Having a love for beaded jewelry doesn’t mean that you want to spend your time or money making it yourself. But buying handmade jewelry can be a little tricky if you are not informed. Just as buying any jewelry from a store requires a bit of inspection and asking the correct questions, buying handmade jewelry also requires a close look.
The most common ways to purchase handmade bead jewelry are craft fairs, online, and small gift shops. I personally like craft fairs because they allow you to ask questions, examine the pieces personally, and compare many types side by side. Whatever your preferred purchasing method, there are some general tips to follow.
Ask about the type of beads used. Obviously, plastic beads are the cheapest. While some are very pretty, and sometimes suitable, they will scratch or break. Glass beads are slightly more expensive, but have the same problem if not handled with great care. Pearls, either cultured or genuine have more luster than plastic pearls, with cultured pearls being slightly cheaper. Crystal beads are most commonly used because they add beautiful color, shine, and glam to the jewelry. They are a bit more expensive, but the quality over other bead types is worth the price. Stone and semi-precious stone beads are obviously the strongest bead type, but the price can sometimes be a bit steep. There are also wooden, paper, and ceramic beads which are normally made by hand and add lots of unique quality to the jewelry.
Examine the string type and quality. You never want a piece that is made of plastic string or common sewing thread. A good quality piece is made with fine silver wire. Silver wire can come in gauges small enough for delicate earrings, or gauges for bulky and chunky jewelry.
Look at the crimp type. Well first, be sure that there is a crimp bead at the ends of the bracelet or necklace. The crimp bead holds the design in place on the string. Most crimp beads are metal such as copper, silver, or gold. Occasionally you will find plastic, and you’d be better off to stick with the metal crimp beads.
Be sure you like the clasp and it is good quality. There are so many clasps to choose from, it can be hard to decide. Many bar and hoop type clasps can come undone while wearing the jewelry, as can barrel type clasps. I am very partial to spring close clasps, which almost never comes undone unless I want it to.
Some pieces are meant solely to be costume jewelry and can be bought very cheaply. They will break or fall apart, but the price you paid makes the loss no big deal. Other pieces that you buy for yourself or as a gift should be made to last. A slightly higher price is worth ensuring the quality. So take just a few moments to examine the jewelry and ask questions before you make a decision.
