By Sabrina WALENTYNOWICZ

In a world of increasingly large, faceless companies, a small group of jewelers, seamstresses, and all around “crafty” people formed The Artisan Group. Their goal is to get their products noticed as being handmade and unique. They prepare gift bags for celebrities and VIPs at special events so that they will wear and enjoy the gifts, and then spread the word around. It’s a way to promote local artisans and support what they do. At the GBK gift lounge for the MTV Movie Awards last month, The Artisan Group and many more proprietors were on hand to show off their wares and services.

Great Rock Moon jewelry is a natural item for those who believe in the healing power of crystals. Their necklaces and rings are made from quartz, onyx and iridescent labradorite; and because each gemstone is unique, each piece of jewelry is slightly different. Their featured quartz and silver necklace instantly gives the wearer a calmer disposition, not to mention it is naturally gorgeous. It can be found at Etsy.com/shop/greatrockmoon.

Aya Designs is a great addition for those who enjoy jewelry made of glass or precious stones. These pieces are colorful and make a statement, and are best worn with simple outfits as to better show off the jewelry. While the bracelets are chunky and consist of coin-sized stones like quartz and turquoise, the earrings are not too overpowering. Available at Ayadesigns.artfire.com.

Inspired by a New Yorker’s love of rock and roll and nature, Violet and Blue Jewelry appeals to the wild child in everyone. Handcrafted rose-shaped rings, brass necklaces shaped like arrows and owls, and funky flowery hairpins provide just enough variety while being wearable in everyday settings. More at VioletandBlueJewelry.com.

Created for the no nonsense woman, CristaBela’s Boutique offers trendy hair accessories of all colors and styles. All of the headbands are handmade and are an excellent alternative to slapping on a baseball cap or pulling hair back yet again into a boring ponytail. There are delicate, intricate headbands as well as thick and cute elastic ones that can make anyone feel slightly more feminine during a trip to the gym. Find them at CristaBelasBoutique.com.

For those who love sparkles and glitter, they need look no further than Ever So Lovely Designs. The only way to describe these necklaces and earrings is shiny. These light catching pieces come in the brightest cerulean and the richest violet and are made to be noticed. Ever So Lovely can fill large orders and specializes in creating matching jewelry as gifts for bridal parties. Check out Shopeversolovely.com.

Catering to both women and men, Madd Dogg of Tomorrow makes handcrafted necklaces, key chains, earrings and cuff links. Each item represents a part of nature, from feathers to zodiac symbols to Celtic designs. The pendants are made of brass and sterling silver, with metal alloys for color. Visit Etsy.com/shop/madddoggoftomorrow.

Love Mich Collection has hand sewn totes, clutch purses and mind blowingly adorable coffee cup cozies. The smaller clutches are great for holding makeup or money, and the larger totes can be used as everyday purses, school bags or diaper bags. Now no one needs to feel guilty when ordering their daily coffee because Love Mich Collection makes colorful cup cozies that can be washed and reused. No more cardboard cup cozy waste! Visit LoveMichCollection.com.

Jessie Girl hand stamped personalized jewelry features delicate and unique pieces. Owned and created by a busy mother of three, there are bracelets that can be personalized with a name or special date, and necklaces stamped with positive affirmations like “strong,” “loved” and “roar.” The jewelry with names and dates can be given as gifts to significant others or to parents with their children’s names on them.  More found at Jessiegirljewelry.com.

Definitely worth the investment, Pono Woodworks Collection features jewelry and accessories for both men and women. Made from Koa wood that was once reserved for Hawaiian royalty, Pono creates rings, watches, phone cases and more.  But fear not: all of the pieces are made from trees that have already lived full lives and were on the forest floor. The wood has a beautiful sheen to it that makes an excellent conversation starter. Find it at PonoWoodWorks.com.

  SABRINA WALENTYNOWICZ