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If you are thinking macaroni necklaces and hippie style beaded earrings when you hear the term handcrafted jewelry, you have likely not spent any time at craft exhibitions and shows in the last few years. Handcrafted jewelry has really come into its own with a variety of different metals, styles, semi-precious gems and stones as well as non-traditional jewelry materials. Handcrafted jewelry is often a one of a kind item, making this an ideal gift idea for that hard to buy for person on your Christmas or birthday list. Handcrafted jewelry also is in high demand for bridal parties and special events as the wearer is sure to draw attention and comments on the unique jewelry they are wearing.

The internet has really brought handcrafted jewelry into is own. Artisans and jewelers from around the world are able to market their creations through the internet, literally entering into a global market with just the expense of hosting a website and uploading some digital photographs. Typically the websites provide a good cross section of what the craftsperson produced, but also allows you to communicate regarding custom designed pieces you may be interested in having made. Another great place to locate both handcrafted jewelry as well as the artisans themselves are the season handcraft shows that are commonly held around the Christmas season in most areas. This will provide you with a good idea of what is available locally, which can save additional shipping costs and time lags associated with internet transactions.

Many handcrafted jewelry items feature items such as gems, semi-precious stones or even polished rock that is native to the area where the craftsperson resides. Often this in itself creates the one of a kind quality of the jewelry as the materials themselves are not available in stores or in mass produced jewelry items. In addition handcrafted jewelry may also reset or use some of those odds and ends pieces you have in your jewelry box such as the single earrings, hopelessly bunched up gold and silver chains and even the rings that don't fit anymore and turn them into unique and new creations you can wear with pride.

Some handicraft artisans will also complete custom orders. This is a wonderful way to design your own jewelry with the help of someone that can provide ideas, assistance and typically will not charge as much as a custom designed piece from a jeweler. Of course there are handcrafted very exclusive items that you may want a designer to produce such as an engagement and wedding ring set or an anniversary or family band. Before going to a traditional jeweler however you may want to spend some time browsing around the internet to find out just what is available.

Beaded jewelry is still very popular, although the styles and materials have changed over the years. Modern beaded earrings, necklaces, bracelets and even anklets feature various types of precious and semi-precious gemstones, silver and gold decorative beads and really unique pieces of natural materials such as coral, crystal and shells. These items are both functional as well as beautiful and can typically be matched with traditional jewelry to give a very polished and high fashion appearance.

Amy Carrington is a fashion maven and an editor at http://www.SorellaJewelry.com Sorella creates personalized jewelry with the names, words, dates and Chinese symbols that matter to you.