Handmade Jewelry Item of the Day: Square Hoop Earrings

Hoop earrings are one of the most classic, versatile jewelry items you can own! I handmake them in many sizes and many shapes, including this new Delicate Square Hoop earring version. When worn, they hang in a diamond shape from the ear! So cool! They come in sterling silver, gold-fill or rose gold-fill. 14k gold hoop versions available with a special order. See these and other handmade designer jewelry at peggyli.com.

Have a shape you are looking for? Post a comment and let me know!

best,
peggy

Handmade Jewelry Item of the Day: Goth Girl Earrings

I love love love this color combination! I have violet blue tanzanites and black garnets on the thinnest hand-hammered links. These handmade earrings are goth and gorgeous -- something even a Twilight fashion fan might love!

Choose gold-fill or sterling silver versions. See the Goth Girl Earrings and other handmade jewelry items at peggyli.com!

best,
peggy

Handmade Jewelry Item of the Day: Silver Constellation Necklace

I'm always looking for a light and easy necklace to wear that I can dress up or down. When I spotted this sterling silver bead chain with little daisy clusters, I knew I had a winner.

Made in a long 36" length with sterling silver tulip clasps, you can wear this beauty long or doubled. See the Silver Constellation Necklace and other handmade jewelry at Peggy Li Creations.

Best,
peggy

FAQ: Choosing a Handmade Jewelry Gift

I often have customers who are shopping for a handmade jewelry for friends or family and need some help choosing an item. While I think it's tough to by jewelry for someone else, (especially when you have so many choices at Peggy Li Creations!) here are some things to think about when shopping for a handcrafted jewelry gift:

1) Do they wear more gold or silver? Sometimes people have a strong preference of tone or a piece of jewelry that they always wear that they match to (a watch, or ring). If they prefer gold, do they need a solid gold (14k) due to metal allergies?

2) Earrings vs. Necklace. Do they tend to wear more earrings or more necklaces, or do they prefer matching sets?

3) Simple or elaborate? Do they tend to wear more simple pieces or something more daring/fancy?

4) Classic or funky? I have a lot of funky and classic styles, from charm necklaces to classic pearl necklaces. I really aim for effortless style, so I think all of my jewelry is able to be dressed up or dressed down with any wardrobe -- you really can't go wrong.

5) Would they like a personalized piece? There are a few options for personalized jewelry at handmade jewelry by Peggy Li, including an ID bracelet, Initial Necklace and Stamped Initial Necklaces. It goes that extra step to show that you are thinking about that special someone.

Hopefully you'll find these shopping tips useful when looking for that perfect handmade jewelry gift.

Peggy

Eco-Friendly Packaging at Peggy Li Creations Handmade Jewelry

I've always been amazed at the amount of waste my small business generates -- but Peggy Li Creations handmade jewelry strives to be as green and eco-friendly as possible!

Not only do I recycle all my scrap metal (many major jewelry supply houses offer recycling programs), but I recycle my paper and plastic packaging. The boxes, bubble wrap and printed paper I use to ship orders all contain at least 20% post-consumer recycled materials. I recycle my ink cartridges and don't use any harsh chemicals in my work.

It may not be a lot, but it's a start!

Peggy

Handmade Jewelry Item of the Day: Silver Branch Necklace

Cast from nature, this sterling silver branch pendant is earthy yet delicate.

See this and other handmade jewelry items at peggyli.com!

Handmade Jewelry Item of the Day: Leaf Post Earrings

Simple in shape, complex in impact! I hand-forge these abstract leaf shapes on a single piece of wire. With a post back and soft plastic earring back, these earrings are modern and stylish.

See these handmade earrings and more at Peggy Li Creations.

Best,
Peggy

Staying Creative, Staying Positive

Nina Designs is a local company I respect and admire and who have been in the biz of supplying jewelry designers for many years. Nina recently started a blog and interestingly started her first topic is on the issue of copy cat designers.

Nina has a refreshing take that I think is sensible and the reality of working in the highly competitive world of jewelry design. "While frustrating, copycats are just a fact of life in fashion. They can even help drive up demand for your designs." And whether or not we as designers want to admit it, small designers especially benefit from larger fashion trends, whether it is Swarovski crystal bracelets one year or big chandelier earrings the next. People want to be in fashion and wear items that they see in the mainstream, as well as wear aspirational pieces.

Read Nina's blog on copy cat designers here.

I've been on both sides of the issue and I know that it's a challenge everyday to stay true to your own creative vision. Many small designers (like me) rely on pre-made components, so it's inevitable that designs will be similar, if not identical. I'm making an effort this year to hand fabricate more components in my designs. In the meantime, I still enjoy my charms and chains (that I assemble all by hand) and hope the edit of my collection speaks to my design aesthetic and is something that *you* all enjoy as well.

best,
Peggy