Tips For Buying Handmade Silver Jewelry

There is no doubt that silver jewelry is one of the most wanted varieties these days. Because of this, there are more than enough jewelry makers, but the need for it still increases. Along with the creation of newer designs come the creations of new establishments that cater to the needs of the people.

The market dictates that jewelry must be beautiful and should personify the look that its buyer wants, lest it will not be marketable. However, this is not limited to the kinds of jewelry that upper society deems. Handmade silver jewelry is also a good business, because it requires a small capital to begin operation. The products are sold for a small amount, but with the high demand for them, there is no doubt that they sell good.

Heather Benjamin Earrings

Fashion Jewelry: Designer Earrings

Wrought in sterling silver and 22K gold vermeil, inspired by cultural designs from native New Zealand, Bali, Samoa, Tahiti among others, Heather Benjamin's designer jewelry adorned with white drusy, turquoise, watermelon tourmaline and Peruvian opal and many other beautiful and natural stones. Heather Benjamin has partnered with a production facility in Bali, Indonesia, that shares in her belief of fair trade.


Moroccan Agate Hammered Earrings
Hammered and satin finished, handmade.
22k gold, 3 micron gold plating.
Natural Moroccan agate.
24mm wide
1.6" long
1.6" high
$295



Labradorite Hammered Earrings
Hammered and satin finished, handmade.
22k gold, 3 micron gold plating.
Natural labradorite.
18.9mm wide
1.5" long
1.5" high
$295



Pyrite Gold Plated Earrings
Hammered and satin finished, handmade.
22k gold, 3 micron gold plating.
Natural pyrite.
17.5mm wide
1.27" long
1.27" high
$295

See more HEATHER BENJAMIN JEWELRY at endless.com.

Heather Benjamin employees are given fair wages, women are hired at all levels of management and local communities are supported through development programs. One of Heather's designs, the "Peace Hook" of the native New Zealand Maori people, stands for peace, abundance, and tranquility. They believe this symbol is a talisman, keeping their fisherman safe while traveling above and below water.

Sydney Lynch Necklaces

Handcrafted Gemstone Jewelry

Handmade designer jewelry created by jewelry artist Sydney Lynch features contemporary earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, cufflinks and pins in 18k and 22k gold and sterling silver. From her studio based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sydney Lynch creates both her Designer Line and one of a kind pieces that include a variety of gemstones such as diamonds, opal, aquamarine, tourmaline, pearls, beryl, peridot and sapphire set in high karat gold and silver.


Artemis Necklace
Oxidized sterling silver, 18k gold, labradorite beads and citrine on 18" sterling chain
1 3/8" long.
$640



Oxidized Prairie Grass Necklace
Sterling silver and 18k and 22k gold pendant on 16" sterling chain
2.25" long.
$900



Persephone Necklace
Oxidized sterling silver, rock quartz bead and pearl on 18" sterling chain
1 5/8" long.
$460

See more SYDNEY LYNCH JEWELRY at sydneylynch.com.

Sydney Lynch Jewelry combines sculptural contemporary design with the highest quality craftsmanship to create a unique collection of wearable art. A nationally recognized designer for twenty-five years, Sydney's work has been exhibited at leading juried shows and is sold at fine craft galleries and jewelry stores across the country.

Lisa Ceccorulli Designer Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry: Necklaces

The shape of Lisa Ceccorulli's jewelry takes the form of stepping stones that were used to make walkways through ancient Japanese gardens. The stones, as well as some of the plants, were arranged in groups of three, five, and seven. To imitate the texture of those stones, Ceccorulli hammers the metal against a rock and then sandblasts it. The fused appliques of 22K gold reflect her interpretation of the elements in a landscape.


