Interesting Jewellery Materials | Wearing Glass

Handcrafted jewellery is a beautiful way to express creativity and individuality. Artists use a variety of unique materials to create stunning pieces. Here are seven fascinating materials that are commonly used to make handcrafted jewellery.

The charm of artisan wooden jewellery

Wooden jewellery brings a warm, natural vibe to any outfit. It’s lightweight, eco-friendly, and can be carved into intricate designs or left in its natural state for a rustic look. Artists often use different types of wood to achieve various colours and textures, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.

Artisan wooden jewellery is more than just an accessory; it's a statement. The craftsmanship involved in creating these pieces is incredible. Whether it's a sleek, polished finish or a more rugged, natural look, each piece tells a story. The beauty of wooden jewellery lies in its versatility. It can be paired with casual outfits for a laid-back vibe or dressed up for a more sophisticated look.

Different types of wood offer a range of colours and patterns. For example, dark, rich mahogany can provide a bold, dramatic effect, while lighter woods like maple bring a softer, more delicate touch.

Some artisans even incorporate other natural elements like stones, shells, or seeds to enhance the design.

If you're looking to add some unique, eco-friendly pieces to your collection, consider artisan wooden jewellery. It's not just about looking good; it's about wearing something that feels good, too. Whether it's a pair of beautifully carved earrings or a bold statement necklace, wooden jewellery offers a natural, stylish charm that's hard to beat

Resin Earrings by Glync

Resin is a versatile material that can be tinted with different colours and embedded with tiny objects like flowers, glitter, or even small pieces of paper. Once cured, it becomes a durable, glossy material that can be shaped into all sorts of jewellery pieces. The possibilities with resin are endless, making it a favourite among jewellery makers.

One of the coolest things about resin jewellery is its ability to capture and preserve beautiful moments in time. Imagine wearing a pendant with a delicate flower or a ring with shimmering glitter – it’s like carrying a little piece of magic with you. Plus, resin can be poured into moulds of any shape or size, so you can find everything from elegant earrings to bold statement necklaces.

Resin jewellery is also super durable. Once it hardens, it’s resistant to water and scratches, which means it can withstand daily wear and tear. This durability, combined with its lightweight nature, makes resin jewellery perfect for everyday use. And let’s not forget the vibrant colours and glossy finish that resin can achieve – it’s a real showstopper!

Above: Coloured resin studs by my son, Toby (14) from his brand Glync.

For those who love eco-friendly options, resin can be a sustainable choice too. Many artisans use plant-based resins or incorporate recycled materials into their designs. So, not only are you getting a stunning piece of jewellery, but you're also making a more environmentally conscious choice.

Kiln-fired ceramic earrings

These unique pieces are crafted from clay, glazed, and fired to create stunning, wearable works of art. Each pair is a testament to the artist’s skill and creativity, making them a wonderful choice for anyone looking to stand out with something truly special.

Once shaped, the pieces are left to dry before being carefully sanded and smoothed. Then comes the fun part – glazing! Artists can get really creative here, using different techniques and colours to bring their designs to life. Finally, the pieces are fired in a kiln, which solidifies the clay and sets the glaze, resulting in a durable and beautiful piece of jewellery.

Crafting ceramic earrings is a labour of love. It starts with shaping the clay, often by hand or using moulds, to achieve the desired form.

What makes ceramic earrings particularly special is their handmade nature. Each pair is a one-of-a-kind creation, reflecting the artist's individual style and passion. This means you’re not just wearing earrings; you’re wearing a piece of art with its own story and personality.

Handmade polymer clay jewellery

Handmade polymer clay jewellery is a fabulous way to add a pop of colour and personality to your accessory collection. The best part? You can make it right at home!

Polymer clay is a versatile material that comes in a rainbow of colours, and it's super easy to shape and mould. Whether you're into delicate floral designs or bold geometric shapes, there's no limit to what you can create.

Above: Making polymer clay earrings at home.

To get started, all you need is some polymer clay, a few basic tools like cutters and rollers, and an oven to bake your creations. Simply shape your clay into the desired form, add any textures or details, and then pop them in the oven according to the package instructions. Once they're baked and cooled, you can attach earring hooks, necklace chains, or brooch pins.

Making polymer clay jewellery at home is not only fun but also a great way to craft unique, handmade pieces that reflect your personal style. Give it a go and see what you can create! 

Lightweight paper jewellery

Paper jewellery might sound delicate, but it can be surprisingly sturdy. Artists use techniques like quilling, folding, and layering to create intricate designs.

Paper jewellery can be lightweight and colourful, often sealed with a protective coating to ensure durability.

Above: Origami paper cranes and beads.

Contemporary glass jewellery

Glass jewellery is made through a fascinating process that combines art and science. It starts with glass rods or sheets, which are melted down using a torch or kiln. The molten glass is then shaped and moulded into various designs.

For intricate patterns, lampworking is often used, where the artist manipulates the glass in the flame of a torch to create delicate beads and pendants.

Above: Lampwork glass earring being made.

Another technique is fusing, where pieces of glass are layered and then heated in a kiln until they fuse together, forming unique patterns and colours. Sometimes, metallic foils or other materials are added for extra sparkle.

After shaping, the glass pieces are slowly cooled in a kiln, a process known as annealing, to prevent cracking. Finally, the cooled glass pieces are polished and assembled into jewellery. The result is a stunning piece of handcrafted art, each one unique and vibrant.

Carved stone jewellery

Stone carving jewellery is an ancient art form that has fascinated people for centuries. This intricate craft involves chiselling and shaping stones into beautiful, wearable pieces that tell a story of history, culture, and skill.

Dating back thousands of years, stone carving has roots in many ancient civilizations, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. These cultures used stones like jade, turquoise, and carnelian to create stunning jewellery pieces that often held significant cultural and religious meanings. The Egyptians, for instance, carved intricate scarab beetles and other symbols into stones, believing they provided protection and good fortune.

The process of carving stone jewellery is no small feat. It requires a steady hand, a keen eye, and immense patience.

Traditionally, artisans used simple tools like chisels and hammers to carefully chip away at the stone, gradually revealing the design within. Today, while modern tools can speed up the process, many artisans still prefer traditional methods to maintain the authenticity and artistry of their work.

The artistry involved in stone carving goes beyond just the technical skills. It’s about understanding the stone and its properties, knowing how to work with its strengths and weaknesses to create a piece that’s not only beautiful but durable. This deep connection with the material is something that has been passed down through generations of artisans, preserving the ancient traditions while allowing for new, contemporary interpretations.

How I use glass to make my jewellery

In my studio, I use glass to create unique, handcrafted jewellery pieces. I love the versatility and beauty of glass. Using traditional lampworking techniques, I melt and shape the glass into beads and pendants.

Above: Glass Kina earring being made.

The process involves heating the glass with a torch until it becomes pliable, then carefully shaping it into the desired form. Once cooled, the pieces are polished to a smooth finish. I often incorporate vibrant colours and interesting patterns, ensuring each piece is truly one-of-a-kind.

My glass jewellery is a reflection of my passion for this ancient craft and my commitment to creating beautiful, wearable art.

Handcrafted jewellery made from these materials offers a unique way to express your personal style. Whether you prefer the natural look of wood or the vibrant colours of glass, there's something special about wearing a piece of art that was made by hand.

Check out my latest creations and find the perfect piece that speaks to your style.