs vary widely and include necklaces, pendants, earrings, bracelets, anklets and other items. They are crafted from precious and base metals, precious and semiprecious gemstones, pearls, bone, crystal, lampwork and seed beads, cord, ribbons and more.
A purchase of artisan jewelry can be that perfect gift for family or friends and is a smart way to coordinate and accent a wardrobe. With designs from simple to elaborate, and price ranges from inexpensive to luxurious, there truly is something for everyone in the world of artisan jewelry.
To find Artisan Jewelry, look under the EBay "Jewelry and Watches" category, then click on "Handcrafted, Artisan Jewelry." As you browse the listings, keep in mind a few key tips to help make a satisfactory selection.
Study the Photos:
Study all the photos. Can you clearly see the item? Does the pictured piece of jewelry match the item description? A quality photograph can reflect the quality of an artist's work. If they are proud enough of their work to use clear pictures, with good close-ups, then you are probably buying quality work.
Study the Description:
Hold that impulse to click on "Buy It Now!" Take time to read and know what you are buying. For example, if a necklace features silver beads, does the description state the type of beads? "Silver" might mean sterling silver, Bali silver, silver plated or plastic that is colored silver. Photographs of jewelry are usually close-ups and may not reflect the actual size of the beads or jewels, so check the description for the size of beads and components. Most bead sizes are given in millimeters; for comparison, 1/2" is approximately 12 mm. Make sure the item's length or size is listed. Know what you are getting.
Ignore the Hype:
You know those common ad words -- Stunning, Amazing, Wow, Rare, AAA+, Beautiful, Gorgeous. Well, what is stunning to the writer of that listing may not be stunning to the rest of us. An overblown description may not reflect the quality or artisanship of a particular piece of jewelry. Let the combination of the picture and the item's factual description tell the story. While gemstones are graded in A, B, C categories, take a claim of AAA+++ quality with a grain of salt. Common sense can be your guide here; if you sell a seller offering a "rare, unique, highest quality turquoise and sterling silver ring!" for five dollars, you are not getting a piece destined for the Smithsonian.
Check the About Me Page:
The "About Me" page should give information on the artist's background, their work, and their experience. Look for enough information to give you a feeling of confidence to bid and buy.
Scan Seller Feedback:
Look for positive feedback from the seller's customers. Do they have repeat satisfied customers? However, don't let a few negative comments turn you off. Comments about problems out of the artist's control, such as "I hated the color" or "I thought the beads would be bigger", when the size of the beads was listed, aren't really negative feedback.
Return Policy:
Do they offer a return policy? If you are dissatisfied, does the artist offer a refund of the purchase price? If not, do you feel comfortable buying from someone who doesn't stand behind the quality of their work or worry about their customer's satisfaction?
Your Homework:
Do a bit of homework. Before you buy, do some research to determine if the price is comparable to similar items listed for sale. A simple search through EBay listings and an internet search can help you understand the rarity of components and the uniqueness of an item. Keep in mind, that what you can't see in a picture or description, are the hours or even days of work put into a piece of jewelry. That final design is often the result of a piece being pulled apart multiple times and reworked until the artist had it just the way they wanted.
As you bid, balance the photos, the description, the feel you have for the artist's work and business policies, with that special attraction that makes you want to buy. That balance of information will help you determine what that piece of artisan jewelry is worth to you and how much you wish to spend.
Happy Jewelry Buying!
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