Gothic Sterling Silver Jewelry Guidebook – All you ever wanted to know about Biker jewelry a.k.a. Gothic silver jewelry
Define: Biker Jewelry (pronunciation: \’bi-ker ‘ju-el-re\ noun) – biker jewelry,also sometimes known as rocker jewelry, gothic jewelry, rock and roll jewelry, rock n roll jewelry deviates hugely in comparison with classic forms of delicate jewelry, and carries more weight and substance than its traditional counterpart. Gothic silver jewelry is easily identifiable because of the loud statement it makes with its characteristic masculine look. It is often crafted using thick and heavy precious metals; in particular sterling silver, the craftsman’s prime choice of material. It is not uncommon to see real sterling silver wallet chains weighing an entire lb made by a famous biker jewelry brand. The mix of leather (sometimes alligator or snake skins), silver and bold designs sum up the essential elements of the born-to be-wild image. The good thing is you needn’t be a biker or live the biker lifestyle to wear biker jewelry. The biker is a cultural icon which enshrines the ability to ride without restriction, to express your own quirky style without a damn about conformity and to live without restriction. Wearing biker jewelry is about making a statement of freedom and independence.
The biker jewelry of today has evolved from simple traditional wallet chains and simple skull rings into highly detailed, custom, handcrafted, pieces of donnable art made in 925 sterling silver and other precious metals. In the world of biker jewelry, boldness, designs and motifs matter. The most commonly seen designs include an astoundingly extensive arsenal of animal jewelry, skull jewelry, cross jewelry, fleur de lis jewelry, hearts jewelry and fire jewelry. Experts on biker jewelry treasure good silver designs rather than brands just like tattoo lovers value great ink designs. Patina on silver appears as a unique and beautiful polished black contrasted against a background of glistening silver; an effect no other metal can recreate.
Los Angeles and Tokyo are the gothic silver jewelry of the globe. Known as “silver freaks” in Japan, the first Japanese to admire biker jewelry were young tourists visiting Los Angeles in the 1990’s who instantly took to the magic of Gabor Nagy’s first gothic silver designs.
First Generation Biker Jewelry and Leather Designers from Los Angeles:
GN – Gabor Nagy started Gaboratory TW – Travis Walker (Gabor’s student and trusted employee) started Double Cross BWL – Bill Wall (Gabor’s client) started Bill Wall Leather or BWL DP – Dennis Pollicino started Leathers and Treasures RS – Richard Stark started Chrome Hearts or CH RM – Ryk Maverick started Starlingear VAL – Jerry Van Amburg founded Van Amburg Leathers
Popular Los Angeles Hideouts for Biker Jewelry: Santa Monica; Venice; Malibu; Melrose Popular Countries for Biker Jewelry: USA; UK; Germany; Hong Kong; Japan; Taiwan
Biker jewelry was the first type of theme jewelry to cater almost exclusively to men, employing bold motifs and masculine designs to symbolize daring, freedom and rebellion. Once thought to belong exclusively to the realm of bikers, outlaws and rockers, biker jewelry has today entered the realm of mainstream fashion suitable for both men and women alike. Gothic silver jewelry designers and sterling silver aficionados deserve much credit for the meteoric popularity of men’s jewelry, rock ‘n’ roll accessories, and skull motifs in fashion.
Gone is the era when cufflinks and watches were the only accessories men could wear without attracting odd stares. Today, jewelry has found its way into every well-dressed man’s wardrobe, with sterling silver now being the metal of choice. The magnetic fusion of leather, sterling silver and daring motifs sum up the core elements of the biker image, and increasingly, men and women alike are being drawn to biker-inspired fashion as a theme for casual wear. Designers are finally answering to the call of the masses by creating new lines for both sexes which now include biker-style leather jackets, clothing, baseball caps, shirts and, of course sterling silver jewelry.
In recent years, prices of biker jewelry have risen so sharply that fans are increasingly being priced out of the market. In response to this development, compelling alternatives to designer labels are now being offered by small time jewelers, who utilize the same sterling silver to create almost identical or similarly styled (inspired) designs as the originals.
Everything you ever wanted to know about biker jewelry and real silver alternatives to designer labels is available at Gothic Jewelry page will be very useful and informative.
This author is a New Jersey Based mason with a decade of jewelry craftsmanship experience. He specializes in both jewelry craft and fashion analysis. To learn more about David Yurman, bootlegs, inspired alternatives and other challenges facing the brand, visit fleur de lis jewelry