Brushed Sterling Silver Pendant
Hand-fabricated pendant of brushed sterling silver with 22k gold accents. Texture created by hammering, sandblasting and roll printing. Double sided with pattern on reverse side.
Pendant - 3/4"W x 1 1/2"L
Sterling silver chain - 31"
$280



Oxidized Sterling Silver Pendant
Hand-fabricated pendant of oxidized sterling silver with 22k gold accents. Texture created by hammering, sandblasting and roll printing. Double sided with pattern on reverse side.
Oxidized sterling cable - 16"
Pendant - 1"W x 1 1/4"L
$280



Sterling and 22K Gold Pendant
Hand-fabricated pendant of brushed sterling silver with 22k gold accents. Texture created by hammering, sandblasting and roll printing. Double sided with pattern on reverse side.
Sterling silver cable - 16"
Pendant - 1" x 1 3/4"
$340

See more LISA CECCORULLI JEWELRY at gallery5.com.

Today, Buddhist temples still have gardens based on the 3-5-7 design. The numbers have many spiritual meanings, including balance and harmony, and are believed to be positive omens. Through this collection, Lisa Ceccorulli tries to express the feeling of contentment and completeness that a Japanese garden can provide.

Suzanne Q Evon Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry: Earrings

With an emphasis on texture, Suzanne Q Evon incorporates sterling silver, 24k fused gold, 18k gold vermeil, 18k tubing, and subtle diamond accents. Her work reflects a love for ancient metalwork and architecture. By using a variety of techniques, including reticulation, anti-clastic raising, acid etching, granulation, roller printing and the ancient art of Keum-Boo, Evon creates each piece as a rich metal tapestry.


Triple Acid Etched Disk Earrings
Dangle earrings with 3 acid-etched 18k gold vermeil disks.
Dimensions: 3.0in L.
$198



Black and Gold Tube Hoops
Oxidized sterling silver hoops with 18k gold vermeil and oxidized sterling tubes.
Dimensions: 0.63in diameter.
$70


Keum-Boo Disk Earrings
Reticulated and oxidized sterling silver disks fused with 24k gold.
Dimensions: 0.63in diameter.
$95

See more SUZANNE Q EVON JEWELRY at artfulhome.com.

While attending Parsons School of Design, Evon discovered that her greatest skill was in wax carving. After ten years of production, the artist realized that she needed to expand her skills to move in a new artistic direction. Evon began studying privately with a master metalsmith and continues this study today. In her Treasures Collection, each component is a small, individual sculpture, linked to the next with chain, and often features recycled and reclaimed metal shown in a new way.

Paige Novick Jewelry

Handmade Jewelry: Necklaces

New York-based jewelry designer Paige Novick knows a thing or two about what stylish girls want. That would be colorful accessories that offer a whole lot of sparkle. Heavy metals, fine golds, semiprecious stones and Tahitian pearls come together to create a look that is at once strong, confident, flirtatious and seductive. The designer's artistic influences range from architecture to Abstract Expressionism.


Multi-Chain Necklace
• Multi-chain brass necklace with gunmetal and 18-karat gold plating.
• Multicolor hematite stones.
• 26"L.
$625



Quartz Link Necklace
• Gunmetal pewter links and chain.
• Clear rough quartz stones.
$500



Link Bib Necklace
• Gunmetal and rhodium-plated pewter.
• Tangled link bib.
• S-hook clasp.
• 24 1/2"L.
$465

See more PAIGE NOVICK JEWELRY at neimanmarcus.com.

The Paige Novick collection offers pieces made from resin which offer the cool look of broken glass but none of the weight. Featuring sculptural designs including cocktail rings, necklaces, earrings and cuffs infused with bold shots of color, Novick's work is unique and innovative. One of the most unusual aspect of Paige’s designs is her insignia: a sweetly sculpted snail found on most of her pieces.

Ashley Pittman Designer Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry: Bracelets

The Ashley Pittman Collection reinterprets the power and simplicity expressed in the shapes and textures of centuries-old African jewelry. The collection features natural horn carved by a women's cooperative, fair-trade semiprecious gemstones, bronze and other materials indigenous to East Africa, producing horn, bronze and gemstone jewelry handcrafted by local artisans in Kenya.


Studded Light Horn Bangle
• Natural light horn.
• Approximately 2"W.
• Allover bronze studs.
$395



Hazy Cuff Bracelet
• Wide cuff crafted in natural light horn.
• Logo detail on inner band.
• Fits up to 6 3/4" wrist.
$365



Mixed-Charm Chain Bracelet
• Assorted charms including an East African coin, star, wooden beads, and horn drop.
• Hook-and-eye clasp closure.
• Fits up to 7 1/2" wrist.
• Link chain bracelet.
• Bronze hardware.
$385

See more ASHLEY PITTMAN JEWELRY at neimanmarcus.com.

