Simple Chain Link Necklace

Kincaidesigns Photo: Chain Link Necklace with Peach Handmade Glass Beads, Peach Pearls, Swarovski Crystals and 14kt Gold Fill. Price $136.00, Buy Now. (This is not an "add to cart" button, it will redirect you to the products page at www.kincaidesigns.com)

Simple Chain Link Necklace

This handmade necklace design is without any bells and whistles (figuratively and literally). While these handmade necklace designs may vary in lengths and have up to two strands, there are no drops or pendants present. The simple handmade necklace designs work well with almost any neckline and may be worn to compliment other "chain link with drop (aka Y-Necklace)" or "chain link with pendant" necklaces, which will be described in the next article. Of course, they can also be worn alone, and they look magnificent.

All of the necklace designs use either sterling silver or 14kt gold fill wire and some also use matching chain in between the handmade glass beads, Swarovski crystals, pearls and semiprecious stones. All handmade necklaces are secured with a clasp. Depending on the intended length, some necklace may have an extension. These extensions are usually added to shorter necklaces, as it can be difficult to predict the neck size that necklace design will end up with. All extension are embellished with matching beads, bring the whole necklace design together as one.

At this time all of the double strand chain link necklaces are designed to be worn as two strands. What do I mean? New designs are coming to Kincaidesigns in "great lengths", which can be worn as the trendy long double strand necklace or a shorter triple strand necklace. The design is basically one long necklace, also known as the Opera Necklace (26-34 inches in length) or the Rope Necklace (longer than the Opera Necklace). This style may end up having a category of its own, however, at this time they will be with the chain link necklaces. Not only can they be worn as 2, 3 or even 4 strand necklaces, they can also be wrapped around your wrist as a multiple strand bracelet. Now THAT is versatility.

No matter which way you wear it, the chain link necklace is a must have in your jewelry box. Compliment other necklaces, wear it alone, wrap it around your wrist, or make up a fashion statement of your own.

To find your chain link necklace, visit the handmade jewelry boutique at www.kincaidesigns.com. You'll find a variety of chain link necklaces along with more great handmade necklace styles. Keep checking back so see what's new at the online jewelry boutique, or sign up for the monthly newsletter to stay better informed of new designs and special offers.

Kincaidesigns Photo: Double Strand Chain Link Necklace with Yellow and Clear Handmade Glass Beads, Pearls and 14kt Gold Fill. Price $110.00, Buy Now. (This is not an "add to cart" button, it will redirect you to the products page at www.kincaidesigns.com)

Buy Unique Handmade Jewelry: Handmade Necklace • Handmade Bracelet • Handmade Earrings • Handmade Rings • Handmade Pendants • Handmade Bridal Jewelry • Handmade Seasonal Jewelry • Handmade Glass Beads • Handmade Glass Art • Visit the Online Handmade Jewelry Boutique...

Necklace Styles-Chain Link with Drop

Well, we've already discussed the handmade triple strand necklace in the previous article. The next handmade necklace style you'll find in the Kincaidesigns Necklace Boutique is the Chain Link Necklace with Drop.

Chain Link with Drop
For more simple and delicate handmade jewelry, the chain link with drop necklaces are the perfect choice. This necklace is otherwise known as the Y-necklace due to the shape, however, many people aren't aware of this necklace type. These necklaces are constructed using sterling silver or 14kt gold fill chain and embellished with Swarovski Crystals, handmade glass beads, pearls and semiprecious stones. The drop itself acts as a unique pendant. Each drop is different based on the necklace, some have clustered dangles, others have 2-3 drops, while the most standard chain link with drop necklace in the Kincaidesigns collection has one drop with a matching bead combination finishing off the piece as seen in the photograph. These necklaces can be paired with matching chain link necklaces to create a double or triple strand necklace, which is a stunning evening look or even a trendy everyday look. Wearing multiple strand necklaces is a huge trend right now, one of many trends that the jewelry designers are hoping will stay around for awhile.

(Kincaidesigns Photo) Handmade Blue/Grey Chain Link Necklace with Drop
The Y-Necklace, or Drop necklace featured in this article features a more neutral color combination of Navy, Blue and Gray. Embellished with handmade glass beads including Gray glass bead and acid etched blue glass beads, Navy Swarovski Crystals and sterling silver, this unique handmade necklace can be worn with anything from jeans and a t-shirt to your favorite eveningwear. Either way, this is a versatile practical addition to your jewelry collection.

To shop for your own chain link necklace with drop or any other jewelry, visit the Kincaidesigns Jewelry Boutique. You'll not only find these unique chain link necklaces with a drop, but you'll also find matching jewelry sets, bracelets, earrings, rings, pendants, seasonal jewelry, baby jewelry, bridal jewelry, handmade glass beads, handmade glass ornaments, wine charms, keychains and more! Shop for Handmade Jewelry!

