The Artisan Connection

Guest Writer: Where does Mens Jewellery originate and how its development has changed?

2010-01-24T09:13:00.002-07:00

Thank you to our guest writer John Lewis.

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Where does Mens Jewellery originate and how its development has changed?

Where does the word jewellery originate? Well in fact its true meaning is plaything derived from a word from the Latin language jocale but it was the stylish French that used the word jouel describing anything made from precious stones or metal and used to wear about your person that first reinterpreted the meaning into its popular form today.

It is ironic to think that jewellery has been around in its most basic form at the same time as tools were discovered by early man. Mens jewellery was an integral part of ancient cultures and so on to this day men want to wear silver jewellery designed especially for them. Man made jewellery began with the idea of using shells as a form of symbolism. Dating back tens of thousands of years shells were discovered in Europe that had been crafted into beads. From these humble beginnings mens jewellery has developed and evolved into the many choices we have today. Many different types of material were used to create jewellery including teeth and bones from animals, shells, wood and stone carved into shapes by hand. In time these were eclipsed by precious metals such as silver but the ancient inspirations remain intact to this day with the use of languages engraved into modern silver jewellery.

The earliest jewellery known to man was made from shells. They were discovered in Africa and thought to be over one hundred thousand years old. Todays modern fashion trends are influenced by the aged look in both clothing and jewellery. Using specialist techniques the appearance of ageing can be produced. The fundamental reason that jewellery was originally invented was entirely a practical one. Pins were created to simply fasten clothing together securely. It was after this that the items were designed with adornment in mind. Decorating the body with silver became a fast growing trend for everyone. Mens jewellery has all ways been worn as a symbol of success and still continues to be so to this day. Jewellery was also worn by men to ward off evil and protect against medical conditions.

The ancestors of Homo Sapiens began making jewellery over forty thousand years ago when they started living in Europe. The dawn of mass jewellery making had begun. Originally mens jewellery was quite crude in design and was created by prehistoric man using many differing materials including stone, teeth, bones and shells. Jewellery made from metals first appeared about seven thousand years ago with copper being the first to appear. Nowadays silver jewellery is the most popular for men but when it was first available on the high street many men considered it effeminate. This however changed in the forties with the advent of modern designs especially created for men. Mens jewellery has gone through quite a significant change over the last few decades starting off in the nineteen forties with the introduction of retro modern styling choices using curves. These curves have evolved into more organic styling ideas and todays modern jewellery has took this idea even further. The history of mens jewellery continued to develop through the hippie era in the late sixties influenced by American crafts from the native red Indians. From then on in the seventies sterling silver became popular for men and has since become the number one choice.

John Lewis runs a website that features unusual mens jewellery that is handcrafted in the UK.

Albuquerque Downtown Grower's Market 2009

2009-06-09T07:40:00.000-06:00

It's that time of year again!

During the Summer and Fall you can find Eclectic Elements at the

Albuquerque Downtown Grower's Market
2009 Season

Every Saturday
June 6th through October 24, 2009

7 am - 11 am

in September hours change to 8am-Noon

8th and Central
Robinson Park

Arts and Crafts
Music
Fun for the kids
Food
Fresh local produce
Honey, flowers, herbs and more!

It's great fun! Be sure to get a breakfast burrito from Java Joe's and check in with our friend and favorite "famous artist" Cay Garcia!

Hope to see you some time over the summer!
sam

Eclectic Elements

Cay Garcia

2008 Season of the Albuquerque Downtown Grower's Market

2008-06-05T13:49:00.001-06:00

It's that time of year again!

During the Summer and Fall you can find Eclectic Elements at the

Albuquerque Downtown Grower's Market
2008 Season

Every Saturday
June 7th through October 25, 2008

7 am - 11 am

in September hours change to 8am-Noon

8th and Central
Robinson Park

Arts and Crafts
Music
Fun for the kids
Food
Fresh local produce
Honey, flowers, herbs and more!

Eclectic Elements Buys Scrabble Tiles! (and other game pieces!)

2008-05-14T11:56:00.005-06:00

Eclectic Elements Buys Scrabble Tiles!

Eclectic Elements is always in need of Scrabble tiles for their recycled and upcycled fashionable "Trashion" creations!
Full sets and partial sets of the tiles are fine.

The always need J K C M and Q tiles, but they will take everything you can send.

Please use the contact form to let them know you have game pieces available.
Click here to contact Eclectic Elements if you have old games to sell

Also, they can trade game pieces for finished jewelry if you like!

Be sure to use the contact form so they can discuss what you have and prices or trades.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Upcycle, Go Green!

Click here to visit Eclectic Elements

SCRABBLE is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc. and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons, PLC of Enfield, Middlesex, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro.

Designated trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners.

Mineral Makeup?

2008-01-24T11:04:00.000-07:00

Mineral makeup is all the rage right now.

Here is a link to a balanced review of the subject.

From WebMD
http://www.webmd.com/skin-beauty/features/the-lowdown-on-mineral-makeup

An educated consumer is a happy consumer!
Enjoy!

Peace, equality, justice...

2008-01-21T07:18:00.000-07:00

We must move past indecision to action. We must find new ways to speak for peace in Vietnam and for justice throughout the developing world, a world that borders on our doors. If we do not act, we shall surely be dragged down the long, dark, and shameful corridors of time reserved for those who possess power without compassion, might without morality, and strength without sight.
--Martin Luther King, Jr.

Once one assumes an attitude of intolerance, there is no knowing where it will take one. Intolerance, someone has said, is violence to the intellect and hatred is violence to the heart.
--Mahatma Gandhi

Stability and peace in our land will not come from the barrel of a gun, because peace without justice is an impossibility.
--Desmond Tutu

Happy New Year!

2008-01-04T13:40:00.001-07:00

A sincere thank you for
your support in 2007.

Best wishes for the New Year!

Sincerely,

sam
Eclectic Elements

http://www.eclectic-elements.com

The Sampler is one of the Best for Indie Advertising...

2007-11-22T16:52:00.000-07:00

Is your advertising budget tight?

Can't figure out where to spend those precious advertising dollars?

Well, The Sampler is a great way to get your products in the hands of potential buyers!

The Sampler
http://www.homeofthesampler.com

How does it work?

You contact Team Sampler with a proposal for a contribution. Your contribution should represent your work and you can contribute from 25 to 200 or more samples.

Be sure to contact them before you send anything. Each month the deadline is the 20th for the following month's contribution to give Team Sampler some time to assemble the Samplers.