Ashley Pittman donates 10% of all profits to help fund the operation of a health center and school in rural Kenya in an area particularly hard hit by prolonged drought. Pittman fell in love with the East African landscape and the people she met there while working for the Clinton Foundation's HIV/AIDS Initiative in Rwanda. It was here the idea for a jewelry line was born. She searched for many months for skilled artisans to complete her vision of horned jewelry design and production.

Martha Sullivan Designer Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry: Earrings

Martha Sullivan has a unique affinity for containers, and embodied in her creations is a sense of small holding spaces. She handcrafts these wearable treasures using sterling silver and gold, with accents of precious stones and pearls. Her designs are stamped with signature Sullivan patterns, with the finished pieces oxidized to enhance both texture and form.


Bimetal Gold Burst Earrings
Earrings, fabricated in sterling silver and gold bimetal, featuring a hand-stamped pattern on both sides. Dimensions: 0.5in diameter. Available in small and large.
$110-$120



Silver and Gold Coin Earrings
Sterling silver disks stamped with the artist's Origami pattern and accented with 18K bimetal on sterling silver ear wires or post backs. Dimensions: 1.0in W x 1.375in L.
$185



Large Alt Hoop Earrings
Slightly beveled sterling silver ovals on sterling silver ear wires.
Dimensions: 1.375in W x 2.0in L.
$120

See more MARTHA SULLIVAN JEWELRY at artfulhome.com.

Blending traditional and exotic influences, Martha Sullivan draws inspiration from ancient civilizations to modern architecture. As the artist says, "My designs reflect the duality innate in most lovers of artisan-crafted jewelry - balancing the exotic with timeless grace and authenticity."

Connie Verrusio Designer Jewelry

Handcrafted jewelry

Where others see outmoded technologies and broken machines, Connie Verrusio sees jewels waiting for the right setting. Her brother traces this attribute to when she was a child and chased the telephone trucks asking for scrap wire. Verrusio's jewelry career began in earnest when she moved to New York City and found a dusty store in Chinatown filled top to bottom with mechanical detritus. She never left without a small bag of treasures. This kicked off a jewelry career focused around the beauty of utilitarian objects.


Antique Watch Dial Bracelet
Bracelet fabricated from sterling silver and antique watch dials. Fold over clasp. Watch faces will vary as each piece is slightly unique. Dimensions: 0.5in H x 7.5in L.
$260



Electric Terminal Lug Pin
This unique brooch is fabricated using brass Electric Terminals. Dimensions: 3.0in diameter.
$140



Spiked Silver and Brass Cuff
This eye-catching cuff is fabricated using sterling silver and brass lock pins. These pins, part of the mechanism to prevent a lock from opening without the correct key, create a dramatic all-over pattern. The longest pin is 0.25". Interior circumference of the cuff is 6.5"l. Dimensions: 0.75in W x 6.5in L.
$450

See more CONNIE VERRUSIO JEWELRY at artfulhome.com.

Corazon Latino Designer Jewelry

Sterling Silver Necklaces

Corazon Latino Jewelry was founded in 2004, inspired by a passion for unusual jewelry. Their current Mexican Silver Collection is made by brothers Jorge and Luis Estrada, Jaime Ortiz, and one of the few female artisans in Taxco, Mexico, Alicia Fuentes. Jorge and Luis specialize in high quality molded designs. Jorge and Luis are second generation silversmiths with over 50 years experience between them. Jaime Ortiz specializes in the intricate handmade pieces.


Diadem Hilltribe Silver Necklace
Made by the Karen Hilltribe people of Northern Thailand, 18 silver cages separated by clusters of handmade silver flowers and finished with a hammered T-bar clasp.
$310



Amors Silver Filigree Heart Necklace
A beautiful silver filigree heart on an adjustable black suede lace.
$132



Electra Giant Hilltribe Silver Necklace
This breathtaking necklace is handmade by the hilltribe people of Northern Thailand using 99% pure silver, and weighs 167g.
$613

See more CORAZON LATINO JEWELRY at corazonlatino.com.

Corazon Latino started with only twenty silver designs. Now, five years and five ranges later, they have more than seventy designs. Silver making in Taxco, Mexico, tends to be carried out by craftsmen who work on a freelance basis for various designers and companies. There is a huge variation in skill and experience (and price), with many artisans taking the safe route of making standard mass produced pieces for larger companies. Corazon Latino constantly employs the same silver craftsmen so you can be assured that their quality is the same throughout.

Samantha Wills Handcrafted Jewelry

Designer Jewelry: Bracelets

Raised on the beaches of Australia's East Coast, Samantha Wills moved to Sydney and established her accessories company when she was just 21 years old. Inspired by her jet-set lifestyle, Samantha's handcrafted designer jewelry exudes her unique style. The label enjoys the loyal support of glamorous customers the world over, including Eva Mendes, Kate Bosworth, Rihanna, Kate Hudson, and Jennifer Lopez.


Onyx Armour Bracelet
Square gold-plated link bracelet features large round black onyx stones.
Inner Diameter: 56mm
Width: 37mm
$270



Cross the Line Bangle
Solid pewter hinged bangle featuring black colored resin stones with enamel detailing and magnetic clasp, hand plated antique gold.
Inner Diameter: 60mm
Bangle Width: 31mm
$240



Xanadu Cuff - Gold
Features chain soldered into a cuff and hand-set with faceted imitation turquoise stones and metallic gold plating. Adjustable.
$198

See more SAMANTHA WILLS JEWELRY at samanthawills.com.

The Samantha Wills brand is not a follower but has its own confident style. Her creative talent, modelling background and media training have been the driving force behind her success. She is Inspired by world travels, culture and life experiences. Samantha travels to different parts of the world 8 months of the year, and also divides her time between her homes in Sydney and New York City.

Elements Jill Schwartz Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry: Necklaces

Elements Jill Schwartz designer jewelry, frames, and photo albums that designs, are a natural synthesis of her training as a graphic artist and an interior designer. They incorporate her love and knowledge of ancient and ethnic arts and are artfully handcrafted. Her fascination with jewelry was evident at an early age. Her jewelry business began to prosper, requiring full time attention... and so Elements was born.


Sunflower Burst
Plated brass, embroidered flower, aquamarine.
Adjustable length from 25.5"-28.5"
$96



Gold Tokens
Adjustable length from 16"-19"
Plated brass findings.
$114



Love Song
Mother of pearl, crystal, glass beads, bead and sequin applique, antique gold plate.
Adjustable length from 23.00-25.50"
$138

See more ELEMENTS JILL SCHWARTZ DESIGNER JEWELRY at elementsjillschwartz.com

Schwartz was forbidden to have pierced ears until the age of sixteen. So at three years old, she resorted to gluing beads to her earlobes. Like her jewelry, Schwartz's talents combine different elements. She has an undergraduate degree in interior design from Cornell University and studied for a master's degree in graphic design at Pratt Institute. It was this schooling along with her trip to Europe that afforded her the confidence to start her own business.

Idelle Hammond-Sass Necklaces

Handcrafted Designer Jewelry

Fine Art Jewelry by Idelle Hammond-Sass features creative designs in gold and silver, with unique gems and pearls. She creates jewelry out of sterling silver and 18K gold. If the piece is cast, a model is first made in sterling. Fabricated pieces begin as sterling silver that is roller-printed with handmade paper from India. Hammond-Sass then rolls sterling wire and gold sheet over etched brass plates of her own design, creating a richly patterned surface.


Circle Silver and Gold Pendant
Hollow-formed pendants hand-fabricated from sterling silver and 18K yellow gold are accented with freshwater pearls on a 16" sterling silver snake chain. Choose circle, triangle or square.
16.0in L x 0.25in D x 0.5in diameter
$153



Leafy Branch Necklace
Pendant of three leaves on a graceful branch of sterling silver. Leaf forms are hollow sterling with an 18k yellow gold textured top. Cast and fabricated. Comes with a 20" sterling snake chain.
3.0in H x 0.75in W x 0.5in D
$348



Silver and Gold Pearl Pendant
Hand-fabricated and roller-printed sterling silver and 14K gold pendant set with rhodolite garnet, blue iolite and pearl. Suspended on a sterling silver chain.
1.5in H x 1.25in W x 18.0in L
$267

See more IDELLE HAMMOND-SASS JEWELRY at artfulhome.com.

