Written by Team Editor Matthew Krueger
original release date: July 10, 2010
updated: January 22, 2011
Back to the Future: Steampunk
Imagine an industrial underbelly, a forest of pipes, gears, and nameless gadgets. Reach back across time to a quaint but clattering world of factories and locomotive whirlygigs, zeppelins, and wooden submarines with red velvet interiors. If Jules Verne or H.G. Wells come to mind, you’re not far off, as what may seem to describe a 19th century flight of fancy has actually exploded into a present day movement all its own: Steampunk.
Hi Matt, Thanks for this background information--it's interesting to learn of some of the origins of this movement. I've been wondering about it. I can't say I've seen anyone who has taken it on with the fashion you describe, but if I do I'll have some context. Are there countries or cities where it is more prevalent than others? I did notice over the holidays that there were many ads from fine jewelers with key pendants, so a very toned-down version seems to have made it into the mainstream . . . Nice to hear from you--Karen
Welcome to the Steampunk Movement! "Imagine an industrial underbelly, a forest of pipes, gears, and nameless gadgets. Reach back across time to a quaint but clattering world of factories and locomotive whirlygigs, zeppelins, and wooden submarines with red velvet interiors". Quoted from one of our popular Steampunk blogs Back to the Future: Steampunk by Matthew Krueger.
About Metal Smith / Handmade JewelryDesignerSally Jewett-Brocato: I am inspired by the organic textures and shapes created in nature. I particularly love designing handmade jewelry using the very textures I find all around me such as palm bark, grasses and raffia. I also delight in the look of reticulated, fused and melted metals which you will find in much of my work.
Handmade Jewelry White Pearl and Sterling Silver Geometric Necklace This stunning modern handcrafted artisan jewelry geometric necklace is created with a single, pure white freshwater coin pearl surrounded by an organic textured half moon of sterling silver. This designer jewelry necklace is centered on a dainty, sterling silver chain with spring clasp closure. The sterling silver half moon has a black patina in the texture crevices to highlight the dramatic, organic markings. This fashion jewelry necklace measures approximately 15" so that the focal point is at the throat. It is designed to be worn as interestingly with a little black dress as with a pair of torn jeans.
Stunning pieces! I love the simplicity and beauty of the birthstone ring! Lovely!
Lori Camp commented on 17-Aug-2011 08:57 AM
This post was very helpful, as I've been trying to expand my collection of fashion jewelry lately. It also sounds perfect for gifts! Thanks for posting!
Rectangular pendant with filigree design that is unique and cap set amethyst. This lovely necklace is handmade with sterling silver.
Flora Rouse commented on 30-Nov-2011 08:13 AM
I love steampunk and pearl jewelry, so some of these pieces were my dream necklaces, especially the metal and pearl combinations. But there are some other favorites, like the eco-friendly cotton-thread with
beads. Thanks for these wonderful pictures. They are very inspirational!
While the term itself is full of mystery, you've probably been known the style of Steampunk longer than you realize. Popular video game "BioShock." is all about it. The feature film "Golden Compass" has it. Even famous literary novels Homunculus and The Affair of the Chalk Cliffs by Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are heavily influenced by Steampunk.
Featured jewelry designer Holly Louen creates unique high quality handmade jewelry. For the person who appreciates the one-of-a-kind and unusual, this is the gallery for you. Holly has always enjoyed being creative and this creativity shows most in her jewelry designs.
It all began with a trip to Murano, Italy. After touring the glass and bead factories on this island, she was hooked. Upon returning home, she promptly signed up for a Lampwork class at the local glass store to learn how to make her own beautiful beads.
Michael Thornton is a jewelry designer from the mid size town of Katy, Texas. His college work was at the University of Houston where his major was English and his minor was art. He first learned of jewelry construction in an art class consisting of design and building techniques, but he did not pursue the art until many years later.
Comments
Thanks for this background information--it's interesting to learn of some of the origins of this movement. I've been wondering about it. I can't say I've seen anyone who has taken it on with the fashion you describe, but if I do I'll have some context. Are there countries or cities where it is more prevalent than others? I did notice over the holidays that there were many ads from fine jewelers with key pendants, so a very toned-down version seems to have made it into the mainstream . . . Nice to hear from you--Karen