Steampunk jewelry is made out of nuts, bolts, gears, metal wire or forgotten parts of old jewelry and mechanical toys. Also, old ornaments, lockets, mementos and beads are used for making this interesting jewelrya and trinkets.

Steampunk is based on specific historical period, so it is important to put materials and elements in some loose historical perspective.

Victorian time is the era of industrial revolution. Concept of mass production first came to life, and producing goods became a lot cheaper.

Almost everything that was luxury just a few years ago-suddenly was accessible to masses.

Also, origins in time is surged from England and period when military and trading was a matter of pride. Military was allways a matter of national imperative & importance.

Also because of England’s trading routes that were practically everywhere, precious goods like silk, noble woods and metals, precious and semi precious stones were accessible for those with a little bit more to spend.


Knowing that historical background is imperative for finding materials to make steampunk jewelry.

Here is a short list of materials and elements to pay attention to when shopping for parts:


•Metal findings and chains: These materials are reminiscent of Industrial Revolution. Victorians were able to buy cheap and mass produced brass and copper, stamped, pressed, rolled into chains or cut into ornate filigrees.

•Charms and cameos: Queen Victoria collected charms and cameos, and what queen does always becomes a trend. Charms and cameos with motives like dragons, animals, insects, flowers and religious motives were insanely popular.

•Glass: First time in history, common people were able to afford luxury of owning glass objects such as: shadowboxes, painted glass lamp shades, glass beads, and ornate mirrors.

•Stones and precious materials: England was trading with everyone and anyone. And, a person with a bit deeper pocket could buy: silk, precious metals and stones, noble woods and fine leathers from all over the world.

•Bits of sentiment and Found objects: Working with old memories is greatest privilege a jewelry maker can have. Lockets or a small hand painted portraits were huge in Victorian times. Clockwork mechanisms can be disassembled to make new and dazzling things. Bits of old jewelry and other mementos like maps or letters can be given a new life as beautiful steampunk jewelry.