Steampunk Jewelry
After a childhood of video games, Jules Verne novels, and a slightly unhealthy addiction to NASA TV, it should come as no surprise that I grew up to be a massive nerd. And of course, as many of us do, I fell head over heels in love with steampunk the moment I was first exposed to it.
As my trusty online Dictionary.com defines it, steampunk is “a subgenre of science fiction and fantasy featuring advanced machines and other technology based on steampower of the 19th century and taking place in a recognizable historical period or a fantasy world.” Steampunk literature, art, and fashion all paint a picture of what society could have looked like if steam (and not electricity and petroleum) had become the dominant source of power, and what I see tends to set my nerdy heart aflutter.
Photo Courtesy of (http://cyberpunk-fashion.blogspot.com)
Steampunk style has a very particular flair, and staples include cogs, gears, corsets, goggles, top hats, pocket watches, vests, brass, monocles, and much much more. The community takes a very holistic approach to fashion, and often the best parts of great steampunk outfits are in the details, so today I decided to seek out some of Artfire’s coolest steampunk jewelry. Here are some of my favorites (and trust me, it was really hard to pick just a few):
Pendant Necklaces
First up is this lovely little key pendant by Artfire seller CellsDividing. The brass casing and chain, as well as the key and old English script, are all very steampunk, but I think the little poem softens it a bit.
I love love love this butterfly pendant by Artfire seller edmdesigns. Love it. The glass reptile eye conjures up images of the Eye of Sauron or the Kraken, and while mounted on a delicate butterfly wing and clockwork mechanism, it presents a fantastic juxtaposition of horror and beauty. Something steampunk is quite fond of doing, really.
I like this pendant by Artfire seller partsmart because it takes a traditional steampunk accessory, the pocketwatch, and turns it into a pendant necklace using gorgeous bronze filigree. Steampunk is all about retooling things to have different looks and uses, and this watch/necklace is a great example of that.
Rings
Image © Antige 2011
The detail work on this ring by Artfire seller Antige is really impressive for a piece this size. I’m pretty picky about the rings I go for, but this one caught my eye immediately!
Image © TimeInFantasy 2012
This ring by Artfire seller TimeInFantasy boggles my mind a little bit. The detail of the clockwork is just amazing given the size of the ring itself (just 2.5 x 2.1 centimeters)! I’m also a major sucker for silver filigree, so I can’t help but love this piece.
Tie Clips
Image © edmdesigns 2011
Image © GlazedBlackCherry 2011
Gentlemen nowadays don’t have as much opportunity to accessorize as us ladies, but I have to admit, I’m pretty jealous of some of their options! When it comes to accessories like this steampunk scarab tie clip by Artfire seller edmdesigns, I honestly wish I wore a suit and tie on a regular basis so I could justify snagging this piece. Same goes for this awesome Kraken tie clip by Artfire seller GlazedBlackCherry – my head would certainly be turned if I saw someone sporting this piece.
These pieces are just a tiny sample of the amazing array of steampunk jewelry and accessories available from Artfire sellers, so the next time you’re looking to add a little mech to your wardrobe, steampunk might be right up your alley!
Just wanted to point out that Artfire artisan Tamera Mickelson (javagoth.artfire.com) has had her beaded steampunk jewelry featured in Quarry Books 2011 book “1000 Steampunk Creations”