As a child, Idelle Hammond-Sass collected pieces of broken glass, seeing them as diamonds and emeralds. This fascination with stones stuck with her. Now she enjoys playing with the various combinations of textures and colors of gemstones, doing all of the stone setting herself. Hearkening back to those days of collecting broken-glass emeralds.

Molly Strader Designer Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry: Necklaces

Growth, transformation of form, and momentum of line are the basis of the works Molly Strader creates. The circle and the disk represent the potential for life and hidden energy, which are at the heart of her creations. Strader uses silver and gold for the domed disks because of the clean, warm, reflective surfaces they provide. The disk forms are hollow and each half is hand hammered, raised, and soldered together.


Molly Strader Central Goodness Necklace
18K Gold and Sterling Silver
$700



Molly Strader Meteor Shower
Sterling Silver
$700



Molly Strader Disk Lariat
Sterling Silver
$300

See more MOLLY STRADER JEWELRY at mollystrader.com.

Molly Strader was born in Sylvania, Ohio in 1979, and currently resides in Key West, Florida. She obtained her Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with a major in metalsmithing and a minor in ceramics in May 2004. Ms. Strader graduated Magnum Cum Laude, and with Departmental Honors from the University of Toledo, Department of Art. Growing up Ms. Strader was surrounded with art; her mother was a painter, and interested in cultural arts of the Native Americans and other native cultures.

Elisa Bongfeldt Designer Jewelry

Handcrafted Jewelry: Rings

Elisa Bongfeldt's jewelry is made of freshwater pearls, sterling silver and 22K bimetal - double-sided metal composed of two different types of metal that have been rolled and fused together. Over the past few years, she has used sterling silver tubing as inspiration, fabricating hollow forms.


Large Lace Ring
Sterling silver elements come together to form this conically shaped ring.
Dimensions: 1.25in diameter
$320



Stacking Rings with Gold Dots
A set of three stacking rings fabricated with sterling silver and 22K bimetal.
Dimensions: 0.375in W
$230



Oval Stacked Ring
Sterling silver elements come together to form this conically shaped ring, featuring a ring of 22k bimetal elements around the top.
Dimensions: 0.25"H x 1.25"L x 0.875"W
$320

See more ELISA BONGFELDT JEWELRY at artfulhome.com.

Bongfeldt strives for an elegant, modern look through simple shapes and repetition of form. Her influences range from machine parts to industrial design and architecture, bringing to her work a clean aesthetic. The use of pearls is meant to evoke ball bearings, while also referencing their inherent natural beauty.

Tabra Vintage Jewelry

Fashion Jewelry: Earrings

Tabra Tunoa, a leader in the Contemporary Ethnic style of Gypsy Jewelry, studied Mayan and Aztec art at the University of Mexico City and San Jose, Costa Rica, as well as jewelry design at the Masana Art Institute in Barcelona, Spain, in the 60s and 70s. In 1973, Tabra returned to the United States and began selling her handmade jewelry on the streets of Berkeley, California. All bracelets are formed by a sterling silver connector bracelet (band) locked together by a sterling and precious stone charm.


Tabra Vintage Star Amethyst Earrings
Shining stars, oval amethysts, royal blue and plum colored crystals comprise these gold filled post earrings. Measures 7/8" W x 2" L.
$180



Tabra Vintage Snakeskin Earrings
Embossed sterling silver post earrings with snakeskin triangles.
Decorated with puka shell discs, onyx and silver bead dangles.
Measures 1 7/8" W x 3 5/8" L.
$280



Tabra Vintage Lapis Earrings
Sterling silver shield shaped post earrings set with blue lapis. Embellished with lapis, sodalite, blue crystal beads and embossed sterling silver "feathers". Measures 1" W x 3" L.
$330

See more TABRA VINTAGE JEWELRY at rainbowbridgejewelers.com.

