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  ABOUT US     Wire Art Jewelry     Mission/Purpose     Major Components     Benefits      FAQ's      Contact Us  



                 The Guild
The guild became a legal entity on September 1, 2004 as a non-profit business league. It started with 50 charter members from 3 countries. What it ultimately becomes will be dependent on the members that join and particpate in the guild's growth.  Get Involved! ~ JOIN! ~ Share & Learn!

Mission Statement
The International Guild of Wire Jewelry Artists, Inc. promotes wire art jewelry, seeks public recognition of the art form, educates wire artists, and works to improve business aspects of the art.

Members make the guild work - participating in forums to discuss and share ideas, designs, tips, techniques and other topics of interest to wire artist jewelers; providing guidance to artists interested in learning to create all forms of wire art jewelry or to hone their skills in a specific area; setting professional standards for quality of workmanship; providing peer review; and showcasing, exhibiting, and generally making the public aware of the more creative aspects of wire art jewelry.

Purpose
The original thoughts behind creating the guild were -
  • To create professional standards for quality of workmanship (ie-the technical aspects of wire art jewelry) and to define "good" techniques that make for jewelry that stands up to being worn.
  • To provide education to artists as to why those standards are important for the longevity of the piece of jewelry.
  • To provide a jurying system that recognizes various levels of achievement in wire art jewelry - technical, artistic, specialization's, etc.
  • To build credibility & prestige for the art form (increase standards/quality of workmanship; promote the art form; etc.)
  • To earn respect from the established jewelry industry as an alternative method of jewelry design/construction.
  • To create a reference library for wire artists regarding both techniques and business skills.
  • To educate members regarding legal standards they need to conform to (stamping, FTC guides for jewelry & precious metals, similar requirements for other countries) and to develop and/or promote recommended methods or tools for compliance with these legal requirements.
  • To improve the opinion show promoters have of the art form and help wire jewelry artists get into "upscale" jewelry shows, juried venues, etc.
  • To create group or volume opportunities and discounts for things such as Sales & Marketing assistance; Advertising; Web-Design; Jewelry Mall/Group Sales; Events; Insurance; Merchant Services; Bulk-Buys; Library Resources; etc.
  • To create conventions, exhibitions, and shows to showcase wire art jewelry.






 
 

Copyright © The International Guild of Wire Jewelry Artists 2005 - 2009
All images, text, and original designs on this site are copyrighted - either by the guild or by the individual artists.
Use them for inspiration, but please do not copy them.