Handmade Jewellery on Etsy - Steampunk

I was recently exposed to steampunk jewellery by a friend. At a first glance, it looked goth, dark and too 'heavy' for my taste. However, taking a closer look at the individual pieces, I started to see its appeal.

What is steampunk jewellery? Greatmusings, a creator on Etsy, sums up this genre nicely as "a combination of Victorian femininity and strong, bold, mechanical technology". It is an easily recognisable style of jewellery which incorporates watch parts, cogs, keys, and other brass and vintage findings. If you are interested, "Steampunk Moves Between 2 Worlds" gives a good overview of the growing steampunk movement.

What attract me to this type of jewellery are the contradictions contained in each, unique item. The pieces are simple yet intricate, coarse yet elegant, hard yet romantic - all at the same time. The best way to wear steampunk jewellery, in my view, would be to create another contradiction. For example, pairing a steampunk necklace with a feminine dress and heels.

I am currently browsing through Etsy to find that one, statement piece of steampunk jewellery to add to my collection. Here are some items that have caught my eye:

(Click on the photos to go to the product page on Etsy)

I also love the idea of cufflinks made from watch movements: