Jewel It Yourself

Whether it’s a sustainability movement or a nostalgic return to homemade crafts, DIY jewelry is super-hot right now. Friendship bracelets and mosaic necklaces are just a few ways everyday fashion lovers have been adding a personal touch to their style. If you want a break from the cheap trend of fast fashion accessories, this might be your sign to buy some beads, charms and chains, and let your creativity flow.

A couple years ago, while the world was locked inside their homes, there was an unsurprising resurgence in DIY hobbies. From artistic outlets like knitting and embroidery, to home-made looks like the butterfly haircut, people found comfort in expressing themselves with simple at-home projects. Now, in 2024, more and more people are rocking their handmade jewelry looks.

Chances are you know more than one person who makes their own accessories. Madison Dantes, a senior criminology major at the University of Miami, is one student who recently got into this hobby. What drew her in was the accessibility of handmade jewelry. Materials and learning resources are easy to come by and don’t require too much commitment, especially for a busy college student.

“I just wanted a creative outlet that I had been missing in college,” Dantes said.

Dantes took inspiration from a book she found about repurposing jewelry. Then, she began going to estate sales, garage sales and thrift stores to hunt for stylish pieces. Now, Dantes uses her finds, as well as old jewelry she already has on hand, to create something new out of something old.

As for her points of inspiration, Dantes credits Pinterest and YouTube.

“I think the internet was a big part in me teaching myself a new skill,” Dantes said.

Because of this, anyone with an internet connection and a little time on their hands can get started.

If you want to turn them into a little bit of profit, Websites like Etsy and Depop are also great ways to get your creations out there in the world.

Not only is DIY jewelry easy for anyone to get into, it’s also a sustainable way to upgrade your look. It’s hard to be a mindful consumer today. It can be hard to know where your fashion commodities are coming from and who’s putting in the labor for them, especially when retailers like SHEIN have a chokehold on young shoppers.

Purchasing cheap jewelry from fast-fashion retailers comes with the price of ethical doubts and a loss of authentic quality.

“I think now with fast fashion, it’s very easy to put out a bunch of copies of stuff that’s going to tarnish right away, and it’s not really worth the investment,” Dantes said.

As someone who tries to be more environmentally conscious, Dantes is all for thrifting and DIY. Like many shoppers, Dantes finds these outlets to be a refreshing change of pace from the mass-produced style of ready-made generic clothing.

“I can find things thrifting that match my personal style more,” Dantes said.

To anybody trying to practice sustainability, Dantes recommends not buying anything you aren’t truly set on. Taking the time to find long-lasting materials, especially when you can add a personal touch, will save big bucks in the long run and leave you with a wardrobe that feels fully you.

DIY jewelry also offers an outlet to unapologetically express yourself and connect with others. Think back to when you were in elementary school, when friendship bracelets and Rainbow Loom were all the rage.

More recently, you may have seen flocks of “Swifties” exchanging themed friendship bracelets at the Eras Tour shows, a callback to those childhood recess days. With fun accessories like these, people share something small but meaningful about themselves.

Ella Pelligra, a UM freshman majoring in vocal performance, describes how making jewelry connects her to the people around her, starting with her family. She credits her mom, who she calls “a very crafty person,” for encouraging her to make her own jewelry from a young age.

“[Our family is] part Italian, and I remember everyone around me always wearing the mosaic tiles and glass art, which is really common in Italy,” said Pelligra.

She uses her creativity to make accessories that remind her of her family, often working in tandem with her mom. To her, jewelry is a way to carry pieces of familial nostalgia around anywhere she goes.

Pelligra doesn’t only make jewelry for herself. Her pieces also make for long-lasting sentimental souvenirs. As a graduation gift, she took a piece from her best friend’s favorite tree, encased it in resin and made it into a necklace.

Clearly, making your own jewelry can do so much more than just elevate your style. If you want to make a positive change while saving some pocket change, it’s never a bad idea to exercise your creativity with this little craft.

 

words_jay moyer. photo_marra finkelstein. design_sal puma.

This article was published in Distraction’s Summer 2024 print issue.

 

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