Jewelry-Making Articles
Spike Jewelry
by Bryan Nealy, Exclusively for Fire Mountain Gems and Beads®
To get right to the point, spike jewelry never seems to go out of style. A consistent favorite amongst fashionistas looking for a bit of edge and alternative cultures rooting for individual freedom, spikes have had an interesting rise to fashion fame.
Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a spike as, "one of a row of pointed irons placed to prevent passage." It's true, spikes work great as a passage deterrent. However, since spikes aren't really needed often in modern times for blocking passages, they've assumed a new purpose: fashion accessory. In the mid-1970s, a youth subculture movement was born that would revolutionize music, fashion, art and politics: punk. The punk subculture was centered around loud, aggressive underground music and an anti-establishment ethos. Young people around the world who wanted to break free of social restraints gravitated to the music and style of punk. Punk music gave them an outlet to write, sing and dance. Punk style gave them a way to tell the world that they are an individual, free from fashion norms.
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Punk style was a not-so-subtle way of destroying what most people were wearing, and creating something new from the remains. A few of the items that epitomized the style in the '70s and early '80s were torn clothes, safety pins, patches, studs, spiked/colored hair, leather jackets and spikes. Spiked bracelets, necklaces, boots, belts or any article of clothing that spikes could be attached to were a main feature.
Vivienne Westwood, a British fashion designer, is often attributed with bringing punk into the fashion mainstream during the '70s. While the original spirit of the movement receded, elements of the look can be found all over the place. Just like many other trends in fashion, punk style has made a recent comeback, and spikes are hot. One of the prevailing ideas of punk is a do-it-yourself attitude when it comes to fashion. Start by finding the material of spike you want and narrow it down to size.
Crystal spikes by Crystal Passions® are especially fun to design with since they truly embody the blending of glam and punk rock with an edgy shape rendered in gorgeous, glistening, precision-cut crystal. Shop spike beads in double-ended spikes, beads that emulate traditional pyramid studs often used on clothing and belts, as well as beads encrusted with dozens of tiny spikes. Beads aren't your only option though with Crystal Passions spike pendants, drops and embellishments. A little less in price, Czech glass spikes are also available from Preciosa in components such as beads and double-drilled spacers.
Of course, metal is the go-to spike material of choice for the original punk movement and an excellent selection, though lightweight plastic with metallic coatings are a favorite, too. Gemstones in spiked shapes bring an Earthy vibe to this punk-inspired look.
Get started making spike jewelry and combine all your favorite elements with spikes, including on-trend tassels, skulls, leather and more for a look that's different (as the punk movement suggests).
Design idea E10Y presents a great opportunity to test your DIY skills and create an aggressive, spiked necklace and earring set.
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