Defining Art Jewelry - Six Simple Rules

  In a previous post, I talked about the frequent misuse of the terms "art" and "artist". Along the same lines are the  terms "art jewelry" and "artisan jewelry", and they are also widely misused.

Because I create and sell both artisan jewelry and art jewelry, I would like to define the terms here, for the edification of readers. Feel free to post your own opinions in comments, as always.

Six Simple Rules to Help You to Discern "Art Jewelry" From "Artisan Jewelry"

1. Art jewelry is not defined as "art" by the materials from which it is made. All materials are fair game. 
2. A piece of art jewelry involves more than simple stringing.
3. A piece of art jewelry involves more than simple wirework.
4. The mass manufacturers do not create art jewelry. Rather, art jewelry is created by independent designers|artists, usually as unique, one-of-a-kind pieces or as limited editions. 
5. Art jewelry is considered art, and is judged in the same manner as other forms of visual art.
6. True art jewelry does not use the patterns of other artists or artisans. Art jewelry is always original.

Examples after the jump.

So, what is "art jewelry"?

It is jewelry that is hand-crafted, and can be made of any material, including precious metals, gemstones, clay, plastic,  fabric, the metal from cans, or any other materials that may be formed in to an object of wearable art.

Is hand-strung artisan jewelry considered "art jewelry"?

Not if the artisan has had no input in creating the materials used in the piece, or alternatively/additionally has not hand-woven or embroidered the piece.

Is wire-worked  artisan jewelry considered "art jewelry"?

Yes and no. Simple wirework, such as wrapped loops, is not an art. If the piece has more intricate, original design and wirework, it is "art jewelry".

Do the mass manufacturers of jewelry create "art jewelry"?

No. It would be cost prohibitive. They do sometimes "knock off" pieces that have been created by independent designers.

Is "art jewelry" considered a craft or an art?

True art jewelry is considered an art, or wearable art, rather than a craft. Truly, I would call it both.

Artisan jewelry is considered a craft, and is judged as a craft. "Art jewelry" is considered fine art, and is judged in the same manner as other forms of visual fine art.

EXAMPLES OF ART JEWELRY
 
From left to right:
1. By myself (NicoleCharlesDesign.com)
The fine silver leaf was created by carving wet metal clay. Once dry, it was refined, and fired, then polished, and embellished. Prior to embellishing, I created a rubber mold to enable me to reproduce the leaf 5 or 6 times. It is a limited edition, and four have now been sold. The bail is also hand-formed. The blue stone is a Grade AAA, faceted, Swiss blue topaz briolette. 
2. By Triz Designs . The beautiful, hand-beaded cuff bracelet is bead embroidered on ultrasuede (brass cuff base) in bronze and grey Japanese seed beads, Czech grey glass beads, and a tiger-eye focal flat bead. The cuff is one of a kind, by Triz Designs.

EXAMPLES OF ARTiSAN JEWELRY, by Myself
  
From left to right:
1. by myself, as Nicole Charles Design.
Materials are blue chalcedony briolettes, Sky Blue topaz rondelles, and blue Swarovski crystals, all hand-wired and connected.
All metal is 14k gold.
2. again, by myself, materials are freshwater cultured pearls, Swarovski Austrian crystal, black onyx, and all beads have been individually hand-wired to a14k gold-filled chain and findings. The clasp is a hand-forged hook.

I hope that this has helped you, at least a little, to be able to determine the difference between the two different terms.

 

Copyright © by Art Journal 2008. All rights are reserved. No re-posting of articles or my images without prior written permission is allowed.

Technorati Tags: art, art jewelry, jewelry, definitions, modern glam, art journal, nicole charles design, triz designs, artisan jewelry

Comments

[Triz]

Great post! I was discussing the difference between the two with a friend just last night, you explained it so much better :-) and thank you for using my cuff as an example, I'm very honoured :-)

[Christie Chiovitti (The_Homeopath)]

I've never been able to put in to words the difference before. You've done it so beautifully and this is most definately a blog that I will be keeping up with! Thanks so much!

[nicole]

@ Triz........thanks, Triz! I used your work because I think it is excellent. :) And, it really is a great example of art jewelry!

@ Christie......thanks so much for the kind remarks! :)

[Sarcasta-Mom]

Your jewelry is beautiful!

I consider my work to be artisan jewelry, and this post was very interesting to me. I was curious if you'd take a look at my work and see if you'd define it as art jewelry? Thanks! www.ravenworksstudio.com

[nicole]

Sarcasta, thank you. :)
Truthfully, I would consider most of your jewelry "art jewelry", rather than "artisan jewelry". It meets the criteria in the list, and unless you used patterns, I have to say it is art jewelry. It is very beautiful, btw. :)

[sunny beach]

I have zero interest in jewelry, but for anyone who does have an interest, this gal seems to know her stuff!

[Sarcasta-Mom]

Thank you so much for taking a look at my work, I really appriciate your feedback.

I never use patterns, only my crafty brain :) I've been working on my designs for a long time, so I'm excited to know that my jewelry has finally reached "art" level.

[glam]

Sarcasta, my pleasure! :)

[Jena Isle]

That was truly enlightening. I was not aware of the differences. Thanks for sharing.

[Ginny]

Thanks for this! As someone who's been involved in more 'traditional' art (painting, sculpting, etc.) I tend to wonder if my jewelry is art or craft. Based on your descriptions, I think I can proudly call a lot of it 'art'. :)

[melissa]

I agree 100%, artistic jewelry, is created from the heart, and is almost always one of a kind. I have seen so many lovely pieces of jewelry, during my blogging visits, and there are so many artistic creations to see.

[Linda]

This was a terrific article. I suppose I do a little bit of both: artisan jewelry and art jewelry. Great info!

[nicole]

Thanks to all who commented! It was nice to see that it was well received......I was a little worried that some people might be offended, and it wasn't my desire to do that. :)