However, by 27 BC, Greek designs were heavily influenced by the Roman culture. Another fashion trend resurrected by Napoleon was the cameo. Very closely related were the German Jugendstil, British and to some extent American Arts and Crafts Movement. The British arts amp crafts movement of Charles Robert Ashbee contributed slightly more linear but still characteristic designs. Enamels played a large role in technique, while sinuous organic lines are the most recognizable design feature. There are references in the bible to the wearing of jewellery, both as a decoration and as a symbol.

Another popular symbol is the Hamsa, also known as the Hamesh hand. One of the first to start jewellery making were the peoples of the Indus Valley were made using simple techniques. The red stone would then be chipped to the right size and a hole drilled through it with primitive drills. Some beads were also painted with designs. They were often shaped like doughnuts and painted black. Over time, clay bangles were discarded for more durable ones. In India today, bangles are made out of metal or glass.

Although women wore a vast array of jewellery, men often only wore a finger ring. The Torc was common throughout Europe as a symbol of status and power. As in the West, Byzantine jewellery was worn by both men and women. Amulets were also common too, often with a Chinese symbol or dragon. Beads in the Indus Valley wore beads. India traded the diamonds, realising their valuable qualities. The pieces are no longer simple metalwork, but are now masterful examples of jewellery making. The nose and ear ornaments, chest plates, small containers and whistles are considered masterpieces of ancient Peruvian culture. Gold jewellery was most common in Phoenician jewellery. Also, ancient Turkish designs found in Persian jewellery suggest that trade between the Middle East and Europe was not uncommon.

Greek jewellery was often simpler than in other cultures, with simple designs and workmanship. Older pieces of jewellery were made from natural materials, such as bone, animal teeth, she'll, wood and carved stone. Alloys of nearly every metal known have been encountered in jewellery bronze, for example, was common in Roman times. Modern fine jewellery usually includes gold, white gold, platinum, palladium, titanium or silver.

Things to Consider before Getting into Jewellery Making
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Cost and supplies

Making jewellery can cost as little as a few pence to begin with. A bag full of beads some thread and a needle and youre ready to make your first necklace. Alternatively you can spend a great deal of money on equipment kilns for enamelling and working with modelling clays precious metal settings and beads high quality gemstones and the finest quality tools; the choice on how much you spend on your jewellery making is really up to you. You can make your pastime fit your budget.

If you have decided to start making your own jewellery then finding a good quality supplier should be top of your list of things to do. Look for suppliers who have a good range of tools (in all price ranges) a wide selection of findings settings and accessories such as proper beading thread or jewellers pliers. Companies like Cookson Gold have an established name as suppliers both to the public and to the industry so check their history. If the company has been supplying jewellerymaking equipment for a long time the provenance will reassure you that they are a company to be trusted.

Investment in good quality equipment is essential for good quality results. Build your collection of tools and accessories up slowly. The old adage you pay for what you get is certainly true when it comes to jewellery making equipment. A cheap pair of electricians wire cutters may cut adequately but jewellers wire cutters will cut far more cleanly and with more precision essential for fine work particularly with precious metals.

Safety

Never underestimate tools. Even something as seemingly harmless as jewellery making has its hazards particularly if you are considering using any form of high temperature equipment such as kilns or blowtorches. Try to keep your working area as uncluttered as possible. Small snips of wire can easily penetrate skin so meticulous cleaning should be part of your workshop routine. A small fire extinguisher is a worthy investment to prevent any hot material from combusting. Be very aware that some chemicals used with jewellery making give off toxic fumes so ensure that your working area is well ventilated. Safety should never be given secondary importance.

Workspace

A good working area is essential for jewellery making preferably with plenty of room for storage drawers. A good beginners tip is to invest in some compartmentalised fishing boxes which are relatively cheap and very robust. They will enable you to keep small items like jump rings and earring wires separately stored and tidy. If you are using heat for any of your projects (such as blowtorches or kilns) a heatproof surface is essential. Make sure your actual working space is well lit to enable you to see your work properly without causing eyestrain.

Books and the Internet

Although you will learn quickly as you progress there are hundreds of books and online sites available to give you tips inspiration and guidance in your jewellery making. Good suppliers will have a selection of books that in their experience will suit all levels of ability and cover a range of specialist subjects.

Inspiration

Beginners projects will give you a starting point to work from. Kits can be bought to make up all kinds of jewellery and from those you can start to develop your own ideas and designs. Keeping a scrapbook and taking cuttings of designs in magazines can act as your very own jewellery prompter allowing you the chance to recreate the designs yourself but putting your own unique touch to them.

Warning!

Jewellery making is addictive. Once youve created your first piece it doesnt stop there. Youve just stimulated your creativity. Welcome to the wonderful world of making jewellery!

Adam Hunter Ecommerce Marketing Manager of cooksongold.com. Cookson Precious Metals offer a choice of jewellery making supplies from over 10000 products including gold and silver wire jewellery findings tools precious metal clay and gold and silver sheet gold silver platinum and palladium plus technical information for jewellers jobbers designer craftsmen artisans and students.

For interviews quotes images or comments contact:

Adam Hunter

Ecommerce Marketing Manager

Tel(DDI): +44 (0) 121 212 6491

Email: adam.huntercooksongold.com



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