Bisexual Jewelry

[MarieDelta]

As I have mentioned to many of you, I am involved in our local pride celebrations.

I am looking for jewelry that I can wear (make or buy) to ID myself as bi. Earings would be preferred, but other types would be welcome as well.

Any sugestions?

Thanks,

Marie

[Skater Boy]

Specifically "Bi" jewelry is currently very limited. Tbh, the 100% GAY market is represented to a far greater extent. Do a Google or Ebay search, and you'll find some items, although most come under the "cheap n' cheerful" catagory... just a way to show your pride, rather than serious jewelry. The closest I've seen to "serious jewelry" are some of the Rainbow Pride rings that are made of precious metals and semi-precious stones. There ARE jewelers out there who cater to the sexual minority groups, though... it just requires some research.

This is a Gay Business Directory:

http://www.lambdabusiness.com/

There are a few jewelers listed, but some will probably be of more use than others.

A Google search with keywords "Pride Jewelry" will also throw some up.

Looking forward to hearing responses from anyone who has any experience with particular makers/retailers!

[darkeyes]

Wy dus we havta wear kit or jewellery 2 ID us a bi or gay or str8 or woteva? Me wears stuff cos it looks gud on me an me looks gud in it. Jeez... every 1 knows wot I am... do I havta wear sum crappie stuff 2 tell the world? No.. me uses me gob 2 do that if I havta.

[Tingly_Tickles]

There are actually quite a few pieces of jewelry out there for bi people I have
been looking myself but I want actual body jewelry so here are a few links that
I've found.


http://www.overtherainbowshop.com/jewelry.htm

http://www.pridesideout.com/

http://bipridestore.com/

http://alwaysproud.com/ This is where I've gotten my stuff so far very good service.

https://www.desertpride.com/catalog/index.php

http://www.allgayjewelryshop.com/

http://www.biprideshop.com/index.htm

http://www.rainbowdepot.com/

Well I hope that helps some I'm gonna go look for some rings now.

[Skater Boy]

Wy dus we havta wear kit or jewellery 2 ID us a bi or gay or str8 or woteva? Me wears stuff cos it looks gud on me an me looks gud in it. Jeez... every 1 knows wot I am... do I havta wear sum crappie stuff 2 tell the world? No.. me uses me gob 2 do that if I havta.

Yes, it is a very limited market. For people who like to signify their sexuality in non-verbal ways. I guess its kinda like wearing a soccer (SORRY, FOOTBALL :bigrin:) shirt from your local team... shows where you're from and which side you support. In a simplistic way.

[Skater Boy]

There are actually quite a few pieces of jewelry out there for bi people I have
been looking myself but I want actual body jewelry so here are a few links that
I've found.


http://www.overtherainbowshop.com/jewelry.htm

http://www.pridesideout.com/

http://bipridestore.com/

http://alwaysproud.com/ This is where I've gotten my stuff so far very good service.

https://www.desertpride.com/catalog/index.php

http://www.allgayjewelryshop.com/

http://www.biprideshop.com/index.htm

http://www.rainbowdepot.com/

Well I hope that helps some I'm gonna go look for some rings now.

Mmm, most of this stuff is "rainbow" pride rather than Bi. The Bipride shop has a few bits, but again... nothing that you would feel gutted about if you lost it somehow. Still, as Fran says, maybe there isn't enough demand to justify anything beyond signifying your preference.

[darkeyes]

Yes, it is a very limited market. For people who like to signify their sexuality in non-verbal ways. I guess its kinda like wearing a soccer (SORRY, FOOTBALL :bigrin:) shirt from your local team... shows where you're from and which side you support. In a simplistic way.

an usually wiv due respect.. tacky as hell... but then me likes nice gear... me football shirt is for match days only.. jus as ne bi or gay gear is for pride or demos or meetins.. ne otha time.. prefer 2 look yummie.

[Skater Boy]

an usually wiv due respect.. tacky as hell... but then me likes nice gear... me football shirt is for match days only.. jus as ne bi or gay gear is for pride or demos or meetins.. ne otha time.. prefer 2 look yummie.


Yup, agreed. your individuality is more important than your sexuality most of the time.

But I don't see why a Gay/Bi-themed piece of jewellery couldn't be "yummie" too... if it was designed well enough, it could be stylish, subtle, precious... anything you want it to be.

[Tingly_Tickles]

Depending on how you are I guess it would make a huge difference such as
myself I wear all sorts of different stuff and I don't mind the rainbow colors
actually I quite like them more than the bi pride anyways there's just something
about the rainbow colors that set it off more than just three colors alone.

Also if a lover gave you a piece of gay pride jewelry as a symbol of their love
would you not wear it just because it wasn't labeled as bi so would it really
matter or not.

After all there is no such thing as a bisexual act it's either with male on male or
with male on female or female on female so isn't that straight or gay but defined
as bisexual.


