Jewelry Inspiration
I’m taking a class in jewelry design and metalsmithing, which starts next Monday. I decided it would be a good idea to have something in mind that I want to make, so I searched Etsy for things that I love. I tried to find things that are actually fabricated from metal instead of just beaded or pieced together. I actually had a harder time that I expected finding pieces that I thought were really unique and inspiring. I found some really nice pieces with beautiful gemstones in plain bezels, but didn’t include them unless they were really unique somehow. I didn’t spend too long searching for things that incorporated watch parts or gears, because it just irritates me how little is being done in that vein that is original at all. It’s somewhat infuriating to see shops with pieces that obviously took no more effort than attaching a found watch part to a chain or a premade adjustable ring, and then selling tons of them for rather a high price. (Sour grapes? Righteous indignation at an apparent lack of originality being rewarded?) Anyway, here are some lovely things that I found…some common threads seem to be texture, a feeling of organic-ness, drilled holes or other patterns…
Rustic Moonstone band by Silver Sparrow Designs (I love the combination of the moonstone with the oxidized, textured silver)
Fossil Dream by silvervine (great fossil in an interesting setting)
Inger Spinner ring by lunaticart (fun and textural!)
Circuitry by aprilkawaoka (I love the patterns in circuit boards- works really well here in ring form)
Nevada Variscite necklace by mcfarlanddesigns (beautiful stone- nice shape and color. I like that the bezel is textured to complement the stone instead of being perfectly smooth)
Starscape ring by bddesigns (I like how texture was added both by drilling and by adding material.)
icicle pendant by sirenjewels (I like the shape and how the metal encases the beads)
Bubbles Bubbles Everywhere ring by MikeandMary (more drilled texture, and I like how the pattern seems regular at a glance but is actually random.)
lunar flash blue labradorite pendant by nectarjewelry (more drilled holes- make this piece unique)
Spikulum Pendant with sapphires by amieplante (cool organic feeling to this one!)
Tree Necklace by SarahHoodJewelry (more organic-ness. This one is so cool. I probably couldn’t wear it though, I bet it’s poky)
Canary Yellow Giant Marble Necklace by barebumstudio (this one reminds me of my teenaged experiments with making necklaces from marbles and wire. I would heat marbles in the toaster oven, then drop them into ice water so they would crackle.)
Two Gear Necklace by katrinbird (A nice combination of watch parts and fabrication. Definitely something I want to explore)
Dino Ring by organick (the silver bubbles on the side make this a really interesting ring)
Silver-plated fork bracelet by erinschock (I tried to find some examples of jewelry made from utensils that were unique. I have a ring made from a spoon handle, and there are tons of such things on Etsy. I thought this bracelet was really clever.)
Fork Pendant by doctorgus (Another unique use of cutlery. I like how the tines have been woven together).
Galactic Ring by missyindustry (Looks like part of a retro spaceship or something. Awesome)
Cretian- Quartz Druzy Ring by MidwestAlchemy (I love this one. Very textural and organic.)
Silver Relic Pendant by StudioDax (Nice patina/oxidization/texture- looks like the moon)
Constellation Cuff by NixeNitz (More drilled holes! I really like what an interesting shadow it casts too.)
Amethyst Bubbles Pendant by metalology (beautiful simplicity and assymetry.)
