Rose of Sharon Jewelry

Steampunk is hot in handmade jewelry now. Today’s post shares this innovative mash-up of old and new from 3 great jewelry artists who create it.

So what’s steampunk jewelry? The Steampunk term typically refers to Victorian –era industrial elements blended with a fantasy, science fiction creativity. In jewelry, this means hard elements such as antiqued base metals, hardware and gears, watch components mixed with softer, romantic images.

Steampunk jewelry isn’t for everyone.  I do believe that its popularity is growing as the availability of attractive base metal components is flourishing. It starts small with a antiqued brass filigree and soon you’re riveting gears together!

 Okay, so that probably still leaves you confused. That’s because with all art – the artist gets to intercept the medium.

The best way is to show you photos of the wonderfully creative work of three steampunk jewelry artists marketing on Etsy. Once you’ve seen a few designs, you’ll get the idea.

There are over 27,000 Etsy products listed as “steampunk jewelry”.

 

Steampunk Jewelry by CatherinetteRings

This design has wonderful work which best represents the steampunk jewelry genre.

Gears never looked so great as in this steampunk copper and brass bracelet.

 

Daniel is a full-time steampunk jewelry artist whose work is bold and innovative. You’ll find his Etsy store filled with “not for the timid” jewelry and sculpture.

 

His steampunk robot ring will start conversations whenever you wear it. 

The centerpiece is an actual reptile glass eye used in taxidermy.

 

 

 

Qacreate @ Etsy

 

This cocktail ring created by Qacreate, is one of many in the Etsy store. The mix of watch parts with Swarovski crystals makes this a real conversation piece.

 

 

This pocket watch pendant is my favorite in the Qacreate store and a great interpretation of  mechanical and Victorian images.

This pendant is called The Eye of Time.

 

Explore the Qacreates store where over 100 steampunk jewelry designs are listed.

 

Aranwen’s Jewelry

Watches (even those that work and not just parts) are big in steampunk. This magnificent silver winged cuff by Aranwen @ Etsy has the romantic Victorian influence.

From Athens, Green, artist Vicky’s designs are a blend of Gothic, Victorian, Steampunk – whatever you want to call them THEY ARE FABULOUS!

 

This heart locket necklace is another one that I love. The romantic design features brass and crystal.

 

You’ll find her on-line portfolio at http://aranwen.deviantart.com/

 

 

If you love steampunk jewelry or are a steampunk jewelry artist, my readers and I would love having you post links to your online portfolio, store or jewelry find! You can leave your comment by clicking the left hand link!

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Today’s great handmade find combines 2 creative interests: polymer clay and steampunk design. These intricately adored art blocks are by Valeriana Solaris and are on display at Flickr.

Each block side is carefully stamped, carved and adorned with screws, watch parts and other common steampunk elements.

But it is her multi-layered antiquing method that really amplifies each detail.

Valeriana also has ATC (altered trading cards) and other wonderful polymer clay creations on her Flickr photostream. 

Why not take some time to explore her wonderful creations and don’t forget to leave her some love!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Are you enjoying the Great Handmade Find feature?

Tell me what finds you would be interested in seeing next. Or if you are a handmade artist – show me your stuff. Just leave your info in the comment box (link on the left).

 

 

I never get tired of admiring the wonderful creations of fellow handmade jewelry artists. Today’s find is actually an entire Etsy store – Jewels by Nature.  Cheryl creates wonderful steampunk designs that feature watch components, cameos, hardware pieces and a lot of talent. Steampunk is a style that began in the 1980s as a sci-fi sub-genre. I would describe it as an reinterpretation of technology using Victorian imagery and influences. Think ornate filigree mixed with utilitarian components or a desktop computer made from Victorian gaslights. In jewelry, the style mixes metals, romantic and feminine images with more masculine components. Drop by Cheryl’s web site to learn more about Jewels by Nature, her wonderful designs and how she creates them. Here are a few of my favorites from Cheryl’s Etsy store.

1. Steamy Heart
2. Victorian Time Flask
3. Dragonfly Mash Locket