Why buy from an Online Jewelry Designer?

Why buy from an Online Jewelry Designer?

Why should you buy your jewelry from an online jewelry retailer instead of shopping at your local jewelry shop where you can touch, feel, and try on the jewelry? You might think it's a no brainer, however, I would encourage you to give your online jewelry retailer a chance. You just might be pleasantly surprised at the unique jewelry designs and consistent high quality you'll find online, not to mention better pricing.

Handcrafted vs. Mass Produced

Most of the jewelry you'll find at your local fashion retailer has been mass produced and the jewelry you'll find from online jewelry designer is usually handcrafted. While some people don't appreciate the quality and value of a unique handmade piece of jewelry, other thrive on it. There are many reasons to shop online for handcrafted jewelry verses mass produced jewelry at your local fashion retailer. For example, when a jewelry product is mass produced, the biggest concern for the manufacturer is their bottom line. How much money will each piece cost them and low can they get their costs? This could mean the compromise of quality materials and assembly, which means you need to ask yourself if the metal is sterling silver or nickel, or, are the pearls on this necklace real? However, when a designer is constructing their jewelry designs by hand, they have complete control over each piece, it's quality and materials, and each piece is approved by the designer because it was crafted by their own hands. All the jewelry at www.kincaidesigns.com is handcrafted by the artist, Holly Kincaid, and uses only quality materials and precious metals. To shop for your own unique handmade jewelry online visit www.kincaidesigns.com.

How does buying more expensive handcrafted jewelry online mean greater savings?

When you buy from your online jewelry designer you are paying for the jewelry and for a very small percentage of their overhead costs. An online jewelry designer doesn't have nearly as much overhead as your local fashion retailer. Your online jewelry retailer has to pay for their website store front, advertising fees and materials to make their jewelry. Most online jewelry retailers work from their home, so they are using their home utilities and they don't have to pay for studio space. It's true that as an online jewelry retailer grows, so does the need for more space, however, studio space vs. store front space is a huge difference in rent.

A local jewelry retailer with a store front has to pay rent for their location, which is usually the most expensive of their overhead costs, salaries for their employers, advertising costs, licensing fees, utilities, wholesale merchandise and much more. In addition to these overhead costs, the merchandise itself is passed through many hands before it reaches the retailer. The manufacturer has sold their merchandise to a wholesaler, who then sells the merchandise to the retailer, who then displays the merchandise to sell to you, the customer. In many cases, the prices are doubled at each stage, starting from the manufacturer.

So, as for your savings...When you buy your jewelry from your online jewelry retailer, you are technically buying straight from the manufacturer, also known as the designer. You will find that materials and assembly aren't compromised and the amount of money you are paying for your jewelry is much closer to the actual cost of making the jewelry. Yes, your online jewelry retailer is making a profit because it is their business. However, they aren't selling their jewelry to anyone before it reaches you. You might be paying more for handcrafted jewelry, but you are paying for your handcrafted jewelry instead of price inflation, your local fashion retailer's rent and advertising costs on an add you never even saw. Therefore you are getting the quality of jewelry that you are paying for. In addition, since each piece is originally handcrafted, you are guaranteed a truly unique piece of jewelry that will serve as a keepsake for years to come. To shop for your own unique handcrafted jewelry, visit www.kincaidesigns.com.

Small Business vs. Big Business

When you buy from a small online jewelry business you are going to receive the personal attention you deserve as a customer. In many cases you may hear directly from the designer when you place an order and you wont feel like a number in a huge array of orders. Unlike a large business or department store, a small online business can offer great customer service, which will result in a higher customer satisfaction. When you are buying unique handmade jewelry that will serve as a one-of-a-kind accessory in your collection, you want the personal attention that a small business can give you. In addition, you will probably find out about the designers background, or exactly how each piece of jewelry was made, which adds character and greater personal value to your purchase. Custom orders are a common service through online jewelry retailers. If they don't offer custom orders on their website, send them an email. You might be pleasantly surprised at what they can offer you. To see what www.kincaidesigns.com can offer, visit the Unique Handmade Jewelry website.

Online Shopping Tips

There isn't a better place to buy unique handmade jewelry than directly from the jewelry designer. You will find the quality and value you are looking for in addition to a truly unique piece of jewelry for your collection. Below are some tips for buying jewelry from your online jewelry retailer.

• Check out their return policy: If you can't return the jewelry you might not want to order from them. Many return policies have restrictions, such as keeping all tags on the jewelry or returning the jewelry in the original packaging. These policies are to protect the designer from a customer purchasing the jewelry for one occasion and returning the jewelry once the occasion is over. This is an understandable return policy because most online retailers aren't loaning jewelry out, they are a business and they are selling their jewelry.

