Of the many types of jewelry that are in existence beaded jewelry has been around the longest. Beaded jewelry is a form of handmade costume jewelry, and the terms are mostly used in a mutually exchangeable fashion. History shows that even Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, used this jewelry whenever it pleased her to. So don’t look down on the items of beaded jewelry you see in stores and marketplaces.
Ancient cultures and civilizations used jewelry for religious and royal ceremonies. The public relied on less pretentious forms of jewelry, such as beaded jewelry for daily wear. The earliest examples of beads used as jewelry date back 70,000 years (source: National Geographic Society)!
Costume jewelry is so-called because it really does not put much emphasis or importance on the intrinsic value of the materials used, focusing instead on the appearance, the look of the jewelry. It is a style or fashion accessory, not a symbol of wealth or status. Hence costume jewelry has come to mean cheap jewelry, and vice versa. Trinkets, baubles, and bric-a-brac are common synonyms for costume jewelry. It is interesting to note that Columbus offered trinkets to the natives of the lands he visited as peace offerings, which were readily accepted, showing the power of attraction inherent in jewelry.
Making costume jewelry is a craft and an art. By its very definition, then, making costume jewelry is a creative activity. It is very simple to pick up. It is a great way to explore your latent creativity, and to give free rein to the aesthete in you.
You can source the materials required for this craft from the virtual world that is the Internet. Or, you can visit the local brick-and-mortar and get your supplies there.
Websites that specialize in beaded jewelry are a treasure house of resources for the beaded jewelry craftsperson. You will find that buying directly from the source falls cheaper.
Once you get your feet wet in this craft, and learn the ropes, the next step is to introduce this activity to your children. Children are very creative by nature, and they’ll enjoy themselves in making costume jewelry. Don’t be surprised if they turn out better artisans than their seniors!
Handmade costume jewelry is all the rage nowadays, especially if it is self-made! This is one of the reasons why costume jewelry making is rising in popularity. Since you make everything and then wear it yourself, you get total satisfaction with the process of making the jewelry, and with using it.
The range of beads that are available nowadays has served to make this craft even more popular. You can get beads in every form imaginable and in all shades, from pale pastels to iridescent solids!
Beaded jewelry can be applied directly to your dress. This increases the value of the dress that you’re wearing. Surprisingly, many people are buying clothes that will match their beaded jewelry!
Beaded jewelry and costume jewelry are very popular with today’s generation. Go with the flow and enhance your wardrobe with your own designer costume jewelry. All the material is readily available. Join a local craft group to get more support. Otherwise there’s always the Internet. People will really admire your aesthetic creativity and recognize you for your gift of style!
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