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wire art jewelry
In its simplest definition, wire jewelry is jewelry handcrafted from wire. It can be any kind of wire. It is made primarily by hand and the use of pliers, although solder, other traditional metalsmithing techniques, and small, incidental findings are sometimes combined with wire. Cabochons and/or beads are often used as focal points.
Wire art jewelry shows the individual personality of the artist. When a wire jeweler goes beyond mastering basic techniques and begins to innovate and create unique designs that express their personal vision, they begin to create art jewelry.
the guild
The guild became a legal entity on September 1, 2004 and is considered a business league. It started with 50 charter members from 3 countries. What it ultimately becomes will be dependent on the members that join and particpate in the guild's growth. JOIN! - Volunteer for a committee - Write an article - Share & Learn!
mission statement
The International Guild of Wire Jewelry Artists, Inc. promotes wire art jewelry, seeks public recognition of the art form, educates wire artists, and works to improve business aspects of the art.
Members make the guild work - participating in forums to discuss and share ideas, designs, tips, techniques and other topics of interest to wire artist jewelers; providing guidance to artists interested in learning to create all forms of wire art jewelry or to hone their skills in a specific area; setting professional standards for quality of workmanship; providing peer review; and showcasing, exhibiting, and generally making the public aware of the more creative aspects of wire art jewelry.
purpose
The original thoughts behind creating the guild were -
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- To create professional standards for quality of workmanship
(ie-the technical aspects of wire art jewelry) and to define "good"
techniques that make for jewelry that stands up to being worn.
- To provide education to artists as to why those standards are important for the longevity of the piece of jewelry.
- To provide a jurying system that recognizes various levels of achievement in wire art jewelry - technical, artistic, specialization's, etc.
- To build credibility & prestige for the art form
(increase standards/quality of workmanship; promote the art form; etc.)
- To earn respect from the established jewelry industry as an alternative method of jewelry design/construction.
- To create a reference library for wire artists regarding both techniques and business skills.
- To educate members regarding legal standards they need to conform to (stamping, FTC guides for jewelry & precious metals, similar requirements for other countries) and to develop and/or promote recommended methods or tools for compliance with these legal requirements.
- To improve the opinion show promoters have of the art form and help wire jewelry artists get into "upscale" jewelry shows, juried venues, etc.
- To create group or volume opportunities and discounts for things such as Sales & Marketing assistance; Advertising; Web-Design; Jewelry Mall/Group Sales; Events; Insurance; Merchant Services; Bulk-Buys; Library Resources; etc.
- To create conventions, exhibitions, and shows to showcase wire art jewelry.
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the jewelry mall
The guild sponsors JewelryArtistDirect.com. It is a direct portal to individual jewelry artists from around the world, presenting a wide selection of hand crafted jewelry. Any purchases you wish to make are done directly with the individual artist.
To participate, jewelry artists must have a working web site featuring finished jewelry handcrafted by the artist. Artists interested in adding their web site, click here for more information or click here to send email.
contact us
The guild is a virtual organization. There is no physical address, no phone, no employees. The best way to get questions answered about the guild is by using the public message board - "Guild Questions/Answers".
The following email addresses may also be used to contact the guild. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A TIMELY RESPONSE (all staff is volunteer), use the public message board to ask "what happened?"
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FAQ's
Gift Shops
Join the Guild!
Sponsor the Guild!
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