Click here for more information about contributing

The best part about this type of advertising is that your products are delivered directly to people who can see them, touch them and enjoy them. It is very interactive.

Also, you get a link on The Sampler website and reduced rates for advertising on The Sampler website.

Click here to purchase a Sampler.

Recently, The Sampler introduced new products...The Sampler Select and City Sampler. These are exciting new Samplers with a lot of potential for indie artists.

The Sampler has been supporting the indie community for years and Marie and Team Sampler are dedicated and hardworking and, well, awesome!

Another benefit is that your products can be sent to media contacts for more exposure!

Click here for more details about Media Sampler contributions.

So, consider getting involved in The Sampler community of indie artists.

Go Sampler!

Amethyst Lobster at the Pasadena Bead & Design Show

2007-11-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

Our friend Mary Lu of Amethyst Lobster will be participating in the

Pasadena Bead and Design Show.

January 17 - 20, 2008
Pasadena Hilton

250 Exhibitors and Workshops

Amethyst Lobster
http://www.lobsterlu.com/jewelry/

Pasadena Bead and Design Show
http://www.pasadenabeadanddesignshow.com/

Maria Cay Garcia Cut Paper Folk Artist now online...

2007-10-02T17:34:00.000-06:00

Check it out!

Cay Garcia Shop

Cay's work is fantastic and now you can find it online, not just in Albuquerque, NM.

www.caygarciashop.com

Click here to visit

She's in the process of stocking the store so check back often for reproductions of her original art. High quality notecards, magnets and Giclee prints.

EBSQ NFAC Nibblefest Contest September 2007

2007-09-19T12:11:00.000-06:00

EBSQ Nibblefest Art Contest
September 2007

Theme: Retro

This month's contest begins September 20th at 4 pm Pacific time.

Artwork is listed on eBay auctions with a .99 start price. All listings end on the 27th of the month.

Do a search on eBay for NFAC to find this month's selection.

Here is our entry...

Click here for our eBay auction.

Click here for our EBSQ portfolio.

Click here to visit our website.

You just can't beat a .99 start!

Here are some links for more information:

Click here for more information about Nibblefest Art Contest

Click here for a list of Nibblefest Art Contest themes

Click here to visit EBSQ

Update: More about copyright issues...

2007-06-01T08:13:00.001-06:00

In April 2007 we posted about copyright issues and included several links.

Here is an additional related link to Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts:

http://www.vlany.org/resources/index.php

Great information.

Niobium for Metal Sensitive Jewelry Wearers

2007-05-12T19:25:00.000-06:00

Niobium is a good choice for people with metal allergies or sensitivities.

Can't wear your earrings anymore due to skin irritation?

There may be a solution!

Niobium is a metal similar to Titanium and is hypoallergenic. Many people, even those with severe metal allergies, can wear Niobium.

It comes in a plain finish and colorful anodized finishes.

Many jewelers can provide different findings and finishes to accommodate your preference or allergies.

In our experience, Indie Jewelry Artisans are a very helpful bunch! If you find a pair of earrings you love, but they only seem to be available with a certain metal or earring style, it is worth the time to find out if the jeweler can help with a special request.

Most large retailers are simply distributors. They can't handle customization requests. Your purchase is shipped from a warehouse.

However, many small artisan jewelry businesses are used to going the extra mile to help their clients. They are designers and handle all aspects of their business from sourcing materials, individually handcrafting their designs, dealing directly with customers and they probably actually ship your purchase themselves!

We encourage you to support small businesses, self-representing artists, crafters and independent artisans.

It is possible to find smaller, independent jewelry businesses who are committed to providing personalized services. You get exactly what you want (including a custom design in some cases) and you support a small business...

Sounds like a win-win to us!

Info about Niobium on Wikipedia

Eclectic Elements Repurposed Show Entry #2

2007-04-16T09:59:00.000-06:00

Here is our second EBSQ show entry...

EBSQ
Repurposed: Art from Recycled Materials

Click here for more information

Eclectic Elements

EBSQ Show Winners

2007-04-14T10:16:00.000-06:00

We are pleased to announce the results of two EBSQ Shows...

Eclectic Elements:

Patron's Choice

Click here for more information

and

Patron's Mention

Click here for more information.

Click here to visit Eclectic Elements

Also, our friend Mary Lu of Lobster Lu and Amethyst Lobster won for her....

Secret Treasure Map Pirate Ring

Patron's Mention

Click here to visit Amethyst Lobster

Thank you to the Members and Patrons of EBSQ for their votes!

Copyright Issues for Artists and Crafters

2007-04-12T18:21:00.000-06:00

Copyright Issues for Artists, Artisans and Crafters

We are all influenced by things we see and hear and read. Sometimes we may not even remember what we saw that influenced us.

It is the rare artist, artisan or crafter who hasn't seen something that reminds them of their own work.

I have created something and then have seen a very similar thing in a gallery in another State and there is no way we could have been influenced by each other. It happens.

I have created something that I thought was very innovative and then, while surfing online, found something very similar that I know I hadn't seen before. It happens.

Some say there is a collective consciousness that we all share. Some say it is pure coincidence. Either way, copyright is a very tricky issue for artists, artisans and crafters.

Here are a few links to help you begin to understand this complex issue. We don't want to say that any of these links are the final say in any of this, but offer them as a way to begin to understand just how complex this all is.

Here are links to current law:

http://www.uspto.gov/
http://www.loc.gov/copyright/
http://lcweb.loc.gov/copyright/legislation/dmca.pdf

Here are other links of interest:

http://www.rightsforartists.com/copyright.html
http://whatiscopyright.org/
http://www.templetons.com/brad/copymyths.html
http://www.chillingeffects.org/index.cgi
http://www.funnystrange.com/copyright/index.html
http://www.copyrightauthority.com/poor-mans-copyright/

In a nutshell, when something unique, such as a song, is written it is automatically copyrighted. However, the main issue usually becomes enforcement.

Issues around direct copies are fairly straightforward. Please don't. Even if you don't think you will ever cross paths or be competition for the person you copy it still is wrong. A friend of ours had someone buy one of their products, figure out how to make it and then started selling a direct copy. Not cool no matter how you try to justify it.

Issues around collage are complex and there is little settled law.

Some issues are really about trademark and not copyright.

Some things can't be copyrighted at all.

So, in short, if you see something similar to your work, you may not have been copied. It is possible for two or more people to come up with the same or similar designs.

If you know for a fact that you have been copied you can use some of the links above to help you decide how to proceed.

