Totally One of a Kind

We all like to think that we are unique individuals, making our path in this world - blazing our own trails of individuality. Shouldn't our jewelry and accessories accentuate those trails? I think so.

These days, the cookie cutter variety of jewelry is so banal as to make me yawn everytime I see it - the trendy looks that everyone wears. You've seen them: the two birds meeting at the center of the necklace - been done. The silver rolo chain necklace with the heart and clasp in the front - over cooked. The masses of crystal earrings that everyone in the craft world can make - is there anyone NOT making their own jewelry?

If you truly have moved beyond the teen/tween years into adulthood and you do enjoy having your own style instead of trying to match what is in the latest addition of your favorite fashion magazine I would recommend something in the lampwork area.

Lampwork beads are amazingly handmade out of glass. There are many varieties and the quality can certainly vary depending on where they are purchased. Even the local craft store sells the commercially made lampwork beads and some are OK but again, not the trailblazing original that I'm speaking of.

Check out a You Tube video on the subject to see lampwork beads handcrafted by true artisans. It will take you back to the days of the blacksmith when people sat over fire and actually crafted out a piece of art. There are many glass products that they choose from and each design is as original as it's artist - the colors, the mixtures, the bumps or textures on the bead itself.

The beads tend to be expensive because of the labor involved in the process as well as the expertise and training it takes to make them. To me, it's worth the expense because when you get a great, original product you can then have a totally one of a kind piece of jewelry made from it. There would be a guarantee that you will never show up wearing the same "look" as someone else at whatever function or event you attend. Once you find the style you like, it even speaks volumes of your artistic expression or tastes. You can find abstract, floral, bugs and critters or beautiful classic patterns with even silver tones to it. All unique.

jensjewelry.etsy.com has several lampwork pieces available in necklaces and earrings. The colors are wonderful - bright blues, muted lilacs and some red colors and even an amazingly created sunflower. I don't make the lampwork myself - that's not my talent. But I purchase them from other Etsy vendors and create totally one of a kind jewelry just for you.