As the demand for her jewelry outgrew her capacity to produce it, she began to train young refugees from Asia and Central America to help in her workshop just north of San Francisco. Tabra continues to design jewelry today with as much enthusiasm as she did on the street so many years ago. She says she has no interest in ever retiring. Designing jewelry and helping women of the Third World will be her passions forever.

Anne Marie Chagnon Designer Jewelry

Handcrafted Designer Jewelry

Cherished for her ingenuity and original combinations, Anne Marie Chagnon sells her jewelry in Canada, Europe, the U.S. and Australia. Pewter, wood, resin and glass simultaneously reveal their primitive, sensual and joyous sides. The shapes are sometimes crude, sometimes minimalist, and yet they combine perfectly. Chagnon breaks new ground with cleverly designed pieces that can easily be transformed from necklace to bracelet to earrings.


Chagnon Miriro 05 Clear Bracelet
The long skinny pieces are just over 1.5" long and .25" wide. The circular discs are .75" diameter. The L shaped large clear acrylic pieces are 2" at the widest and almost 2.5" long. The rectangular pewter pieces are 1" long and .75" wide. The chunky beads are .5" wide and just over .25" wide. Standing, the bracelet is 1.75" tall (or as worn 1.75" wide).
$129



Chagnon Mintou Bracelet
This chunky Mintou bracelet features multiple pieces and widths. The 4 acrylic squares in shades of green are each .75" square, for a total composition of 1.75" x 1.75". The pewter pieces are 1" tall by .75" wide. The round acrylic discs are each .75" in diameter.
$114



Chagnon Miriro 08 Black & Clear Bracelet
The acrylic black (and one single clear) discs are .75" in diameter. The larger ridged pewter pieces are almost 1.75" long and almost .75" wide. Then there are also 2 pewter squares, each .75" wide and long.
$129

See more ANNE-MARIE CHAGNON JEWELRY at Christopher Park Gallery.

Surprising, yet perfectly crafted combinations - Anne Marie Chagnon surrounds herself with everything she needs to break away from everyday conformity. With a keen imagination, this fine arts graduate from the Université du Québec à Montréal is now easily recognized for her unique handmade jewelry that playfully push boundaries and showcase familiar materials in a new way.

Teno Designer Bracelets

Stainless Steel Designer Jewelry

TeNo (pronounced teeno) combines pure stainless steel with 18K gold, diamonds, sapphires, ceramics or rubber – to satisfy the wishes of demanding and fashion-conscious people. By combining high technology with meticulous craftsmanship, each individual piece of jewelry comes to life. TeNo master goldsmiths manually combine gold and stainless steel with gemstones and distinctive ceramic inlays.


YuKoN Bracelet with Various Elements
Bracelet with various brushed and polished steel elements, 3 black elements, 2 polished Mother-of-Pearl wave elements, and a white ceramic dangling coin element with the Japanese symbol for Prosperity, complete with rubber stoppers.
Upgraded 18mm barrel clasp.
Bracelet Thickness: 4mm
$935



Rubber Bracelet with Gold Element
Bracelet with one stainless steel and 18K yellow gold wave element
Polished and brushed elements surrounded by Rubber Elements
Basic clasp with a steel wire inside.
Clasp Thickness: 6.5 to 8mm
Bracelet Thickness: 4mm
Clasp Length: 20mm
$555



Steel Dykon Brown Leather Bracelet
Stainless Steel Dykon Brown Braided Leather Bracelet
Average women can wear a medium (19cm)
Average men can wear a large (21cm).
White Mother of Pearl on Clasp.
Clasp is 11mm x 22mm
$235

See more TENO STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY at teno.com.

TeNo designer jewelry is unisex - modular styled rings, pendants, necklaces, chains, designer bracelets and earrings. TeNo are proud that their very first creations are still in their collection - even after 10 years. And they are proud of their high-quality products. Made in Germany - one piece at a time. Each individual setting is milled into the stainless steel jewelry item – accurate to a hundredth. High-tech CNC technology produces linear shapes and guarantees accurately set gemstones.