It’s no small secret that taste in jewelry is extremely personal. Each of us has our own preferences and styles. Whether you’re purchasing handcrafted jewelry or shopping for vintage bracelets, the hunt can become somewhat overwhelming due to the size of the jewelry industry in the United States. It’s an industry that is currently valued at $33 billion and growing. Here are some things to know before you make your custom or vintage jewelry purchase.

The art of custom jewelry design is one rich with history that can trace its roots to the Metal Age. Selecting a jewelry designer can be the most important step in the process. Handcrafted jewelry has unique styles and designs that are entirely of the artists creation. These artists often offer the buyer a role in designing their own piece in order to make the piece more personal for the wearer.

If you’re shopping for vintage bracelets or perhaps shopping for vintage necklaces a vintage jeweler is your best bet. These jewelers can hunt down the best pieces to either start or enhance a vintage jewelry collection. For example if shopping for vintage bracelets is your thing, you can simply take your request to your personal jeweler. He or she will then scour the landscape and make shopping for vintage bracelets their top priority. Once they’ve found one that fits the bill, they will notify you and you can pick up and enjoy. These jewelers’ expertise and familiarity with the vintage market will be a great benefit to your hunt. Great references here: davidpreciousgems.com