Steampunk jewelry is a style that draws its inspiration from the machinery of the Victorian era. It’s a unique blend of history and science fiction, and it has a growing following all over the world. If you’re looking for a way to add a little Steampunk flair to your wardrobe, jewelry is a great place to start. Steampunk-style jewelry often features gears, cogs, and other mechanical elements. It’s often dark and mysterious, with a touch of whimsy. And best of all, it doesn’t have to be expensive.
Whether you’re looking for an attention-grabbing statement piece or a subtle nod to the Steampunk aesthetic, there’s something out there for everyone. So if you’re ready to add a little Steampunk jewelry style to your life, here are some great places to start.
Features
Metal findings and chains: Most jewelry-makers I know have these in abundance in their studios. These materials make a nod to the Industrial Revolution, where common Victorians were all of a sudden able to buy metal that was stamped, pressed and rolled into chains or cut into delicate filigrees. Choose brass and copper for your Steampunk-style jewelry.
Charms and cameos: Queen Victoria was crazy for charms and a mad collector of cameos, so they show up a lot in Steampunk-style jewelry. Incorporate motifs like flowers, leaves, birds, insects, dragons, snakes, scarabs, sphinx and religious symbols to be truly Steampunk.
Glass: Using any type of glass in your Steampunk-style jewelry evokes the Machine Age, which was rich with etched, faceted and molded glass. It was the first time in history that common folk could afford such luxuries. To get the look, use glass beads, glass domes and mirrors.
Stones: When you think about it, England during the Victorian era was a super power and had trade routes worldwide. This boosted their trading with Asia, and so materials like amethyst, opal, turquoise, freshwater pearls, agate, onyx, coral, carnelian, amber, jade, garnet, ruby, jet, sapphire, peridot, jasper and diamonds were more plentiful in England than ever before.
Bits of sentiment: Lockets carrying hair from a loved one or a small painted portrait were popular during the Victorian era. It’s easy to incorporate these bits of sentiment by using photographs or other remembrances.
Found objects: The most fun part of making Steampunk-style jewelry is working with found objects! This brings in the time-traveling, mad-scientist vibe I mentioned earlier. Choose small metallic watch parts, skeleton keys, machine parts, war medals, metal game pieces and the like.
Designing Eye-Catching Steam Punk Jewelry
When it comes to Steampunk-style jewelry, the sky’s the limit. Be creative and have fun with it! Here are a few design tips to get you started.
- Think outside the box: Get inspired by Victorian-era machinery, but don’t be afraid to add your own unique twist.
- Layer it on: Steampunk-style jewelry is all about layering different elements to create a one-of-a-kind look.
- Go big or go home: Don’t be afraid to make a statement with your jewelry. The bolder, the better!
- Have fun with it: Remember, Steampunk is all about having fun and embracing your inner mad scientist. So let your imagination run wild!