Daily Jewelry Showcase: Beautiful Handmade Amethyst Jewelry by Etsy Artisans!

Almost every weekday I write a review of four handcrafted jewelry items made by Etsy jewelry artists. The Etsy site is fantastic for artists; it gives them a place to display and sell their creations.

I'm a jewelry artist, and so I like to write about ... jewelry! (Surprise!)

Featured in this article are four artisan made jewelry items that are all currently available for purchase from these shops. These amethyst beauties may be limited in availability or even one of a kind, so buy now ... or you may be disappointed! I always try to show different pieces here, and today I'm showcasing a pair of earrings, a necklace, a bracelet and a ring ...

Amethyst comes in a wide range of colors from pale violet to rich, dark purple. It has a long history, and was originally named by the ancient Greeks. This has always been a prized gem.

This gorgeous gemstone is fairly hard and durable, so it is well suited for rings and bracelets. Deep, well saturated purple stones can be quite valuable and are usually found in high end jewelry set with diamonds. This gem is commonly set in either silver or gold.

Amethyst jewelry comes in many styles ... from traditional to trendy!

This means you'll find it fits in very well with your wardrobe ... whether you are spending the day at the park in jeans and a tee shirt or going out for a formal dinner, there is amethyst jewelry to fit the occasion!

Amethyst is the birthstone for February.

Maureen, the jewelry artist at MCRDesigns has many of her beautiful creations on display in her Etsy shop, and its a colorful variety! Most of her items feature some sort of gemstone, art glass, vintage lucite or shell, like mother of pearl. This pair of earrings was made with 28 individually wire wrapped faceted amethyst beads; some or all can be removed, giving you many options!

These awesome hoop earrings were created by this talented jewelry designer with hand forged sterling wire. They have a fantastic oxidized patina.

These amethyst and silver hoop earrings are all sterling. They're very well made; if you like oxidized silver and amethyst you can't go wrong with these beautiful hoops!

Own this amazing pair of amethyst and silver earrings ... for just $32.00!

This next piece was made by Phyllis, the jewelry artist / designer at SendingLoveGallery on Etsy. Her fabulous shop offers amazing values on handmade gemstone jewelry. I saw this cool amethyst bracelet in her shop this morning and was really impressed with the color of the stones. It really is a strong, vivid purple, and I think anyone who loves amethyst will appreciate this piece.

The bracelet is made with center - drilled amethyst points that measure 1/2" - 3/4" long. The double strand gives the bracelet the appearance of a massive cluster; it looks like purple fireworks for your wrist!

This is a very stylish bracelet. It always will be! Amethyst jewelry has been popular for thousands of years; you could find this in your jewelry box 20 years from now, put it on and get compliments. This fabulous bracelet is only $49.00 ... truly a bargain!

Next I have a Rough Amethyst Crystal Necklace made by Leah, who offers original designs in her Etsy jewelry boutique - Michon. This jewelry artist offers affordable jewelry active women can put on every day; these pieces are designed to be very easy to wear and will match almost anything you can pull out of your closet!

This pretty pendant necklace showcases a rough amethyst crystal point. The amethyst is simply drilled at the narrow end. Silver wire securely holds the crystal; this simple design shows off the uncut crystal perfectly.

The wire wrapped stone is suspended from a hand formed and fused fine silver circle. The pendant will arrive at your home ready to wear on an 18" sterling silver snake chain. This unique amethyst necklace is very reasonably priced at $40.00!

This cool wire wrapped ring really is pretty! This sterling silver and amethyst ring was made by the talented artisans at BeadHeavenInc. This shop features a growing selection of wire wrapped gemstone jewelry, including pendants, rings, bracelets and earrings. The prices in this shop are very affordable, and the items look fabulous - all very nicely made and finished.

Only a wire artist can make a ring that looks like this. This fantastic artisan made ring features spirals, amazing wire wrapping and a beautiful 8mm amethyst bead. The amethyst is a true purple color. This is a really nice ring!

This ring can be made for you in any size on request. Order one for only $28.00!

These artisans all love what they do, and you can see that in every piece of jewelry included in this review. Handmade jewelry really is different from commercially made jewelry. Artisans believe in making things that last a long time and are of the highest quality. Each of these shops has a lot to offer - unique, beautiful jewelry you won't see anywhere else. Visit them all and support an artist; nothing compares to handmade!

Robert Edwards is a proud member of the Jewelry on Etsy Team - JET. He is a jewelry designer and metalsmith in New York City with over 30 years experience in the jewelry trade, specializing in handmade silver jewelry and custom made  silver chains. This article may be reproduced provided all content and links in the article including this author's statement remain intact. ©2010 Robert Edwards