Eclectic Elements EBSQ Repurposed Show Entry

2007-04-12T15:26:00.000-06:00

Here is our new EBSQ show entry...

EBSQ
Repurposed: Art from Recycled Materials

Click here for more information

Eclectic Elements

Love this...felted fruit and vegetables!

2007-03-31T22:26:00.000-06:00

Fiber Arts is back and big.

All the cool kids are knitting, crocheting, felting, sewing, embroidering, etc. We wish we could play too. Alas, our sewing machine is buried and we haven't knitted or purled in YEARS.

Let's live vicariously through a talented fiber artist....

These funky felted fruit and vegetable items are fabulous!

Cucumber and Carrots!

Lemon, Strawberries, Cherries and Grapes!

Click here to read the whole article...you know you want to!

Dear Brookelynn Morris...we LOVE you!

Lichen and Moss Show at EBSQ

2007-03-31T10:25:00.000-06:00

Here is an entry from the Lichen and Moss show at EBSQ.

"Hanging Tree Moss"
Mixed Media

by Eclectic Elements

Entries in the Paper in Three Dimensions Show at EBSQ

2007-03-28T08:36:00.000-06:00

Here are two entries from the Paper in Three Dimensions show at EBSQ.

"Jenny, I've got your number..."
Necklace and Earrings Set

by Eclectic Elements

"Secret Treasure Map Pirate Ring"

by Lobster Lu of Amethyst Lobster

Paper in Three Dimensions Show at EBSQ

2007-03-27T10:07:00.000-06:00

Paper in Three Dimensions Show at EBSQ.

Show opens: 3/1/07
Deadline: 3/31/07
Voting: 3/31/07 - 4/8/07

Basic information:

Prospectus:

Paper. We know what paper is for. We can write on paper or draw on paper. We paint and print on paper. But paper has a life beyond its common two dimensional usage. Paper can be, and is used, to create things in three dimensions. That is what this show is about - creating three dimensional art with paper.

It isn't a new concept, we all know of the art of Origami and many of us made the less far complicated paper snowflakes that decorate classroom windows every winter. Paper can be used for both functional and decorative items. It can be strong or it can be delicate. It uses are myriad. The limits of what you can do with paper for this show will be yours. You can make something that is traditionally made of paper. Your piece can be something usually made from other materials that you render in paper. It can be something completely out of the imagination. It can be functional or just wonderful to look at. It can be ordinary or exotic. Use your ingenuity. Roam the broad ranges of your imagination and create.

All entries must be three dimensional. The main material of entries - no less than 75%, must be paper; though all materials used should be listed. Please use your artist's statement to tell us what kind of paper you used in the creation of your piece. You should also describe how it was made or constructed. If an entry is functional, please explain how it works. Why you chose to create what you did should be included in your statement as well.

The artist's statement is required. It will increase understanding of your work and significantly enhance the experience for the viewer. As texture or other small elements may be pivotal to the piece, detail shots are encouraged. All points of the prospectus should be met.

Here are some links for more information:

Click here for more information about the Paper in Three Dimensions Show

Click here to visit EBSQ

Nibblefest Art Contest at EBSQ

2007-03-20T17:10:00.000-06:00

We just learned of a fun contest on EBSQ.

Nibblefest Art Contest

Basic information:

This contest starts every month on the 20th at 4pm Pacific time.

Artwork is listed on eBay auctions with a .99 start price. All listings end on the 27th of that month.

Do a search on eBay for NFAC to find that month's selection.

Here are some links for more information:

Click here for more information about Nibblefest Art Contest

Click here for a list of Nibblefest Art Contest themes

Click here to visit EBSQ

Great resource for Earring Lovers!

2007-03-14T19:21:00.000-06:00

Earrings Every Day

One stop shopping for earring lovers!

This is a great way to find all styles of earrings to help round out your fashion accessory collection.

Lobster Lu's Art, Antiques & Jewelry Blog

2007-03-12T22:22:00.000-06:00

Lobster Lu's Art, Antiques & Jewelry Blog

Our friend Mary Lu gets a mention at art for housewives!

recycled can earrings

Love it!

Etsy can't seem to decide what to do and issues another version of their "Constitution"

2007-03-10T07:23:00.000-07:00

So, it seems that sellers of vintage on Etsy have a reprieve...for an undisclosed period of time.

Now, Vintage can stay and will be put in a separate section (as will supplies), but the ax over their heads remains.

The "Constitution" states that vintage may be removed completely or to a different section and that Vintage sellers will be given 2 months notice.

Which begs the question...

If you are being told that you may be removed with 2 months notice, then why would you keep selling there?

Seriously, why would a seller develop a market only to be told they may be shown the door at any time?

And the issue of supplies being put in a separate section is also a bit strange. They still pay the same listing fees and commissions. As a "child of the 60s" we can't help but think of "separate but equal" which makes our heads explode.

Our advise remains the same.

* Diversify where you sell so you are not held hostage to the whims of indecisive business people.

* Register a URL and open your own ecommerce site so you aren't subject to arbitrary rule changes.

* Selling on a mall or auction site means they can change the rules any time they want. One rule change can impact your business negatively or put you out of business.

Apparently, this new draft of their "Constitution" will be revised yet again.

Some of this seems a bit cruel and most of it seems unnecessary.

Can you say "indecisive," "unprofessional" and "wow, you are going to revise it AGAIN?"

Diversify, diversify, diversify...

New kid on the block...Etsy shows Vintage sellers the door

2007-03-07T10:11:00.000-07:00

Etsy is supposed to be about people and community...not anymore.

Etsy shows sellers of vintage items the door and also sellers of supplies. Then changes it's mind about supplies. Can you say "roller coaster ride?"

The problem is the only way a vintage seller would know they will have to close their stores is to read the Etsy Forums...and Etsy says only a tiny percentage (1%-2%) of their customers do.

Some vintage sellers are finding out the bad news from their customers that they will have to close their shops...wow, just wow.

Etsy seemed to be the rising star of the online selling world of self-representing artists.

In a stunning announcement last week via a new "Constitution" the company:

1) Told their long time sellers of vintage goods that they were no longer welcome effective immediately.

2) Told supplies sellers they were no longer welcome

3) Told print sellers they were changing the rules mid-stream and that Etsy was moving from "venue status" to "business partner" and telling print sellers that they may no longer drop ship even if the companies they were using were producing high-quality, archival prints.

Then, after much outrage, and yes, tears, the debacle continued and the twists and turns began.

1) Vintage sellers, still gone, but maybe we'll let you list a few more items for a couple of weeks.

