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Organic Jewelry Part 3- Shell-Hair and Feather jewelry @ Jewel Info 4 U
By: Ms Nandita Ray
ORGANIC JEWELRY
Jewelry is like plague; bane for
some and blessings for others. It is
clairvoyant in nature. It either
drains finances or it instills
confidence. A well accessorized
woman feels positive and capable.
Jewelry is also a source of
financial security for women.
Jewelry made out of organic elements
i.e. made out of the remains of
living beings and containing carbon
is called organic. Apart from Pearls
and corals, jewelry made out of Jet,
Hair, Shell, Ivory, Bones, and Wood;
are all organic in nature.
Shell Jewelry
 Nature's most
beautiful gift, the shell comes in
wondrous iridescent colors of the
rainbow from the sea. It is sad that
the Sea that has been bestowing us
with not only food but various other
bounties is getting polluted. If not
salvaged quickly we shall soon lose
these amazing gifts. Shell has been
used as jewelry for long. Whether in
their natural form of cut and shaped
it has a charm of its own. The
different colors, mother of pearl
Nautilus, lily shell, sea urchins,
rose colored shell; olive shells
with their glow and shine make
beautiful jewelry.
The multi layered calcareous
skeletons of marine animals like
pearl oyster, abalone, nautilus,
snail; sea urchins, river mussels
whose hard yet smooth inner lining,
coated with the organic secretion
called Nacre also called mother of
pearl, give it an attractive luster.
Some shells in their natural form
like cowries (shell) or the outer
shell of the tortoise or the spiral
shell of the snail is often used to
make solitary pendants. Cameos are
carved on shells.
Crafted in most Islands, where they
are easily found, like Hawaii,
Maldives, Polynesia and Andaman, it
makes for summer cool ethnic chic.
Crescent shape, colored discs,
silver filigreed body, bead and
shell, with coral mixed and matched
with pearls earrings, necklaces,
bracelets, rings, pendants and
bangles are quite popular.
Bamboo JewelryThis long and tall grass,
which grows in abundance in the
monsoon terrains of Asia, Africa and
USA is used for many things, jewelry
being one of them. Since it is
naturally hollow and light weight
and coated with a natural shine it
makes excellent items of jewelry.
The most common bamboo is Bambusa
Arundinacea. Bamboos which can grow
to a height of 100ft can be woody or
climbing grass. The stalks can be
thorny, hollow or solid. Some wither
and die after flowering while some
take 30years to flower.
Bamboo can be made into bangles,
earrings, ear plugs, necklaces and
belts. They can be hand painted or
enameled or finished with silver.
Hair JewelryHuman hair has been
used for adornment and was very
popular till the end of the 1800's.
It was during the 1600's when it was
first used as bracelets by both
sexes. Hair from the lock of a loved
was exchanged and worn for
sentimental reasons or in memory of
a departed soul. Napoleon wore a
watch with a chain braided from his
second wife Marie Louise to show
faith and fidelity. This was very
much in vogue since there were no
photographs. When the beloved left
for war or for distant shore, a lock
of hair made into a pendant was
coveted. Hair brooches were popular
too.
Jewelry made from hair was used for
mourning as well as sentimental
reasons. Brooches fringed with seed
or tiny pearls, hair encased within
a glass cover, or gold monogram, or
hair twisted and braided all around
a painted photograph, were
laboriously crafted. Sometimes two
hair tones were used to make the
brooches more attractive. The hair
strands, clubbed together were
twisted and turned till they became
hard and thread like. This made it
easier to use them in various
designs.
Elephant Hair from the tail is used
for making bracelets and charms in
Africa. The sparse and thick hair of
this mammal is also used for
handicrafts in South Africa. It is
thought to ward of evil and keep the
wearer safe. The hair is knotted
with either three knots or two
knots, into plain blackish grey
bracelets.
Feather JewelryHas been used by
the Native Americans to adorn their
bodies. Feathers which a light and
come in attractive natural colors
can be made into beautiful pieces of
jewelry. Peacock, duck, wild fowl,
parrot, pea fowl, turkey, ostrich,
hawk, raven and their likes have all
contributed feathers for the growth
of this industry. Feather jewelry is
back in vogue.
Feathers are wrapped in silver, dyed
in various colors, cut and curled,
held in thin chains, wrapped in
leather throngs, mixed and matched
with beads can be made into
pendants, necklaces and earrings.
Unique in look they add chic cool
look.
Hemp JewelryThough banned in its natural
form, it can be used under strict
licensing for industrial purposes.
Fiber, food, oils, clothing, jewelry
and building material are made.
Commonly known as cannabis this
destructive and addictive plant has
been successfully used for harmless
products. The fibers can be dyed and
twisted into bracelets, necklaces,
earrings, woven with beads or mixed
and matched with shell or seeds, the
strong fibers make it sturdy and
durable.
Wood, jute, stone and terracotta are
also used to make organic jewelry.
They are not only environment
friendly but also proffer work to
many, since mostly they are hand
crafted.
Related Links :
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Belly Button Piercing
The Egyptians, the Indians and many other cultures pierced this humble button to show the significance of the person sporting a pierced navel - Royalty, Warriors, exceptional Beauty. |
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