These smilies are gay and I love em
:color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color::color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color:

[Mr chadw]

i have sean some Bi pride jewely in smaler shops, but the only realy suning thing was a pare of cufflinks

[MarieDelta]

an usually wiv due respect.. tacky as hell... but then me likes nice gear... me football shirt is for match days only.. jus as ne bi or gay gear is for pride or demos or meetins.. ne otha time.. prefer 2 look yummie.

And that's why I was looking Fran, I want to get to know the other Bi people in my area. Thought maybe this would be a good way to grab someone attention?


:(

[Skater Boy]

These smilies are gay and I love em
:color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color::color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color: :color:

ok, ok dammit!!! Enough of the smilies! I agree that the "rainbow" flag is more iconic than the Bi flag. And it probably doesn't matter that much either way. If a lover gave me a rainbow ring or somesuch, then that'd be cool. although tbh ANY gift from a lover would probably be "cool", just coz it came from them.

Marie, you might wanna try clothing... its much more easily noticed than most jewelry. For example a shirt or item of clothing with the Gay/Bi colors. Its a similar market to the jewelry... you can go from the blatant slogan shirts to something thats more subtle, depending on your tastes.

I have a pink one with a humorous slogan about homosexuality that I dig out from time to time.

There are also things like rubber/fabric wristbands and pin badges... not technically jewelry, but they are often used to signify certain things about their wearer.

:2cents:

[shameless agitator]

Yeah, I have a couple of the rubber bracelets from Pride. The problem though is they tell women I'm unavailable. That and of course rubber bracelets just look tacky.

[Skater Boy]

Yeah, I have a couple of the rubber bracelets from Pride. The problem though is they tell women I'm unavailable. That and of course rubber bracelets just look tacky.


Mmm, yeah... I used to have one of the yellow "Livestrong" Lance Armstrong bands when Nike first released them. But as soon as they started to become common, it lost its appeal. Rubber bracelets are a dime a dozen these days. But if you just wanna display your pride, then they serve their purpose... assuming you can find one in the BI colors.

One day, I'm gonna commission a tailor to MAKE me a really nice shirt featuring the Bi colors... it'll be obvious and yet subtle at the same time. And totally original too.

[shameless agitator]

One day, I'm gonna commission a tailor to MAKE me a really nice shirt featuring the Bi colors... it'll be obvious and yet subtle at the same time. And totally original too.If you just want it on a T-shirt, you can get it @cafepress.com. They'll make whatever the hell you want

[Skater Boy]

If you just want it on a T-shirt, you can get it @cafepress.com. They'll make whatever the hell you want

lol, I was thinking of something perhaps a little more "Haute couture" than a screen-printed t-shirt. If you're gonna do it, you might aswell do it with style! ;)

[FalconAngel]

I make chainmaille jewelery, armour, clothing and other items. I could probably come up with an interesting Key fob, earring or bracelet design that could work. Is there a special symbol that you have in mind? I have seen a couple of different ones for being Bisexual, but only one impressed me enough that I might want to emulate it in chainmaille.

If you are interested in something, I have pics of some of the items that I have already made. Most are simple bracelets or earrings of my design, but I have been known to come up with a few interesting ideas when the muse takes me.
Btw, I currently do work in Stainless Steel, Gold-filled, Silver, Copper, Titanium, Anodized Copper, Anodized Silver.......basically, any metal that they do in wire, I can use to make chainmaille.

[Skater Boy]

I make chainmaille jewelery, armour, clothing and other items. I could probably come up with an interesting Key fob, earring or bracelet design that could work. Is there a special symbol that you have in mind? I have seen a couple of different ones for being Bisexual, but only one impressed me enough that I might want to emulate it in chainmaille.

If you are interested in something, I have pics of some of the items that I have already made. Most are simple bracelets or earrings of my design, but I have been known to come up with a few interesting ideas when the muse takes me.
Btw, I currently do work in Stainless Steel, Gold-filled, Silver, Copper, Titanium, Anodized Copper, Anodized Silver.......basically, any metal that they do in wire, I can use to make chainmaille.

Ah yes, I'd forgotten that anodized rings are probably available in the Bi colors these days- thanks for reminding me! I might give something similar a go when I get time.

ps: if you feel like posting any photos in this thread, please do!

[TaylorMade]

If you don't like what's out there, make your own... this is what I have done so far...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1165/664512192_4d5243e96a.jpg

This is the one I wear regularly. . . no catch at the end...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1344/664512264_d8b6cf1671.jpg

This one is for more... erm... formal occasions - - it's got the whole "catch" at the end and silver beads instead.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1008/664512198_a3bbdc1140.jpg


*Taylor*

[DiamondDog]

I personally don't see the point of wearing any type of jewlery like that since it's too political, pointless, and ultimately not needed to tell someone that you're bisexual/non-hetero.

I'm just not that big of a fan of flags for sexual politics.

I prefer just to be myself and not wave a flag or have a symbol at all associated with me or my sexuality, and I don't need a flag/symbol to tell other people about myself.

