Using Textile Fabrics in Contemporary Jewellery

Jewellery enhances your overall look, adds a touch of aesthetics, and gives a luxurious feel. Gold, silver, and precious stones have been an integral part of jewellery for as long as the Egyptian Civilization due to their rarity and unmatched beauty. As time passed and fashion trends evolved, other materials like fabric and wood were used along with the originals in creating aesthetic and fashionable versions of jewellery.

Wearing jewellery made of leather fabric atop your German Lederhosen at events such as the Munich Oktoberfest will give you the ultimate look.

Although textile fabrics like felt and cotton have been used in jewellery-making for centuries, their most recent contribution is in contemporary jewellery. Other than styles, modern designers also promote fabric usage for the material's sustainability and functionality. 

What is Contemporary Jewellery?

Jewellery is a means of communication for the younger generation. While traditional metallic jewellery follows trends and market demand, contemporary jewellery is a means of expressing yourself. It incorporates current trends and modern art into its designs, creating unique and meaningful pieces. What makes contemporary jewellery different is the use of unconventional materials like plastic, wood, and fabric.

The abstract and asymmetrical designs of contemporary jewellery have a unique aesthetic appeal that goes beyond traditional styles. You can express your feelings, a current situation, a popular event, or a lasting memory as an aesthetic piece of necklace, ring, or bracelet.

Use of Textile Fabric in Contemporary Jewellery

Fashion and textiles have inspired jewellery making and designing for centuries through the creation of some of the best and most adored jewellery items like:

• Mesh Chainmail
• Macramé
• Native American Fringes
• Art Deco Tassels
• Venetian Lacework

Contemporary jewellery has reintroduced these classical items, adding an aesthetic of personal taste. Whether you want to enhance your Dirndl dress for Oktoberfest or complete your feminine look for a local party, you can have contemporary jewellery crafted to your preference. Depending on your specific needs, the following textile fabrics, and techniques are commonly used in creating contemporary jewellery.

Felting Techniques to Create Unique Designs

Felt is the first proper textile in history, initially used in clothing and later adopted in jewellery making. Felting is one of the most popular methods of making accessories, decorations, and hand-made jewellery. In this method, fibres are combined into a compact mass, which can be used to create various handicrafts. There are two felting techniques: wet felting and dry felting. Wet felting uses water and natural soap, while dry felting uses a unique 5cm long felting needle punctured by wool.

Wet felting helps you create various designs and patterns, such as balls, florals, bracelets, and earrings. Dry felting allows you to make the same designs and patterns but with more control over aesthetic details like colour distribution and shape.

Silk Ribbon: A Common Practice

Silk ribbon is the most readily available material for jewellery that can be combined with any other. Silk ribbon bracelets, necklaces, and pendants are easy-to-make, easy-to-wear, pocket-friendly jewellery ideas that look aesthetic and add a special glow to any outfit.

To match your Oktoberfest Dirndl dress, you can find a variety of wire bracelets, silky tassels, ribbon necklaces, and floral-patterned headwear.

Classical Combination of Leather and Beads

Oktoberfest Lederhosen isn’t the only product made from authentic leather. Leather cords have been a significant material in leather necklaces and bracelets for several decades. Leather, wherever used, gives a premium and original look that is attractive for the eyes and easy on the wearer. Designers have given leather a proper facelift by pairing it with Swarovski crystals, colourful beads, and fabricated metal.

Like embroidered premium Lederhosen and Dirndl, you can also find delicate hand-embossed embroidery and bead decorations on leather-made jewellery. A classy leather beaded necklace or bracelet with colourful textured beads will elevate not only your Oktoberfest Dirndl costume but any outfit you put it on with.

Reasons to Wear Contemporary Fabric Jewelry

Gold, silver, and precious stone jewellery add luxury to any outfit. It is the perfect accessory for every occasion but does not offer the versatility of colours, patterns, and textures. Contemporary jewellery covers this lack by allowing a personalized look that reflects your style.

Here are a few solid reasons you should opt for contemporary fabric jewellery:

It is a Versatile Staple

Depending on the occasion, you can choose a simple or elaborate piece of jewellery. Opt for a simple silk ribbon necklace for casual wear and a classy leather beaded necklace for Oktoberfest or a night out. Fabric jewellery has a unique tactile quality that allows it to pair with any clothing naturally.

Fabric Jewellery is Sustainable and Eco Friendly

An average of 70 pounds of textile is annually thrown away by a US citizen. 15% of this textile is recycled, while 95% has the potential. Fabric jewellery is one of the major products created from recycled textiles. It is mostly made of upcycled or hand-woven fabrics making it a great sustainable fashion choice because it prevents pollution, requires less energy consumption, and minimizes water wastage. Also, the fabric used in making contemporary jewellery causes fewer rashes or skin allergies than metallic jewellery.

A Variety of Colours to Choose from

While metallic jewellery is mostly luxurious, contemporary fabric jewellery also offers a variety in this area. All fabric types are used for jewellery creation, from bold textured to light-coloured threads. You can choose simple, plain-coloured fabric jewellery for everyday wear and a heavily embellished, multi-coloured piece for a party. For events like the German Oktoberfest, you can select a colour gradient that matches your premium Bundhosen outfit or a bold colour that adds a uniquely different look to your Dirndl dress.

Self-expressive and Meaningful

The fact that contemporary jewellery is mostly artisan-made and crafted makes it a unique and valued accessory. On top of that, the innovation and styles involved in creating fabric jewellery make it self-expensive and meaningful. You can wear bracelets, rings, and necklaces with engraved birthstones or name initials for a personalized look.

Has Metallic Jewellery Been Replaced?

Luxurious metals and stones have been used in jewellery-making for centuries and are significant in many cultures. Although contemporary is growing in popularity, it can not replace luxurious fabric jewellery. The relationship is of co-existence instead of replacement.

Metallic jewellery already has worldwide usage, and contemporary jewellery, with its growing popularity, is offering everyone, from the rich to the poor, to show off their unique style and personality. The two can also be combined to make stylish and exciting pieces. So contemporary jewellery will enhance your Lederhosen or Bundhosen outfit with a unique touch, whether going on an Oktoberfest night, a German-themed party, or an adventurous tour.