Finding handmade jewelry artists that specialize in fine jewelry and settings stones are rare now-a-days (especially in the Upstate NY area of Skaneateles).
There are many reasons for this.
Fine jewelry is an art and a skilled trade
Fine jewelry is more complicated than it looks. Although the stones and shiny metal catches your eye, the setting of stones requires immense skill and an eye for artistic design. The stones have to be set just right so that they are level and also so they will stay in the ring even if the ring sustains some force to it. As a result, it takes years to learn how to set many different types of stones.
In addition to stone setting, a jeweler needs metalworking skills. This involves knowing how to shape metal as well as having good control while using a fire torch. Too hot, and the metal can easily melt. Too cold, and the metal won’t stick together.
Older jewelers are retiring / Younger generations aren’t trained
As with many industries, some of the older jewelers are retiring. They have done it for years and are ready to enjoy a new phase in their life. As a result, handmade jewelry artists are becoming harder to find. The younger generations aren’t learning the art of handmade jewelry. There are a couple of schools that will teach students such as the New Approach School in Tennessee, but as a whole, there aren’t a lot of people signing up to be jewelers.
Mass Production of Jewelry
As with most other industries, it is cheaper and easier to mass produced jewelry than it is to have a piece custom made. Handmade pieces are typically sought after for special occasions or gifts that have special meaning. But for everyday wear, most people just rely on mass produced jewelry.
So, if you are looking for handmade jewelry artists in the Skaneateles area or beyond, feel free to reach out to us! We would love to work with you to design a unique, one-of-a kind piece!