Are Handmade Bracelets Really Worth the Effort?

How often have you received or purchased anything that is completely handmade? Some of you may answer probably. Some may say occasionally. Others, rarely or even never. Handmade products are perceived as more expensive because of the extra time, effort and materials used in making them. This perception is even more prevalent in the jewelry-making business - which explains why a piece of jewelry such as a bracelet tends to cost more.

Even bracelets made from less expensive materials such as crystals, plastics, polished wood and clay are proportionally more expensive than the usual consumer items. The question that leads many people to ask is: are handmade bracelets more valuable?

To people who have received these bracelets as gifts, the answer can only be a resounding yes. Here are the two most common reasons why:

•     The Uniqueness of the Product - In an era where even high-end jewelry is mass produced, there's no question that these bracelets will come out as one of a kind. With the variety of bracelet materials available out there that consumers can purchase, the possibilities are slim that multiple copies of the same bracelet will be produced from the combinations of designs that will be chosen by those who prefer to make handmade bracelets to give as gifts or to keep as part of one's jewelry collection. Unique bracelets will certainly stand out in a crowd of commercially produced items. Simply put - more unique equals more value
•     The Flexibility of Design - People who choose to make bracelets on their own always assert that it is their design that comes out of the finished product and not that of some faceless, anonymous designer who know nothing about their individual preference. This flexibility of making customized designs is made possible by the wide range of materials available for purchase such as gemstones, metals, crystals and plastics. Because people get to choose which materials and which shapes to include in making their own bracelets, they also consider the finished product as extensions of their own personality - which makes these bracelets even more valuable to those who will receive them as gifts.

Handmade bracelets are not just for those who want to give them away as gifts. These items are also valuable end-products for people who engage in this activity as a hobby. These people are not just composed of bored housewives, retirees and the unemployed. A growing number of hobbyists who engage in this activity are people who are employed in professions that do not produce any tangible products such as accounting, information technology (IT), sales and personnel management. Studies have shown that hobbies that produce creative and tangible products such as bracelet-making has some therapeutic benefits for these professionals. Even though the bracelets themselves may not have any significant physical value, they are nevertheless worthy symbols of well-being for those who spend quality time creating them.

Whether as gift items, as hobbyists' therapeutic symbols or as collectibles, these bracelets are definitely worth more than their actual value for many people.

Silver Fashion Jewelry Cleaning Tips

Silver fashion jewelry is one of the most popular fashion jewelries in use, primarily because it is not only beautiful, but also versatile, as the sparkling shine of sterling silver is much easier to match with clothing and other fashion accessories, than gold or other colored stones. However, one problem with silver fashion jewelry is the need to maintain the sparkle and shine. Without proper maintenance, jewelry made from silver can come into contact with certain chemicals and start to tarnish, making it lose its natural shine. If further neglected, silver will eventually appear black. Here are some things you can do in order to regularly clean your silver jewelry:

•     Using Commercial Cleaning Products - After market cleaning and polishing products for silver are readily available, and in some cases - affordable. Most of these products come in the form of wipes and cloth sets as well as some that are sold as liquid agents. What is important is to carefully choose the cleaning products according to your needs. For instance, a silver jewelry that only has grease stains or a mild to medium case of tarnishing will need a cleaning product that is not as strong as the one you will need to clean it that has already blackened. Do not be afraid to ask for a demonstration at the store, in order to make sure that the product you are buying really works.
•     Using Homemade Cleaning Products - if you are more of the DIY person, or you are currently unable to purchase a commercial cleaning product, you can do your own silver cleaning using materials that are readily available at home. All you need is one-fourth cups of salt, liquid dish soap, and baking soda, along with water, aluminum foil, a large pot, a towel, and a strainer. Line the insides and the bottom of the pot with the foil, mix all of the other ingredients (salt, liquid dish soap, baking soda, and water) inside the pot. Place the jewelry to be cleaned in the solution and place the pot under low heat (non boiling) for a few minutes. After 5 minutes, turn off the heat and let the jewelry sit in the solution for another 5 minutes. Afterwards, strain the cleaning solution from the pot and rinse the jewelry under cold or lukewarm running water. Make sure that the jewelry is clean of all the solution, particularly because salt can be corrosive if left indefinitely. Use the towel to dry the now-clean silver.
•     Toothpaste - Silver jewelry with only mild to medium tarnish can be cleaned with toothpaste just by dampening the silver, and brushing it with a kid's toothbrush with generous amounts of white toothpaste. Make sure not to rub vigorously, as you could scratch the silver. When done, use a clean, soft towel to dry your jewelry.

Last but not the least, for severely tarnished or blackened jewelries, you can always take it back to the shop and have it cleaned professionally. The cost of professional cleaning, while still expensive compared to the above methods, are still relatively affordable and will not break your wallet.