1000 Jewelry Inspirations

Announcing 1000 Jewelry Inspirations! It hasn't been released yet, but you can reserve a copy by ordering now. Actually, if you order early, you will save money. Amazon.com is offering the book for only $16.50 if you order your book before it's release. It's a great deal, the full price is $25.00. You save $8.50!

What is 1000 Jewelry Inspirations?

"A showcase of stunning jewelry bits and pieces, "bling" and embellishments, will feed the creative appetites of crafters and jewelry makers everywhere. This second craft collection will offer color, sparkle, texture, dimension, and clever, creative use of materials. One piece of jewelry might have several points of interest to be highlighted: an antique clasp, textured lampwork beads, and intricate knots." – Editorial Reviews from Amazon.com

Kincaidesigns.com is proud to announce that 4 handmade necklaces will be featured in this book, which is full of unique handcrafted jewelry, made from independent jewelry designers. I am very excited to see the book when it's complete, as are many other independent designers who have their unique handmade jewelry featured.

Order you copy from Amazon.com.

To shop for unique handmade jewelry, visit Kincaidesigns.com. You'll find handmade necklaces, handmade bracelets, handmade earrings, seasonal jewelry, baby jewelry, bridal jewelry, glass ornaments and many other handmade gifts. Go jewelry shopping now!

Decorate yourself this holiday season!

It’s here, the holidays are back. You’re probably dusting off the boxes of holiday decorations, getting ready to search for the perfect Christmas tree, and making your gift lists. In the middle of all the holiday bustle, don’t forget to add some sparkle to your holiday wardrobe. You’re decorating your house, your tree, and probably even your office space, it’s only fair that you buy some decorations for yourself. Consider holiday themed jewelry this year. At kincaidesigns.com we have holiday jewelry in silver, gold, red, green and icy whites. No, we’re not talking about snow-man earrings and Christmas tree pendants, actually, some of our jewelry can even be worn year round. Pair it with your favorite holiday dress or your festive holiday sweater, either way, we have the jewelry to make you sparkle.

Visit kincaidesigns.com to shop for unique handmade holiday jewelry.

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...

Affordable yet Elegant

We've discussed the Triple Strand Necklace and the Chain Link Necklace with a Drop. They have their names for the obvious reason, and the following necklaces also fell into their names. The necklace in todays post are great buys for gifts as well as yourself. Why? Well, they are on the cheaper end of the Kincaidesigns Handmade Jewelry Designs. They are affordable without compromising their materials.

Kincaidesigns Photo: Cluster Necklace Trio

Cluster Pendant Necklace

For a versatile and even more simple necklace choice, the cluster necklace is perfect. The cluster necklaces got there name from their obvious cluster of beads. These unique cluster pendants can be interchanged, if you want to buy three cluster pendants and only one chain, you have basically chosen 3 necklaces in 1. You can also wear other pendants from the Pendant Boutique at Kincaidesigns, simple string the pendant onto your chain and viola, you have yet another necklace. These necklace are the most simple and affordable jewelry for gifts in the Kincaidesigns Necklace Boutique.

Kincaidesigns Photo: Floating Necklace with Sage Green Glass Beads and Swarovski Crystals.

Floating Necklace

The floating necklace got it's name because the beads (almost) look as if they are floating around the neckline. Unlike other necklace designs which have this same effect, we use a beadalon stringing material which isn't clear, or completely transparent. However, because of the necklace design, the beadalon gives a unique quality in design to the necklaces, weaving in and out of the glass beads. While the stringing material isn't completely transparent, it is much less noticeable than chain or a thick cord or leather, therefore the name "floating necklace" stuck. These are also very popular and affordable as gifts. We are aware that gift giving can be expensive, especially when giving multiple gifts at a time. These are great for bridesmaid gifts and they can be custom made to match your wedding colors.

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-Triple Strand Necklace

Handmade Necklace Styles at Kincaidesigns

There are many different styles of necklaces, and while there are universal names for these styles, many jewelry designers make up their own names for the handmade necklace styles in their boutique. At Kincaidesigns, we use some universal names and other names we just made up, or we think we made up. I don't mean we've named handmade necklaces like "Julie" or "Maria", I mean we made up names that described each style of necklace, such as "Chain Link Necklace with Drop" otherwise known as a Y-necklace. This may sound boring, or clinical, but we wanted to be as descriptive as possible for our customers. Not everyone knows what a Y-Necklace is, or a Lariat or Opera necklace. So we made up our own names.

This article series will help you understand the names of each necklace style at Kincaidesigns. When you shop for necklaces, they are divided into categories. This information will guide your through the necklace boutique at Kincaidesigns Handmade Jewelry.

Triple Strand Handmade Necklace

When you arrive in the Handmade Necklace Boutique at Kincaidesigns, your see the Triple Strand Necklaces right away. These are, well, necklaces with three strands. Self explanatory. Most of the three strand necklaces are "strung" (opposed to chain link) and are adorned with handmade glass beads, Swarovski Crystals, pearls, semiprecious stones, and more unique beads. They are a signature style which will give you an idea of the unique bead and jewelry designs you'll find at Kincaidesigns. Another type of triple strand necklace can also be categorized as a "chain link" necklace. These necklaces are constructed of sterling silver wire and chain instead of the beads being strung on a stringing material. All of the three strand necklaces are considered the most dramatic in the Kincaidesigns handmade jewelry collection and are guaranteed to have people asking where you found such a stunning piece of jewelry.

Kincaidesigns Handmade Triple Strand Necklace. (Photo by Kincaidesigns)

About this Handmade Triple Strand Necklace: This triple strand purple, lavender and black handmade necklace is sure to make heads turn. Embellished with handmade glass beads, Swarovski crystals, Amethyst Gemstones, and more, this unique handmade necklace is a trendy yet classic accessory that will serve as a keepsake for years to come. The sterling silver wire wrapped glass bead pendant ties this unique three strand handmade necklace together while adding interest as a focal point. Wear the necklace dressed up with your favorite black or lavender dress, or add a sparkle to your favorite jeans or weekend wear.

To shop for your own Handmade Triple Strand Necklace, visit www.kincaidesigns.com. You'll not only find these unique triple strand necklace, 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!

Jewelry Sizes, Lengths and Fancy Names

Jewelry Sizing: Make sure your Jewelry Order fits!

It can sometimes be difficult to buy jewelry online because we are never sure exactly how the jewelry will fit us. The jewelry descriptions might have lengths listed, or a fancy name noted, which is supposed to let us know how long the necklace is. However, most of us are unable to imagine how the jewelry will display on our necks or wrists.

This article is written to serve as a guide to buying jewelry online when you only have an image or description to evaluate. If you are a frequent handmade jewelry client for online jewelry businesses, I would recommend cutting some string or having a measuring tape (for sewing use) on hand. These are simple ways to measure around your neck or wrist to see where the jewelry will fall. If you are still unsure if the jewelry will fit you, take some measurement from your neck and wrists and let your online jewelry designer know what length you would like the necklace to be. Don't do a complete redesign, but if the necklace is 17.5 inches and you want is to fall at 18 inches, you could ask about adding a couple of links to the necklace. While this may be a complimentary service from some jewelry designers, some may charge a small fee, but it's worth the extra money for your handmade jewelry purchase to fit you perfectly.

Necklaces
We'll start with necklace lengths. Standard Necklace lengths are 16", 18", 20", 22" and 24". There are more sizes, both smaller and larger, but those are standards. You can usually buy chains in these standard length. If you go smaller you are entering collar or choker territory. The collar necklace, which is 12-13 inches, fits snugly around the middle of the neck. These necklaces are often made of fabric, or woven beads, so the necklace will lay flat against the neck rather than irritating the neck with large beads, especially mis-shapen beads. The choker, which is 14-16 inches, falls perfectly around the base of the neck. This length is very popular and classic, and it works with most necklines.

Next we have the Princess necklace, which is 17-19 inches. The princess necklace falls just below the throat and is usually worn with lower necklines. You'll find that necklaces with large pendants or y-necklaces tend to be 17-19 inches in length before the pendant or the drop. The princess necklace length makes for a more natural drop from the weight of the pendant or for the V of the Y-necklace.

The Matinee necklace is 20-24 inches, which falls a few inches below the collarbone, or at (or above) the neckline. Many women wear this style necklace over a blouse or high collar top. You'll see the Matinee necklace in the workplace or on older women who don't like to wear necklaces too tight or close to their neckline. If you are wearing a necklace with a whimsical pendant or of a locket of some kind, and you frequently enjoy looking at it while you wear it, the Matinee necklace is perfect due to the longer length. The same goes for our next necklace, the Opera necklace.

The Opera necklace ranges from 26-34 inches in length. The trend right now is to wear multiple opera length necklaces at their longest length. These necklace are extremely versatile, and depending on the length, the opera necklace can be doubled up to make a double strand necklace. This style of necklace can easily be transformed from day to evening wear.

The longest necklace style is the Rope necklace, which can be over 45 inches in length. This is perhaps the most versatile necklace style there is, as it can be worn day or night and transformed into a multi-strand necklace or even bracelet. Some people even refer the rope necklace as a necklace scarf or beaded scarf. They can be worn in any number of ways, be as creative as your fashion sense will take you. You can even wear these around your waist as a decorative belt.

Bracelets
There aren't any fancy names for bracelets, but there is a size chart. To ensure that your bracelet will fit you when it arrives, make a note of your wrist size in the comments box on checkout, I would imagine that most jewelry artists will verify that the bracelet will fit you before shipping your order. Don't forget to add 1-1.25 inches to your bracelet measurement, you don't want to bracelet too tight. If the bracelet is a gift and you don't know their wrist size, refer to the chart below and estimate. The average person is 7.25-7.5 inches.

Bracelet Size Chart:
Extra Small: 6-6.5 inches
Small: 6.5-7 inches
Medium: 7-7.5 inches (Standard)
Large: 7.5-8 inches
Extra Large: 8-8.5 inches and up.

If you are still clueless, buy a small or medium bracelet with an extension. A bracelet extension not only adds versatility to the length, but it's also a nice decorative touch. At Kincaidesigns Handmade Jewelry, many of the bracelets have extensions which adds anywhere from 1" to 2.5 inches to the length of the bracelet. This guarantees your bracelet will fit.

There you have it, refer to this article when you are buying from an online jewelry designer. And remember that when you buy from a handmade jewelry designer, you have more control over the specifics of your jewelry. If you would like links added or removed, just ask your online jewelry designer and they will let you know what can be done. When you shop at Kincaidesigns Handmade Jewelry, we want to make sure that your jewelry fits the way you want it to. Please add notes to the comments box when you checkout with your wrist size and necklace preferences. We will make sure your jewelry fits you before your order is shipped.

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...