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Tagging Handmade Jewelry Gifts

by Judy Ellis
They're one of those cultural things that seem everywhere. On your car, in movies, needing attention every couple of years: license plates. License plates, surprisingly, began in France in the 1800s, before the car was invented. On this day, April 25, in 1901, New York became the first state to require license plates; but rather than provide a metal plate with year and month stickers, as states do nowadays, drivers were expected to make their own! Early license plates were made of cardboard, copper, plastic, leather, porcelain, and even pressed soybeans before standards were put in place.

What does that have to do with jewelry?
I drive a Toyota Camry.

I love it, but it's not unique. Other Camrys in the same color park nearby at the mall or grocery store.

My electronic key fob makes it beep to find it easily.

Imagine no license plates either.
License plates made me think about identifying my jewelry.

My pieces stand out in my jewelry box. I recognize what I've made, better than recalling parking spots. Even wild experiments feel familiar.

But a friend showered with birthday handmade jewelry might forget who made her bracelet.

Here are ideas to "license" your jewelry.
  • Does your jewelry tarnish? Include a small polishing cloth, or an anti-tarnish strip and a plastic bag with the gift.

  • Give your jewelry in a special box: many gem shows will have a vendor who specializes in beautiful wood, silk, cloissone, or ceramic tiny gift boxes and pounches.

  • Include a personal note on scrapbooking or handmade paper that begs to be saved in her jewelry box

  • Do you have a special symbol, or a special thing that will remind your friend of you? Attach a small charm, such as a cross, peace sign, dolphin, or "Mom" charm near the clasp, so she thinks of you whenever she puts it on.

  • Search online for jewelry tags and metal jewelry stamping punches so you can stamp your initials on the jewelry tag charm
    • What ways can you think of to "license" or "mark" your jewelry that you give as gifts?

    Materials

    Wire
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    Gold Filled Charms
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    Sterling Silver Charms
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    Rose Gold Filled Charms
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    Sterling Silver Filled Charms
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    WireJewelry Ultra Pro Micro Abrasive Polishing Pads, 20 pack
    G9-5-20PK
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $8.95
    • Gold Club Price: $6.71
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    Packaging
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    Tools

    Stamps
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    8 Inch Brass Hammer with Wooden Handle
    G3-23
    • G3-23
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $7.95
    • Gold Club Price: $5.96
    Add to Bag
    Bench Block Helper with Steel and Nylon Blocks
    DAP-500.30
    • DAP-500.30
    • Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
    • Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
    • Price: $29.95
    • Gold Club Price: $22.46
    Add to Bag
    Add All Items to Cart
    • Category: Design
    • Technique(s): Stamping, Design, Selling, Storage, General Education

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