The Everyday Bracelet
A Customer Favorite
The Everyday Bracelet is popular with my customers. The simple design compliments many styles, from casual to formal. It is light weight and comfortable to wear, even when writing or typing. Personally, this is my go-to bracelet and part of my signature style. Right now, my favorite is made with shimmery blue seed beads on gold-filled wire. I wear it almost every day!
Many of my Everyday Bracelets are made with fire polished Czech glass beads. They are durable, and the color is in the glass, so it won’t fade. I use 14K gold filled wire because the thicker layer of gold does not wear off like gold plate does. And it is affordable.
I use Argentium silver for most of my silver beaded chain jewelry. It contains a bit more silver than sterling and is brighter. Because Argentium silver is alloyed with germanium instead of copper, it resists tarnish. Also, I love the facts that Argentium is made from ethically sourced silver and is hypoallergenic. Check out this link if you would like to learn more about Argentium Silver.
Crystals, pearls and gemstone beads take the Everyday Bracelet from daytime casual to ready for a night on the town! Need more bling? Stack several together or combine with other bracelets you own. These bracelets are so versatile!
Craftmanship
The Everyday Bracelet is an example of the basic technique in my handmade jewelry. It requires three tools, some wire and a few beads and findings. And that is where the simplicity ends. The vast selection of wire, beads, gems and findings challenges the creative side of my brain, whereas the technique satisfies the perfectionist in me!
Getting good at the technique took time and practice. After a couple of jewelry classes at a local bead store, I bought 20 yards of brass wire and a bag of cheap beads. Then I practiced making link after link, day after day. At last, I achieved a beaded chain of consistent quality worthy of precious metal and gems. I admire the craftmanship of fine and vintage jewelry and want that same quality visible in the jewelry I make.
In 15 years and over 1900 pieces sold, I have had very few pieces returned for repair. That said, I know in my heart where most broken jewelry goes. Who doesn’t have that box of broken jewelry in their dresser drawer or closet shelf? I never want jewelry I have made hidden away in my customer’s broken jewelry stash!
As I mentioned above, I wear my Everyday Bracelet all the time. In fact, I once wore one consistently for 18 months. The clasp, a component I source from a reliable supplier, finally gave out. However, my handmade beaded chain remained intact! Now, with confidence in the durability of my beaded chains, I explore the variety of ways I can design and embellish the basic bracelet style. The endless variety is limited only by my imagination.
Many of my simple Everyday Bracelets and embellished styles are in stock now at the galleries and Etsy store where my work is featured.
