Fall is when the leaves come down and the kids return to school and our lives shift from leisure trips and backyard get-togethers to more indoor activities.  This is also the time of year when we take more interest in enhancing our careers and our hobbies.  On the topic of wire jewelry a new season is afoot and inspiration for creating new jewelry pieces has arrived.  How will you take advantage of the season?

We thought that we’d share some of our ideas with you here at Wire-Sculpture.com where we offer all of the jewelry making supplies, information and support that you need for your jewelry-making business or hobby.

We love the changing seasons because of the influence color has on it; moving in the fall to auburn shades, brown and gold and even black accents get pulled in surrounding Halloween.  Leaf shapes and harvest themes full of gourds and pumpkins and baskets of fruit, can each be a great influence for inspiring new pieces.  And it’s not too early to start planning holiday pieces either.

Texture is another element in wire jewelry design and fall brings to us a wide array of effect to capture in the art form.  For example, while we often think of fall as a time that presents a more course, aged appearance, influenced by falling leaves, it is actually preceded by the ripening of fruits and vegetables with their plumpness and burgeoning nature inviting wire jewelry makers to infuse abundance concepts into their pieces.

To apply the colors, textures and general nature of fall in your wire jewelry creations, take a walk in the woods, ride a bike down a lane, watch the geese fly south and take notes about the reflections you gather while doing these things.  Then consider the materials that express these reflections – what type of wire or gems or beads will you select  that will bring to life the essence of these fall influences?   What size and shape will contribute to the overall piece considering it being the fullest, roundest season?  For ideas on how to translate the fall season into wire jewelry, be sure to peruse www.wire-sculpture.com for more information.

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Many of you jewelry makers may be concerned about the price of gold, especially in the current economy, because it directly has an effect on your business or favorite hobby. The purpose of this article is to review the basics of fluctuating gold prices so that you can be prepared for an unforeseen soar or plunge.

Before 1900, the U.S. relied on a bimetallic standard. Under this system, a certain amount of gold and a certain amount of silver were equivalent to one dollar. In 1900, the U.S. moved to a gold standard. Under the gold standard, certain amounts gold, and not silver, were equal to the dollar. This monetary system caused the price of gold to remain relatively stable, although problems prevailed. In 1975, the U.S. began to float the dollar, adopting the fiat standard, respecting both the value of gold and foreign currency. This standard, which is still in place today, allows for more fluctuation in the price of gold.

Although the price of gold is subject to change, the value remains the same because the price fluctuates mostly due to the condition of the dollar. The price of gold typically reflects the U.S. economy. During inflation or a crisis, gold prices are high; the opposite is true when the economy is thriving. Gold prices also indicate the value of the dollar. On average, whenever the value of the dollar is low, gold prices are high; when the dollar is high, gold prices decrease.

Presently, the United States economy is definitely facing its challenges. And the fluctuation in gold prices has shown just that. In just 18 hours, gold prices went up $75 dollars in March of 2009. Some experts predict that gold prices will reach $1,500 an ounce by the end of 2009, though others beg to differ.

So how does today’s economy affect the jewelry maker? As the economy worsens, and gold prices rise, supply prices are also rising. Gold wire and findings will be more expensive to purchase than in the past. This may result in higher purchasing prices for the designer’s consumers.

On an upbeat note, there are many companies that are offering great bargains for their customers, even in the jewelry-making industry. One such company, wire-sculpture.com, offers a 25% discount after becoming a gold club member. This is a great way to save on gold wire, findings, and chain! Another alternative to the high gold prices could be to consider using more sterling silver and copper. This option may keep the tag price down, resulting in happier customers.

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