2) Supplies sellers could stay, however, the only supplies that could be sold were by people who were "de-stashing" and only 100 listings were allowed at any one time.

_____ a) Yes, you are correct, there is no way to enforce that...more twists coming so hold on to your hat.

3) As clarification, long time successful print sellers asked if, really, did Etsy mean that home printer created prints, which in many cases are non-archival, were better than high-quality archival prints by virtue of the fact that they were sent to the customer by the artist.

_____ a) They never received and answer to that question.

But wait, there's more...

1) Vintage sellers, still gone.

2) Someone in the Accounting Department** ran the numbers (clearly that should have been done first, right?) and SURPRISE SURPRISE! Supplies are allowed again with NO RESTRICTIONS.

_____ a) Note to Self: Please review revenue reports before, without ceremony or notice, dumping a revenue stream.

We could go on and on, however let's just say that in over 8 years of selling online we have NEVER seen a mess such as this.

Yes, it's a "young" company run by "young" people. Does being "young" mean you can't understand why people might be outraged that you were summarily dismissing them? One vintage seller reported being told just 3 days before the announcement that her vintage business was welcome and good luck.

The key point in all this being that Etsy relies on members to be their advertising rather than hiring an advertising or marketing company. Interesting concept and it seemed to be working.

However...

In the case of vintage sellers, they advertised for Etsy without being compensated, printed cards with an Etsy URL and at their own expense, brought buyers to the site who then were exposed to other sellers of handcrafted goods and happily paid their listing fees and commissions.

It is quite a shock I'm sure to be told "letting you sell here was a mistake" and don't let the door hit you on the way out, buh-bye.

One would think that even though they are young, the owners and staff would have more compassion and better sense than to make such unprofessional, messy and confusing mistakes in public.

Their Forums are an exercise in madness these days.

Most disturbing was the glee expressed by some of the artists, artisans and handcrafters over the vintage sellers being dismissed. One would think the "starvin' artist" community could muster some level of compassion. Some seemed more concerned about "getting rid of competition" from the vintage sellers.

Last time I checked, the vintage people were bringing buyers who might never have visited Etsy. We think that extra traffic might have brought in new buyers who might then buy a handcrafted item as well as a vintage item. One would think that the artists, artisans and handcrafters might be appreciative.

Guess not...

We don't want to waste anymore time on this. In our opinion, the damage to the company image is done.

Our thoughts are as follows:

Please do not rely on one selling venue for your business. Diversification is the key to longevity in selling online.

Please keep in mind that if a company such as this behaves in this manner one might imagine these types of mistakes will happen again. Yikes.

Colloquially, please don't put all your eggs in one basket.

-----

** Those are the guys who pay the bills

Eclectic Elements is Art of the Day at EBSQ

2007-03-07T07:48:00.001-07:00

Eclectic Elements rockabilly pink and black dice charm bracelet was chosen for Art of the Day at EBSQ.

EBSQ

EBSQ Art of the Day - 3/7/07

Pink and Black Dice Charm Bracelet by Eclectic Elements

Handcrafted Beaded Indie Artisan Boutique Jewelry

Eclectic Elements Coupon Code

2007-03-01T17:00:00.001-07:00

Visit Eclectic Elements for funky fashion accessories!

Eclectic Elements Home Page

On Sale

New Products

Use coupon code SMILE for
10% off purchases of $10 or more
thru 3/15/07.

Prices include First Class Mail shipping.
All items arrive in a gift quality box or pouch.

Other automatic discounts available:
10% Discount for orders over $75
15% Discount for orders over $150
20% Discount for orders over $250

Summer Coupon Code at Eclectic Elements

2006-07-23T08:47:00.000-06:00

Coupon Code HOTHOTHOT 10% off orders over $10 thru 8/15/06

Click this link to see our sale products

Click this link to see new Beaded Bracelets added 6/22/06.

Click this link to see Mahjongg Mah Jongg pendants added 7/6/06.

Click this link to see Mahjong Mah Jong bracelets added 7/18/06.

The Age of Titanium

2006-04-20T15:56:00.000-06:00

The Age of Titanium

Although Titanium is an abundant element on earth it was not discovered until 1791 but it would be another hundred years after that before it was possible to isolate the metal.

In appearance the metal is grey and lustrous and has often been used to make alloys which are light and resistant. Titanium has also been detected in meteorites and in the moon rocks brought back from the Apollo 17 mission.

It is because of its desirable properties which make Titanium an ideal metal for this technological age that has lead to a huge rise in popularity of this metal.In industry the uses for titanium are many because of its resistance to corrosion even from salt water, alkalis and acids and even corrosive gases. Because of its corrosion resistance and the fact that it is also physiologically inert and hypoallergenic, Titanium is also used extensively in the field of medicine and in particular for prosthetic implants such as hip and knee replacements.

This wonderful metal has very high strength to weight ratio and it is much utilised in critical and demanding applications such as in the aerospace industry. The use of Titanium has made space exploration possible and the earlier rockets such as Mercury, Apollo and Gemini were all made largely of this metal. The Space Shuttle also has many parts made from Titanium as have many jet fighters, submarines, ships and tanks.Titanium therefore is used across a broad spectrum of applications making it very much a metal of our modern age.

Aircraft grade titanium is now becoming increasingly popular in the jewellery trade and has found favour particularly in the manufacture of mens jewellery because of it’s hard wearing properties. Titanium rings have become increasingly popular as wedding rings in part because they will stand up to more wear and tear than precious metals but probably just as much because of the look. Titanium really is a very versatile metal and lends itself very to the making of fine jewellery and a variety of looks can be achieved utilising different finishes and even the application of heat which brings about a change in colour ranging through the whole spectrum.

This property of colouration by heat has been used particularly in the manufacture of ladies jewellery for making eye catching unique designs in earrings, necklaces and modern, trendy titanium rings.In the making of rings, titanium can also be inlaid with precious metals and set with precious stones and although the material is more difficult to work with because of its strength, once made you will have a beautiful piece of jewellery that will look good and last a lifetime.The durability, strength and looks of titanium will ensure that it continues to grow in popularity as a metal in the manufacture of jewellery and in particular for the making of titanium rings.

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:
John Lewis
Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold Celtic wedding rings handcrafted in the UK.
http://www.love2have.co.uk/

All You Ever Wanted To Know About Earrings...

2006-04-20T15:54:00.000-06:00

All You Ever Wanted To Know About Earrings But Were Afraid to Ask

It is thought that earrings date back to 3000 BC where they originated in Asia and appeared in 2 formats, one being the simple hoop earring and the other the more elaborate pendant earring.

