Sculpture

Settling in the Cape, I am looking for a well equipped studio
with a 'super' lecturer to help me grow within the field of sculpture.

Paintings

Portraits and Other

Nikki

Amy

Cleaning Palet

Still Life

Remembering South Africa

True South African

Swedish kitchen/fireplace



Costume Jewelry

The local (South African) and other Western country(1)  mass jewelry buyers are only looking for the lowest price in costume(2) jewelry.  It cannot be compared to the real thing (real thing(3)).  My focus here is on costume jewelry compared to sterling silver jewelry.

Costume jewelry cannot be worn every day if the wearer wants it to last for a year or two.  Even well made costume jewelry will loose its silver plated colour and turn grey or copper and those allergic to nickle are too aware of the irritation of this metal.  The ones made with tiger tail (fine cable) poses the risk or breaking and falling to pieces 'while shopping' - with beads scattering and rolling under the feet of others...

We all love the trendy costume jewelry.  If it breaks, do not return it because it was just intended to last for a while.

Mass produced silver on the other hand is affordable for the ones who are willing to pay a little more and support the Eastern and Far-Eastern countries like Thailand, China, Indonesia and closer, India and even Mexico where children enter the production field at an early age. 

Why not support local artisans who make unique items and who are making a living out of their creations.  Because we ignore our local artisans, we let the trade die out.

(1) Edited above on account of the message received form 'Rich', below.
(2) Costume jewelry in the rest of the post referes to jewelry not made of Sterling Silver (as the topic discussed in this post)
(3) Real thing referring to jewelry not made of Sterling Silver



PS: See a comment I got from 'Rich' which have been revoked, but I would like to add his/her comment here.

Firstly I would like to make clear to Rich that I am comparing costume jewelry vs. jewelry made of Sterling Silver.  At the same time, I am allowing free advertising here for the Hill Tribe Families on my Blog.

"Interesting fact silver made in Thailand is only made in villages outside of the main cities by Hill tribe families. Most patterns have been in there family for many years and can only be made by large order. There are no stores or one central place to purchase Hill tribe silver in variety other than from the large Handicraft shops in the city. Mondays and Fridays are the days families will bring their goods to the main shops for sale and to pick up new orders. A trip to a silver village is a real eye opener to see how families work together to make beautiful silver pieces of art. All Handmade."
 -'Rich' -