Ideas for Making Steampunk Jewelry

Before discussing how to make steampunk jewelry, let me tell you what does the term 'steampunk' mean. The term was first used in 1980s and is inspired by the Victorian era when steam power was invented. The era was governed by various beautiful art forms on one hand, and technological advances on the other. The term "steampunk" was coined keeping in mind the essence of the two major developments of that time. The popularity of this trend is increased by the science fiction writings that were published in the Victorian era.

Steampunk jewelry is also inspired by the Victorian era. This jewelry style again started gaining popularity in 2010. It is the combination of Victorian elegance and mechanical parts. Any woman who is attracted towards owning a different kind of jewelry piece, will definitely wish to have a steampunk jewelry in her jewelry box. A steampunk jewelry is primarily a combination of old watch gears, small brass items, vintage keys, machine parts, nuts and bolts, etc. All these materials impart that mysterious and antique look to the jewelry piece. Making jewelry can be quite interesting. So, how to make jewelry at home using items that have a steampunk effect? Given below are jewelry pieces you can try on your own.

Steampunk Bracelet

Supplies Required

• Paintbrush
• Ruler
• E-6000
• 22 gauge wire
• Wire cutter
• Jump rings
• Needle nose pliers
• Steampunk items like vintage metal hardware, watch dials and machinery, vintage keys and Victorian charms

Method

• Start with making your chain link bracelet.
• Make metal charms by placing small metal items on larger ones and gluing them together using E-6000. This glue creates a very strong bond between the two metal parts when left undisturbed for 24 to 72 hours.
• Move to the next step only after the metal charms are fixed to each other properly.
• Take a charm along with a wire and carefully insert around 3 inches of wire on top of the charm and twist in the center.
• Roll the ends of the wire with the help of a paintbrush and press the ends using a plier.
• Carefully bring the paintbrush off the wire.
• Attach the metal charms with the chain link bracelet using jump rings.
• Attach as many charms as you wish, on the bracelet, keeping equal spacing between two charms. Measure the spacing using a ruler and finish off with the bracelet.

Steampunk Earrings

Supplies Required

• Small plier
• Wrist watch - 2
• Earring hooks
• Beads
• Decorative wires

Method

• Collect two old wrist watches with quartz dial. Make sure the dial is made up of quartz by checking the label that is usually printed on the dial.
• Open the watch by removing the back plate using a screwdriver. Many watches have a dent on the back plate to aid in easy removal.
• Separate the dials from the watches and ensure that both of them match each other.
• Separate the plastic layer by lifting it using the screwdriver and cut it off.
• Decorate with wires, beads and gears of your choice.
• Finally, attach earring hooks to it and your earrings are ready!

Steampunk jewelry can be made using a variety of vintage supplies. The Victorian influence can be imbibed in the jewelry piece using items like lace or ribbon, velvet, old chains, vintage charms and buttons, vintage keys, tiny locks and oxidized metals like gunmetal, brass and silver. The science-fiction influence can be achieved by using optical lens, old typewriter keys, old gadgets, watch dials, springs, antique scientific items, clock hands and pocket watches. Using few of these items in an interesting way will surely help in making a great piece of steampunk jewelry. This style of jewelry is as unique as gemstone jewelry and this is why, its popularity is growing year by year. Many online shopping websites are showcasing and auctioning interesting pieces of steampunk jewelry for the customers. You can either choose to buy your favorite steampunk piece or try your hands out to make your own piece of jewelry.