The oldest earrings ever found by archaeologists were discovered in royal graves in Iraq and date back to around 2500 BC. Gold, silver and bronze hoop earrings have also been found dating back to 2000 BC in Crete. In those days it was customary to bury jewellery with the dead.In 16th century in the New Kingdom of ancient Egypt a type of earring called an earplug became fashionable and these fitted snugly into a wide stretched hole in the earlobe. This type of piercing is seen on the sculpture of Tutankhamen.

Poverty in the Dark ages meant that work with precious metals dwindled although some goldsmiths preserved designs that were to later emerge in 7th century Greece. The most popular earrings then there were the pendant type and they often featured a bird or likenesses of the gods Eros and Nike.In the 2nd century during the Roman Empire, earrings became a popular way for rich women to show off their wealth and the use of precious gemstones in the jewellery also became more popular.

During the Middle Ages earrings became less popular and practical due to the popularity of elaborate hairstyles and headdresses. In fact for a time it was considered immoral for respectable married woman not to have their heads covered in public.

In 16th century Italy, hairstyles changed with hair being swept away from the face leaving ears exposed although for another 100 years things stayed the same in England, Spain and France with the wearing of high collars keeping earrings out of fashion.

By the 17th century, earrings became very fashionable accessory for the well dressed lady across the whole of Europe. One of the most popular designs of those times were the very large heavy pendant type earrings called girandoles which were great favourites of Queen Victoria. These earrings required a substantial amount of precious metals and gemstones and so were very heavy, which meant that most people that wore them suffered from elongated earlobes.

Although earrings were popular with wealthy people throughout the ages, they were also popular with poorer people who adopted their own styles which were less elaborate and made from less expensive materials.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that earrings were completely revolutionised. Different fittings appeared such as screw and clip on as well as those for pierced ears and it also became the norm for women to wear earrings in the day and not just for special occasions. The 1960’s marked a massive change for the wearing of earrings when designs became completely unrestrained and it became common to see men also wearing earrings although most only usually wear one earring. Women began to collect earrings and with so many designs available the choices were endless.

Today the choice is even greater and the popularity of earrings increases with many people now having more than one set of piercings in which to display their jewellery. Modern materials such as titanium and different types of plastics have also become popular in the making of earrings because of their lightness, design possibilities and in the case of titanium because of its hypoallergenic qualities.

There is now a never ending choice of different types of earrings from modern trendy cheap and cheerful everyday earrings to the more expensive gold, silver or platinum earrings inlaid with diamonds and other precious gemstones.

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:
John Lewis
Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold Celtic wedding rings handcrafted in the UK.
http://www.love2have.co.uk/
http://www.love2have.co.uk/earrings.html

Bracelets Through The Ages

2006-04-20T15:52:00.000-06:00

Bracelets Through The Ages

The earliest bracelets date back to around 2500 BC and were those worn by the Sumerians in southern Mesopotamia. Bracelets, necklaces, anklets, finger rings and ear rings made the women of Sumer into show windows of their husband's prosperity. Bracelets were found in the tombs of Ur where it was customary to bury royalty with their jewellery and unfortunately their poor servants.

By about 2000 BC, in Ancient Egypt, bracelets emerged as major pieces of jewellery. Bracelets were found in the ruins from the Vesuvias eruption in Pompeii in 79 AD.

It was during the age of the Egyptian Pharaohs that charm bracelets were first seen although charms themselves dated back as far as the Neolithic era when men would gather unusual bits of wood or pieces of stone which would be carried about their person in order to ward off their enemies. So these charms were considered ‘lucky charms’ and powerful protectors against evil.

It wasn’t until the time of the Pharaohs though that these charms were incorporated into elaborate pieces of jewellery such as wrist and neck bracelets which were not only deemed to offer protection but were also a sign of how prosperous the person had been in life and after death would be an indicator to the Gods of this persons proper status in the after life.

In Grecian times bracelets were popular with men and soldiers wore defensive bands of leather, often decorated with gold, silver and or gemstones, on their forearms. They were known as ‘Bracels,’ from the Latin Brachium, meaning, ‘arm.’ When women caught on that these Bracels would look great on them, they started wearing smaller versions, called little Bracels...or ‘Bracel-ets.’

The history of bracelets stretches forward through the Middle Ages of medieval Europe through the Baroque period of the 18th century, and on right through to the present.

Throughout time, bracelets have been made from many different materials such as leather, iron, copper, beads, bone and teeth as well as precious metals and gemstone.

Throughout the ages bracelets have always been popular and the styles seem to have varied according to dress styles. In cultures where people wore sleeveless or short sleeved attire such as the Romans and ancient Greeks, the wearing of bracelets both on the upper and lower arm became popular with both men and women. The wearing of upper arm bracelets is still popular today with modern fashionable skimpy clothing lending itself well to the wearing of more jewellery.

Today, bracelets are worn by both men and women in a variety of materials such as traditional precious metals like gold silver and platinum. Modern plastics and acrylics are now much used to make trendy, unusual bracelets as well as metals like titanium and zirconium which have become popular because they are hard wearing, very light and hypoallergenic. Whatever your tastes and whatever your budget, there is an enormous choice of bracelets and bangles to suit everyone.

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:
John Lewis
Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold Celtic wedding rings handcrafted in the UK.
http://www.love2have.co.uk/http://www.love2have.co.uk/bracelets.html

Celtic Wedding Rings and tying the Knot

2006-04-20T15:50:00.000-06:00

Celtic Wedding Rings and tying the Knot

The origins of the Celts dates back to prehistoric times when they emerged as a group of loosely knit tribes with a common culture and language.

Celtic settlements stretched from Turkey and the Balkans right across Western Europe. But it was the rise of the Roman Empire that would expose the lack of cohesion between the various Celtic tribes and would lead to them being overrun, expelled from their territories and being pushed back to the western fringes of the continent.

Although the ancient Celts flourished across Europe, it is in Ireland where their traditions have been most preserved.One aspect of this culture that still survives today is the artwork and this is most commonly seen in jewellery such as Celtic wedding rings.

Their artwork was believed to be very symbolic often being based on nature using images of birds and animals and fish. The Celts believed firmly in the interconnectedness of all life and produced the familiar Celtic Knots, which are interlaced patterns with no beginning and no end.Although perhaps the true significance of these patterns has been lost over the millennia, Celtic designs remain increasingly popular in our modern world.

The Claddagh is a traditional symbol of love and friendship and is thought to have originated from Claddagh in Galway as far back as the 16th century since when has been worn by many as a wedding ring and as a symbol of love.

The design of the Claddagh consists of a heart as a symbol of love, a crown as a symbol of fidelity or loyalty and the hands depicted friendship. Tradition states that if you are spoken to you should wear the Claddagh on your left hand facing inward but if you are unattached it should be worn facing outward on the right hand.

Celtic crosses, which predate Christianity, can symbolize the four quarters of the earth and or the four elements – earth wind and fire. They are equal armed crosses which are enclosed or backed by a circle. Following the introduction of Christianity, it became more common to see Celtic Crosses on top of a matching pedestal, which gave it a more elongated look. Celtic crosses are often worn as jewellery such as rings or on chains around the neck.

Geometric designs have always feature prominently in Celtic artwork with spirals, chevrons, scrolls and knot work. Many of these patterns can be seen decorating stone carvings or ancient manuscripts and religious books.

The Celtic spirals are very symbolic with the single spiral generally thought to signify growth expansion and cosmic energy.

The dual centred spiral found often on stone carvings signifies duality and nature and is associated with motifs from other cultures such as the Ying Yang symbol.

Celtic knot work designs remain popular today and can vary from single elegant knot patterns to complex intricate interlaced patterns.

Although the symbolism of celtic designs may have been lost, many of the designs remain popular today and will often be seen used in the design of jewellery and in particular Celtic Wedding rings.

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:
John Lewis
Love2Have who specialise in traditional gold Celtic wedding rings handcrafted in the UK.
http://www.love2have.co.uk/

You can always find something cheaper...but is it really?

2006-04-20T15:47:00.000-06:00

There is a huge supply of jewelry available online today. How does one decide where to spend their hard-earned cash...and how much cash to spend?

Some jewelry sellers are hobbiests, some are professional designers who farm out the assembly, some "drop ship" jewelry; and some artisans handle the process - from design to shipping - themselves.

You may find some jewelry at incredibly low prices, but why would someone sell a pair of earrings for .99? Well, those earrings may be a "loss leader" or a product a seller offers at a very low price to encourage people to check out their other offerings. We have not had much luck with that strategy. We would have failed in business long ago if we had used our resources to support that type of thought process. We offer our handcrafted artisan jewelry at prices that work for your budget, and that still allow us to stay in business and offer you high quality items.

Be sure to check shipping charges when buying any item with a "too good to be true" low price. Often, in an attempt to cover costs on low-priced items, a seller may add a "handling" charge. You may get a pair of earrings for .99, but you may also have to pay $5 or more for shipping with an additional handling charge of $1-$5. The final price is then $7-$11.

We offer our products with NO handling fees. Most of our jewelry includes FREE First Class mail shipping. You may also choose Priority Mail shipping for a small additional charge. We strive to give you the information you need to make an informed decision with no surprises and a quick delivery time frame.

We also provide excellent customer service, and pack our products in gift quality boxes or pouches. We believe that the way to stay in business for the long term is to focus on high quality components, excellent customer service and packaging that protects your purchase during shipping. If your purchase is a gift, you won't have to make an extra trip to present your gift properly. We focus on pleasing our customers.

Another issue is the quality of materials a jeweler uses. That .99 pair of earrings isn't such a bargain if the earring findings cause an allergic reaction or fall apart after you wear them a few times. We list our materials in each item description so that you know, up front, what you are buying. We also offer to change jewelry findings based on your preferences and allergies. You may love toggle clasps, but we have used a lobster claw clasp. Just request we use a toggle and in most cases we will be able to accomodate that request.

Another issue is the length of time it will take to receive your item. Some jewelry companies utilize a "drop ship" arrangement. They sell you an item which is shipped from a warehouse. They have no control over whether the product is in stock or when it will be shipped. We handcraft each piece of jewelry from materials we source, and handle your transaction from design through shipping. There won't be any surprises such as an item you have your heart set on being out of stock or it taking 2-3 weeks to receive your purchase.

What if you wish to return or exchange your purchase? Some companies do not allow returns or exchanges, or may offer a store credit only. We have a liberal return and exchange policy. We want you to be thrilled with your purchase and with our service.

In the end, don't be fooled by "too good to be true" prices. Making an informed decision about your jewelry purchase will prevent unpleasant surprises and you will have a piece of jewelry that you will be able to wear for a long time.

Support small business...shop online for original, indie jewelry and art!Buy original designs and unique arts and crafts from independent craftsmen.

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:
Thea of Sparkle Plenty Fine Beaded JewelleryHandcrafted Artisan Beaded Jewellery
http://ww.sparkleplentyfinebeadedjewellery.com

Sam of Eclectic Elements
Mahjong Mah Jong Tile Bracelets, Recycled Game Piece Jewelry and Gifts
http://ww.eclectic-elements.com

It May Be Blue, but It’s Not Sleeping Beauty

2006-04-20T15:43:00.000-06:00

“True Blue”? Not Necessarily….

After reading Thea Kendis’ excellent article on disclosure, I would like to pass along this information, which is along the same line, on the chance that some among our number may not be aware of the existence of this product. As Thea said, some folk still seem not to have gotten the message about cherry “quartz” being glass, so perhaps there are those who are in need of this bit of edification as well. Until recently, I was unaware of the existence of this product which is being marketed through at least one major supplier.

I love turquoise and usually buy it whenever I can even if I don’t have a specific purpose in mind at the time. Lately, however, I haven’t seen as much of it at gem shows or on the internet. To me, this is on a par with Hershey going out of business. Bummer!

I have no idea what may be going on in the international turquoise market, all I know is that there doesn’t seem to be as much around as usual. And you know what happens when there is a void: something will fill it. This is as true in the marketplace as it is in nature! A product has recently appeared on the market which purports to have most, if not all, the properties of Sleeping Beauty turquoise. I’ve seen advertisements for something called “New Blue Turquoise.” The description says that it’s new and unique, and that it comes from the Lost Sister’s Mine in the Hubei Province of China.

This new material is called “white chalk turquoise.” It is said to be stabilized, with color added, in a process which creates the hardness and color of top quality Sleeping Beauty turquoise at a fraction of the price. I’m all for a lower price for turquoise – especially Sleeping Beauty, but I'm wondering if this will cause the same kind of chaos and confusion created by cherry “quartz.”