• Have the designer insure your package. This may cost you more in shipping, but it's worth the extra to guarantee your package will arrive to you safely or it can be easily replaced. Simply request insurance in the comments or special instructions upon checkout. An additional cost may be added to your order for insurance, if you would like to be notified of the extra cost of insurance before your credit card is charge, note that in the comments or special instructions upon checkout as well.

• Never send your credit card information over email. Always use the online retailer checkout process and check for the security pad lock in your browser window when you check out. This ensures that your information is being sent over a secure server. This pad lock may only show up when you check out, it's not on all the pages of their website. This is fine, only the pages that you are entering your sensitive information is necessary. You can find out more information about Payment and Privacy Policies on most e-commerce websites. This information should be available to you. If you can't find it, request that information or shop elsewhere.

• If there is a guarantee on their website, print it out. All return policies, warranties and guarantees are subject to change. If you print out the return policy, warranties and guarantees when you make your purchase, the online retailer should honor those documented policies.

• Remember, if you have any questions about anything on an e-commerce website, you should be able to contact them easily. If you can't find a method of contact you probably shouldn't be dealing with them. Every reliable online retailer should allow their customers to contact them. Many online retailers don't want to receive phone calls because their phone would ring off the hook, but you should always be able to email the designer or an associate.

Kincaidesigns is a unique online jewelry boutique for handmade jewelry for bridal, formal and casual everyday wear. If you would like to shop for your own Unique Handmade Jewelry, visit www.kincaidesigns.com. All the jewelry at www.kincaidesigns.com is handmade using lampwork beads, handcrafted by the artist, Holly Kincaid, Swarovski Crystals, Semiprecious stones, pearls, sterling silver and gold fill materials. You'll find unique gifts for yourself and family and friends. Easy online ordering, gift certificates available, FREE shipping available.

Buy Unique Handmade Jewelry: Handmade Necklace • Handmade Bracelet • Handmade Earrings • Handmade Rings • Handmade Pendants • Handmade Bridal Jewelry • Handmade Seasonal Jewelry • Handmade Glass Beads • Handmade Glass Art • Visit the Online Handmade Jewelry Boutique...

Swarovski Crystals

What is a Swarovski Crystal?

Swarovski Crystal is the brand name for the range of precision cut crystal glass produced by companies owned by Swarovski AG of Feldmeilen, near Zurich, Switzerland. Austrian glass cutter and jeweller, Daniel Swarovski (1862-1956), began cutting multi-faceted crystals at the end of the 19th century creating new opportunities for jewelry makers everywhere. In 1892 he invented the automatic cutting machine creating new dimensions to raw crystals. Then in 1895, Daniel Swarovski established a crystal cutting factory in Wattens, which marks the beginning of the Swarovski Company.

How are Swarovski Crystals Made?
Swarovski Crystal is manufactured from a man made raw material and does not occur naturally. The formula for these man made crystals was perfected by Daniel Swarovski and his three sons. The crystals contain 32% lead to maximize refraction, which categorized Swarovski crystals as a "fully leaded crystal." Although lead can be a toxic substance, wearing leaded crystal jewelry does not pose a health risk.

When these raw materials are produced, they are cut and polished using the superior techniques invented by Daniel Swarovski. Swarovski Crystals are unmatched in quality and brilliance. No competitor has come close to the sharp facet angels, symmetry and exceptional sparkle of the Swarovski Crystal. They are considered the "Diamond of the Crystal Market."

How are Swarovski Crystals used?
Swarovski Crystals are used in crystal sculptures and miniatures, jewelry and couture, home decor, chandeliers, beads and rhinestones. They are the most popular element and crystals used in jewelry today. Their increasing demand has lead to the hundreds of shapes, colors, sizes and finishes. The Swarovski company has been able to replicate the colors of semiprecious and precious gemstones such as Amethyst, Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite, Topaz and many more. The abundance in selection available from Swarovski Crystals has paved the way for unique handmade creations and jewelry everywhere.

Kincaidesigns is proud to use Swarovski Crystals in their unique handmade jewelry designs. The Swarovski Crystal is a valuable and unique accent to the glass beads, semiprecious stones and pearls we use in our jewelry designs. We invite you to shop at the Glass Art and Handmade Jewelry Shop at Kincaidesigns for your Unique Swarovski Crystal embellished handmade jewelry.

Go Shopping for Unique Handmade Jewelry using Swarovski Crystals: Handmade Necklaces • Handmade Bracelets • Handmade Earrings • Handmade Rings • Handmade Pendants • Handmade Bridal Jewelry • Handmade Seasonal Jewelry • Handmade Baby Jewelry • Handmade Jewelry Gift Certificates • Visit the Online Handmade Jewelry Boutique...