Jewelry making has been around for centuries. Ancient man used it as a way to capture beauty in his environment. Jewelry making was and is still used to symbolize important ideas. In other words, ancient man had specific purposes for some jewelry. Some of it was used as a talismans to ward off evil and sometimes, to symbolize wealth and social status within a group.http://www.allaboutgemstones.com/jewelry_history_early_man.ht>

Today's jewelry design and jewelry making efforts have settled in well with the rich and famous. Women like Ivana Trump and Angelina Jolie have found great success with their lines of jewelry. http://www.ivanatrump.com/jewelry.htmlhttp://socialitelife.celebuzz.com/archive/2009/11/16/angelina_jolie_brad_pitt_jewelry_designers.php Popular jewelry designers like Harry Winston, designer to the stars and Cathy Waterman, lead designer for YLang23 complete years of training and tutelage under a master designer.http://www.harry-winston.com/http://www.ylang23.com/shop.cfm?ShopBy=Designers&DesignerID=1

Employment of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers is expected to grow by five percent between 2008 and 2018, more slowly than the average for all occupations as most jewelry is imported. However, retiring jewelers will leave openings for those already in the ranks.http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:awvSubUM10YJ:www.bls.gov/oco/ocos222.htm+jewelry+making+industry+and+statistics&cd=2&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

According to the Gemological Institute of America, the jewelry industry goes in cycles. It has been observed that during bad economic times, people buy fewer pieces of new jewelry but of those who have jewelry to care for, repair workers find they are busy. Maintaining and repairing jewelry is an ongoing process.

Another aspect of jewelry making is that much of it has to be done by hand and that takes training. Designs start with an idea and require several jewelry craftsmen to complete. The wealthy, double-income households have developed an affinity for expensive jewelry pieces which is expected to keep sales of jewelry pieces strong.http://www.gia.edu/nav/toolbar/newsroom/articles-for-public/article-career-longevity-jewelry-is-forever.html

There are lots of ads for jewelry making schools so people can get into the field professionally but many of those interested in jewelry making want to do so as a hobby. The hobbyist still has to learn the basics of jewelry making, design and conceptualization. Knowing which jewelry making tools to have on hand and which jewelry making materials to have is important. It will save the beginner money. Beginners have to figure out how to make their pieces safe and wearable. There should not be sharp edges that can poke or scratch. There are certain techniques used by the pros to make jewelry strong so that it can last through normal wear.

The three most popular types of jewelry making for hobbyists are beading, earring making and necklace and bracelet making. They require the least amounts of expensive material like silver and gold. They also are easier to make, however, to make wearable pieces it will take practice. Those who have turned their hobby into a profession suggest going to the library or a hobby store to get a book and read up on jewelry making before buying the materials.

Beading is the easiest way to start jewelry making. It occurs when beads are strung on needle and thread or wire. Beads come in a wide variety of colors, size, shapes and materials. Some beads are pre-drilled and some are solid. Some of the work can be completed within a short amount of time and more complex beading requiring tools and such can take weeks. There are beading patterns distributed on the Web and in books and magazines.http://www.bead-media.com/beadglossary.html

Earrings come in an array of types and sizes. A popular shape is hoop earring which can be bought pre-made in a variety of sizes or can be handmade with the proper technique. Drop earring are easier to make than hoop earrings. Drop earrings usually have beads or other jewelry attached to it in a vertical drop, thus the name. Other types of earrings are disk, chandelier and ball.http://www.beadinggem.com/2010/03/how-to-make-hoop-earrings-tutorial.html Imagination is key in good jewelry design because it starts with a concept. The novice jewelry maker should find a niche and really hone it.

Necklace and bracelet making is enjoyed especially by children and their moms. It makes for an easy afternoon to sit down with a craft book and hand weave a bracelet and necklace out of inexpensive and brightly colored material.Activities like these create both memories and jewelry!http://www.lehighgroup.com/bracelet.htm More intricate and sophisticated designs require more expensive materials, a more precise technique and jeweler's tools.http://www.jewelry-paideia.com/reference/ref-handcrafted-6.php It also takes a concept. The main point of expressing oneself through jewelry is to highlight individuality. Many handmade jewelry pieces are one-of-a-kind.