I have nothing against faux gemstones – as long as I know that’s what I’m getting and as long as they are priced accordingly. When the cherry “quartz,” scandal erupted, I wasn’t particularly bothered because I knew I was buying specially treated glass, and I told my customers what it was. It now seems to have gained some respectability and has earned a permanent place in jewelry design along with its cousins strawberry, blueberry and pineapple “quartz.”

The same may hold true for the New Blue Turquoise. I haven’t seen it in person, so I don’t know how realistic it actually is. If it looks like some of the reconstituted turquoise I’ve seen in the past, it will fool no one and we won’t have to worry about being duped. I do think, however, this is another time to ask specific questions of the vendor and ascertain whether you are purchasing genuine Sleeping Beauty, which comes from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona, or this new product from China. It goes without saying that this information must be passed on to the consumer as well and reflected in pricing.

If all we want is the look of turquoise, and if this new product has it, then it will find a niche in our respective inventories. There will, however, always be artists as well as consumers who want only the genuine article. In spite of the abundance of excellent quality CZs and other synthetic stones, the market for diamonds has not diminished. Neither, I suspect, will the demand for authentic Sleeping Beauty.

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:
Lynne E Richardson
Ellie R DesignsHandcrafted Beaded Artisan Jewelry
http://www.ellierdesigns.com/

For more information about gemstones and treatments visit:
http://www.rings-things.com/gemstone/index.html

For more information about Turquoise visit:
http://www.rings-things.com/hazel-doc/Extended/t.htm
and
http://www.collectorsguide.com/fa/fa098.shtml

For more information about cherry or "fruit quartz" visit:
http://www.rings-things.com/hazel-doc/Extended/q.htm

For more information about proper disclosure when selling jewelry check the Federal Trade Commission website:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm

Proper Disclosure: The Right Thing to Do...

2006-04-20T15:21:00.000-06:00

Proper Disclosure: The Right Thing to Do...
(and it may just help you develop a loyal customer base, too)

As makers of beaded jewellery selling on the internet, we have a duty to provide an honest and complete description of what we are selling. We have a duty, as well, to stand behind what we make. The old maxim “the customer is always right” ought to be engraved in granite to stand before the work table of everyone who ever strings a bead for profit.

People who misrepresent the nature of the components in their designs hurt their own business and all of our businesses. Anything that makes a customer suspicious is a detriment and should be avoided at all costs.

A prime example is the admittedly lovely, but ersatz, cherry “quartz.” There has been a great deal of buzz about the beading world that this is NOT in fact quartz at all, but glass. There are still beaders who, knowingly or not, bill it as the real deal. THAT is fraud.

We have a responsibility to our customers. They deserve to know what it is they are getting for their money. Is it real stone? Does it have the properties of real stone? Will it shatter easily, as glass will? The mother of small children will be justified in her concern; sell her what she thinks is stone, only to have her children injured on shards of shattered glass, and the maker may be looking at a lawsuit.

All right, perhaps that is a bit extreme. But how about letting the buyer know whether or not that quartz or chalcedony (or garnet or ruby) is dyed? Dyed stone tends to fade over time in sunlight, and may lead to a disappointed customer if she isn’t forewarned.

New techniques such as colour-irradiation seem to make artificial colouring of stone permanent … but the technology is SO new, we really don’t know what will happen over the long haul. Honesty being the best policy, I think it’s wise to let the customer know WHY she’s able to get (for instance) aquamarines that look that spectacular at such a low price.

It is also important to quantify for the customer the value of what they are buying. A $5 bracelet at a discount department store may be what she can afford at the moment, and that is fine. However, if it falls apart or she has a reaction to base metal, she might be more inclined to purchase a higher price-point item in the future. By clearly stating what she's getting for her money, you will help educate her and may even gain a repeat customer.

This leads to some fairly byzantine philosophical arguments as to how detailed one needs to be in revealing things to one’s customer. Many (if not most) sellers of jewellry containing fire polished crystal refer to it simply as “crystal.” If one wants to bow to common usage, then that's okay. However, technically that’s wrong, for firepolish contains no lead, so is not crystal at all, but glass. For the same reason, the “crystal” that is coming in from China is, in fact, faceted glass.

Now the Egyptian crystal we’re starting to see is fully-leaded and there’s no argument about whether or not it’s really crystal … but it’s manufactured on cutting-edge (pun intended) German machinery, and at least one major retailer is billing it as “German crystal.” Honest? Accurate? Well, the seller does explain in the fine print that the beads are really Egyptian, so I can’t be too upset with them. Should YOU, in selling an item made with that crystal, also list it as German? How fine do you want to split that hair?

It is important to understand that it does not matter what "trade name" your supplier decides to use. "Trade names" are often misleading and it is ultimately your responsibility to do the research required. It's not a bad idea to let your suppliers know that you don't appreciate their use of misleading trade names, and ask that they properly identify what they are selling so that you may as well.

While it's true that we don’t have to underscore every detail of every component in describing our wares, if we’re wise, we’ll know the true nature of the beads and findings we use, and we’ll pass on what we know to our customers. We’ll explain that “new jade,” “mountain jade,” and “Malaysia jade” aren’t even members of the jade family, but are, respectively, serpentine, dyed dolomite marble, and dyed quartz. We’ll differentiate between what’s crystal and what’s glass, and between what’s contemporary and what’s vintage. And if we find out after we’ve listed something for sale on our websites that it’s not what we thought it was, we’ll have the courage and integrity to change the description to match the facts.

For more information about proper disclosure when selling jewelry check the Federal Trade Commission website:
http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/guides/jewel-gd.htm

For more discussion visit:
http://www.ganoksin.com/

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:

Thea of Sparkle Plenty Fine Beaded Jewellery
Handcrafted Artisan Beaded Jewelry
http://www.sparkleplentyfinebeadedjewellery.com

Sam of Eclectic Elements
Mahjongg Mah Jongg Tile Bracelets, Recycled Game Piece Jewelry and Gifts
http://www.eclectic-elements.com/

Recycling Artists

2006-04-20T15:07:00.000-06:00

Recycling artists use trash and found objects to create modern jewelry, sculpture,
collage and other artwork.

My first introduction to recycling art was by a local artist named Jim Gary. For several decades he's been making huge sculptures from discarded car parts. They often take the form of prehistoric looking dinosaurs. As a teenager, I walked past his studio in Red Bank, NJ every day. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world, to take some crushed metal from the junkyard and create big, beautiful sculptures.

I've always loved old tins. Called advertising or general store collectibles in the antique field, old tins often have interesting graphics. My favorite tin can artist is named Bobby Hansson from Philadelphia, PA. He specializes in tin can art but uses other items he finds on the streets each day. His lamps, frames, musical instruments, purses and sculptures are fun and fascinating.