I see the idea of flags as a silly one and I see it as a pointless gesture that's based on an "Us vs. Them" mentality/tactic of control towards others or a disdain for outsiders from the group.

I mean you don't see heterosexuals going out and making up their own flag and waving it around. There aren't individual flags based on someone's gender like if they are a man or a woman, or a flag for humanity itself.

Yes heterosexuals and mono-gendered people are in the majority but I do have gay/bi friends who agree with me about flags, jewlery, and politics and we just don't see the point of any of it.

OK, I take it back, there’s one flag that I like and that’s PFLAG, which isn’t really a flag/symbol at all. ;)

I like Taylor's jewlery since it's hand made. :)

[Tingly_Tickles]

Something like this is exactly what I want to get but not too expensive as I
don't usually have much to spare.


http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9674/rnbwul3.jpg

[shameless agitator]

Wow, that's beautiful. Falcon, could you do something like that with the overlapping triangles? I'm thinking as a pendant maybe 3" wide.What would you charge for something like that?

[Skater Boy]

Something like this is exactly what I want to get but not too expensive as I
don't usually have much to spare.
http://img207.imageshack.us/img207/9674/rnbwul3.jpg

Well, how much was it on the site you ripped the image from? This is a very basic chainmail bracelet... it would take you less than an hour or so to make, and the materials would probably cost less than $10.

I buy my chainmail supplies from: www.theringlord.com They also sell books explaining how it is done.

This sort of stuff does come up for sale on Ebay quite a lot, and the prices are usually fairly low:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rainbow-BRACELET-gay-pride-chakra-OM-punk-chainmail_W0QQitemZ230107389395QQihZ013QQcategoryZ 12519QQcmdZViewItem

ps: I recommend the "Dragonscale" and "Persian" weaves... complex and pretty!

[audoctar]

Hey,

I hand fabricate any gold, platinum or silver jewelry, so if anyone has any ideas then send some sketches and I can make whatever you need.

[MarieDelta]

Thanks for the ideas guys,

You all have helped imensely.

I think I'm going to try the chainmail bracelet thingie.

I have the wire and the tools at home, will probably look at patterns on the web

maybe the way to go is to make earings of a chain out of the bi colors :)

Thanks again,

Marie

[Skater Boy]

Marie, chainmail is easier than it looks, once you know the technique. There are plenty of good books and internet resources on chainmail just a mouse-click away. just remember to be patient and methodical.

You can see an example of one of my maille bracelets on my profile page.

Please do let us know how you get on, if you decide to make some.

SB

[dafydd]

I'm trying to post this pic of my key ring for SB. but i can't reduce the size. ARGGH it's driving me nuts.

i will persevere

d:(

[MarieDelta]

Post it on Photobucket (http://photobucket.com/) first and then, post the image on here.

You can simply copy the image URL and post that.

[Skater Boy]

If you don't have a photobucket account, just email it to me... I may even reduce it myself and post the pic in this thread so the rest of y'all can see it too.

[shameless agitator]

If you host it on photobucket, you won't have to reduce it to post. BTW for people who use photobucket much, I would recommend the browser Flock. It's basically firefox with some cool add ons, mainly centered around using photobucket & blogging. You can just drag & drop images you find online into your album & if you want to post them it's again just drag & drop

[DiamondDog]

I'm trying to post this pic of my key ring for SB. but i can't reduce the size. ARGGH it's driving me nuts.

i will persevere

d:(

use the free open source image software
Irfan View: http://www.irfanview.com/

[FalconAngel]

Ah yes, I'd forgotten that anodized rings are probably available in the Bi colors these days- thanks for reminding me! I might give something similar a go when I get time.

ps: if you feel like posting any photos in this thread, please do!

I get many of my wire supplies from Ring Lord as well, and as soon as my recently deceased computer is resurrected, I will be glad to post some pics of our stuff. I have a local supplier for gold and silver wire.
The pic of me in my tartan has me wearing one of my earrings. For all of my fellow maillers, it is dragonscale (in silver) with a Gryphon dangle.

While most maillers use a plethora of European 4-1 and it's common variations, I use the Persian variants and Chinese weaves as well as dragonscale and viperscale all in addition to the common European weaves.

I think that if I were to make a piece for our community, I would most likely use dragonscale, since it is the most rigid weave and looks pretty good all on it's own. Anodized rings are nice, but eventually, the color wears off. There are some metals available which have the color imbedded in the material, which means that the color will stay, but those are a bit pricey.

Anyway, as soon as the computer is fixed (I'm on a back-up system now), I will post some pics of my pieces. I also do some very creative chainmaille bottle wraps and armour.

[dafydd]

use the free open source image software
Irfan View: http://www.irfanview.com/

ok thanks. i'm being really stoopid and I can't figure out how to reduce the size of the file. It's 549.4 kb and I have to get it down to 195.3kb

d

[dafydd]

here is the keyring I picked up.

d