Buying American Silver jewelry and crafts can be fun, exciting and confusing. If you are considering a gift of American Silver jewelry and crafts for a particular person or as a treat for you, take time to learn the terms used in industry. Here is some information to help you get the best quality American Silver jewelry and crafts for your money if you’re shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store or online.
Whether you are attracted by the beauty of turquoise and American Silver jewelry or land tones of, information on American Silver jewelry and crafts can help you get what you pay. Unluckily, some unscrupulous retailers sell imitation American Silver jewelry and crafts to unwary consumers.
According to the Arts and Crafts Act of 1990, after a 1935 product that is marketed as “Native American” or “Alaska” must have been made by a member state or the federal government recognized ethnic group or a certified artisan.
Tips for buying real American jewelry and crafts.
1. Buy from an established dealer who provides a written guarantee or written verification of authenticity. Ask if your item comes with a label certification. Not all authentic American Silver jewelry and crafts carry this tag, but those who are certified by the Ministry of Interior (DOI) to be authentic. This sample tag identifies the artisan as a member of the Oklahoma Arts and Crafts cooperation. However, May you see another name and logo in the circle on the item you buy.
2. Get a receipt that includes information on the worth of your purchase and any spoken representation by the seller. For example, if the seller tells you that the American Silver jewelry that you purchase is silver and natural turquoise and was handmade by an American craftsman make sure this information is recorded on your receipt.
3. Before buying American Silver jewelry and crafts at powwows, annual fairs, a selection board, and other events, see the case for information on the authenticity of the products sale. Many events list their requirements in newspaper advertisements, promotional flyers and printed programs. If the organizers said nothing about the authenticity of the American Silver jewelry and crafts for sale, obtain written confirmation for any questions that you American Silver jewelry are sold as authentic.
The lost-wax method is a method of casting metal that has been in use for six thousand years. Virtually unchanged since used by the ancients, the method is used today to create such pieces as bronze sculptures, custom silver jewelry, dental work, or even auto parts.
“Cire perdue,” or lost-wax, is a method of casting metal that has been in use for over six thousand years. In essence, it involves the pouring of metal into a mold created from wax, resulting in complex forms otherwise impossible to create. The lost-wax method is used today to create such pieces as bronze sculptures, a silver pendant, a gold dental crown, or even an alloy auto part.
The lost-wax method is the best way to create intricate designs in metal, it is commonly used for making elaborate custom jewelry. Technology and tools have advanced of course, but the method is essentially the same as it was when used in Ancient Egypt.
The artist will first sculpt his masterpiece out of clay, wax, or another malleable material. Then, the model is encased in plaster or fiber-glass to create a mold. An inner mold will often be created at this time as well, by pouring liquid rubber around the model. This preserves the finest of details, important because when the plaster is broken apart, the original model is usually destroyed.
When the two halves are placed back together, the result is the master mold. Inside is empty space, a “negative” of the original. Hot wax is then poured into the space to coat the sides. Depending on how large the piece, a number of coatings may be needed. The hollow wax copy, an almost perfect replica of the original, is then removed (multiple copies can be created at this time).
The wax copy is then “chased” using heated tools to remove the seams where the mold came together. Each copy is carefully “dressed” to hide any remaining imperfections.
Next, “sprues” are attached to the piece, which are basically small wax rods that will ultimately result in tiny tubes for metal to flow in, and air to flow out.
The wax replica is then coated in ceramic material and fired. At this point, the wax melts out, thus the term “lost-wax.” Negative space now remains (as well as the small pathways left by the sprues). Finally, molten hot metal can be poured into the mold into the exact shape of the original model.
The metal piece is also chased to remove any marks left by casting, and detailed to perfection. If in fact a bronze sculpture, this is when the final act of adding the color occurs.
The lost-wax method can be used with any material that will disappear (melt or burn away) and leave an empty mold. For example, some automakers make engine-block models out of a synthetic foam which will vaporize when heated. This complex process allows for the most minute detail to be fashioned into the most delicate of metals. This makes it ideal for custom jewelry.
When working with small pieces like jewelry the process slightly differs in that metal cannot just be poured into a such a tiny mold. Instead, liquid metal is injected into the limited space by centrifugal casting (a machine that uses centrifugal force) or vacuum casting (uses atmospheric pressure).
Artisans like Jewelry John use the lost-wax method to etch inspiration into their heirloom jewelry. They specialize in hand-crafted silver bells and silver pendants, and with intricate detail they convey emotion in beautiful custom silver jewelry. Such complex designs would not be possible without this ancient casting method.
Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver and cubic zirconia jewelry designs, maintains an updated list of their newest product arrivals on their website. And just what is the latest in jewelry trends? According to the retailer’s list, a little tradition and a lot of style will go a long way if you are looking at today’s jewelry designs.
Something Special for Mom
Even though Mother’s Day is over for the year, it doesn’t mean that we forget to remind mom just how wonderful she is. Afterall, who needs a special occasion to let mom know that she’s being thought of? At Almost Diamonds, a wide selection of jewelry just for mom has arrived and is now being made available for order. Everything from pendants to bracelets featuring ‘Mom’ are in stock and in style.
Butterfly Beauties
For some time now, butterfly designs have been fluttering their way into the heart of many jewelry lovers. With no signs of a slowdown, these pretty and colorful styles are still available at many retailers, including Almost Diamonds. One of the newest arrivals to their already impressive product line, a butterfly necklace now graces the pages of the company’s ‘New Products’ list.
Affordable Stud-Style Earrings
If you have never tried the combination of sterling silver and cubic zirconia, there’s no better way to do so than with stud-style earrings. These affordable accessories are designed to give you a lot of look for very little money. For many women, the stud-style design is the most comfortable because there are no dangles to get catch on your clothing and you can typically wear them all day without even knowing they are there. Almost Diamonds has a new line of sterling silver and cubic zirconia stud earrings at a price that makes them ideal for treating yourself, or for gift-giving.
Engagement Rings & Wedding Sets
Whether you are getting married or planning to propose, a sterling silver wedding set and/or engagement ring may be the way to go. When compared to the cost of a genuine diamond and gold wedding set, the sterling silver and cubic zirconia option is the more economical choice. Most couples begin a life together with hope, but few hope to be in debt for their rings. In addition to the wide variety of engagement rings and wedding sets available from Almost Diamonds, the retailer has recently added some new styles to the mix. If you are looking for a classic set, a celebrity-inspired design or just a unique style that’s sure to shine, there is something for everyone and every couple.
Almost Diamonds, a popular online retailer specializing in sterling silver jewelry, has a complete line of items featuring cubic zirconia and genuine gemstones in a variety of styles to choose from. If you are looking to maximize your jewelry collection without minimizing your wallet, consider the affordable option of sterling silver. Not only is this a precious metal that’s designed to last forever, but it also is an economical way to get the look of platinum or white gold without spending a fortune.