I find it much more satisfying to discover my materials myself, rather than buying them in a big chain craft store. My favorite search is to take a walk on the beach. Maybe I'll find an interesting shell, an old pottery shard or a sunbleached plastic toy. I put them in my pocket. Another walk on an urban street or a search through a box from an estate sale, can also produce interesting starting points for unique jewelry. One day, when I was thinking about recycling, I realized I had just put 3 computer keyboards out at my own curb. I brought them back to the house and dismantled them. The keys make wonderful charms to create unisex choker necklaces.

I like the quote that is on Aaron Kramer's Urban Objects website, "trash is the failure of imagination." I think those who wear jewelry from recycled or found materials celebrate the creativity of the human spirit.

More about Jim Gary can be found here.
http://simpl.uzix.com/publishers/12/2001/0002021/

Bobby Hansson has written a wonderful book:
The Fine Art of the Tin Can: Techniques and Inspirations
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1579906796/lobstlu/102-7203294-6059360

Some places to look at recycled artist jewelry on the Internet:

Keith E. LoBue Jewelry
http://www.lobue-art.com/jewelry.html
Interesting collage jewelry made of antique and fleamarket finds.

Laura Beamer Fun Jewelry
http://www.laurabeamer.com/main.html
Uses bottle caps, vinyl records and license plates.

Margaux Lange
http://www.julieartisans.com/margaux_lange.htm
Uses Barbie doll parts for bold art to wear.

Terri Logan
http://www.iowa-artisans-gallery.com/metal/metallogan.htm
Uses river rocks and common stones set in sterling silver mountings.

Aaron Kramer and Urban Objects
http://www.urban-objects.com/jewelry/Jewelry.html
Odd, found objects used to create fine art to wear.

Please also visit our own:

Eclectic Elements - Mah Jong Tile Bracelets
http://www.ecletic-elements.com
Featuring recycled vintage game piece jewelry.

Mary Lu Wason - Amethyst Lobster - Unique Jewelry
http://www.lobsterlu.com/jewelry
Offers hand-made jewelry, often crafted with unexpected elements of antique, vintage and
found objects.

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:

Mary Lu Wason of Lobster Lu's Art and Antiques
http://www.lobsterlu.com/jewelry
Art and antiques of every type, from funky to fine. Paper items like postcards, photographs and greeting cards. Also oil paintings and folk-art.

Tips for purchasing on the internet

2006-04-20T12:32:00.000-06:00

Stay safe while buying online

Many people buy online often and feel quite comfortable. Some people simply don't trust the process. Here are some tips to help you understand why can it be safe, and some things to keep in mind to keep it safe.

Perhaps the most worrisome part of shopping online is the payment procedure. To whom are you giving your information? Who else will have access to it? How can you ensure that a credit card number won't be stolen and used illegally?

One way is to use an internet payment service. The best known of these is PayPal, which is owned by Ebay, and is free to the payer.

PayPal is a safe and secure way to pay. Those who shop online often may wish to open a PayPal account, but it is not necessary; one may use a credit card without opening a PayPal account. Because PayPal verifies your information and requires you to use a password, this is a very safe way to pay. Using a PayPal account to pay means no vendor or online seller has access to your PayPal balance, credit card, or banking information. This all but eliminates the possibility of credit card fraud or identity theft, as it is much safer than giving your credit card number to someone you don't know.

Even with services such as PayPal, it is necessary to take extra precautions.

- Make sure your password is unique. It is not wise to use something easily guessed, such as your mother's maiden name, or your children's birthdates. Use something less common, like the first letters of a favorite saying, or a long word with all the vowels replaced by consonants, numbers and symbols. Use at least one upper case letter and a character such as a comma or dollar sign in your password.

- Do not give your password to ANYONE.

- Always open a new browser to access your online banking, financial or PayPal account

- If you receive an email that appears to be from your bank, internet service provider or PayPal, asking you to email your password and other personal information, DELETE it immediately. Don't click on any links or open attachments. There are many "spoof" or "phishing" emails that are not legitimate at all. Far from being the benign joke that name implies, these are attempts to access your financial accounts. Never - under ANY circumstances - reply to them, or give out any information.

These scam or "phishing" emails usually threaten that your account will be closed. If you look carefully you may see misspellings or the link may be different from the link you are used to seeing for that company. Also, legitimate email that comes from PayPal will address you by your full name, not "valued member."

If you are at all in doubt as to the authenticity of an email, open a fresh browser, go to the institution's website, and enquire of customer service.

- If you are still concerned, place a telephone call to your bank or PayPal.

- The best way to keep your information safe is NEVER to email your password or other personal information to anyone.What else should you look for when shopping online?

1) Look for a secure site* If you order on our site you will see that we have a secure site mechanism. When you begin the checkout procedure you will see that the "lock" icon for your browser is closed. This icon is on the lower right for Netscape and Internet Explorer.

2) Look for a link that explains the company's policies regarding returns and your privacy* We have a return policy and privacy policy listed. We will accept returns or exchanges and we will never share, rent or sell your email address or personal information.

3) Look for a link with contact information for the company

* We have a link with the information you need to contact us with questions, concerns or to let us know that you are returning an item.

Shopping online can be fun and safe if you keep a few things in mind. If this is the first time you are buying from our company or if this is your first online purchase, please feel free to contact us via email or telephone, and we will answer any questions you may have or help you with the process.

Have fun and happy surfing!

This article provided by and reprinted with the permission of:

Sam of Eclectic Elements
Mahjong Mah Jong Tile Bracelets, Recycled Game Piece Jewelry and Gifts
http://www.eclectic-elements.com

Thea of Sparkle Plenty Fine Beaded Jewellery
Handmade Artisan Beaded Jewelry
http://www.sparkleplentyfinebeadedjewellery.com/

The Artisan Connection - Submit an Article

2006-04-20T11:43:00.000-06:00

The Artisan Connection

Helping online Artists and Artisans connect with each other and their customers.Information about individually handmade and handcrafted folk art, outsider art, mixed media, collage, assemblage, pottery, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry, wearable art, photography, drawing, painting and more...

We are seeking useful information to share with other artists, artisans and customers. Use the "Submit" link to send us an article you wish to share. We will contact you prior to publishing.

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We reserve the right to edit for errors, clarification, spelling and length. We will contact you if significant changes need to be made.

We will contact you upon acceptance and prior to publication of your article. Please submit related articles and information only.