It’s been a while since humans have started to adorn their bodies with jewels of all kinds.
In fact, even centuries ago, our desire to stand out was as strong as it is today. And wearing jewels is, by all means, one of the best ways to distinguish ourselves from the rest, to look special.
But, it does not end here. Jewels are unique because they often carry some meaning. Not so much for their artistic value, but for the emotional one. Not surprisingly, they are passed down from one generation to the other, becoming timeless and overcoming trends. And even when we keep them in a drawer they never lose their meaning and irresistible charm. Longevity is what gives most of the emotional value to jewelry, and that’s quite difficult to find in other goods.
So, does this mean that any piece of jewelry is the same? Far from it, actually. The care and attention we use when choosing them is another aspect contributing to the fascinating aura surrounding jewelry. But most importantly, the difference between handmade and mass-produced jewelry is massive. They have pros and cons and choosing one over the other tells a lot about our needs, style, and character. So, if you’re not sure about which one you should choose, you’re in the right place!
Handmade jewelry
There’s a story behind it
Yes, whenever you buy a handmade bracelet, ring, or necklace, you are also buying its story. It’s the story of how it was made, of all the hard work the artisan put into it, his vision, and emotions. A craftsman spends a lot of time visualizing his masterpiece and develops a special relationship with the item. It is an intimate relationship and the final result has a special message and meaning that you would be carrying for the rest of your life. And that’s truly unique, isn’t it?
No one is going to wear the same piece of jewelry
Speaking of uniqueness, this is probably one of the best characteristics of this kind of jewelry. Being handmade means that no design can ever be exactly the same as the other. We already discussed how the creation process of handmade jewelry is special in its own way, and it is for this reason that the final product is always going to be unique. You won’t find another person wearing it, because there’s no machine behind it.
But if you are not fully convinced yet, let us tell you this: handmade jewelry can be personalized. When you buy artisanal jewelry you can choose one that is already made, or ask the craftsman to make one with the features you want. Is there a better way to shine?
It is sustainable
Last but definitely not least, buying handmade jewelry can help pursue a crucial goal: living in a world with less pollution and a sustainable and non-speculative economy. In fact, handcrafted jewelry is often made with natural and non-toxic products for the environment. And since no machine is involved in the process, the energy consumption required to produce the jewel is dramatically lower than normal.
But don’t forget, choosing handcrafted jewelry also means supporting the local economy. Many artisans who work locally do it with love and dedication and are able to make unique creations. And they constitute a real heritage to be preserved for the territory.
Mass-produced jewelry
It’s less likely to have imperfections
It’s true, when wearing a piece of jewelry we want to distinguish ourselves. But some of us give a lot of importance to balance and detail, and rightfully so. Machinery has the advantage of reaching a level of perfection that artisans simply can’t equal. Big brands produce tons of jewels every single day, in a process that is constantly monitored in order to achieve the best result. So, if what you care about is having perfectly symmetrical lines and shapes, mass-produced jewelry is the one for you.
It takes less time to get it
Picture this scenario: you are about to attend an important event and you want all the eyes on you. But just a few days before that, when you are trying on different outfits and combinations, you realize that you don’t have the right jewel to match the style you chose. Unfortunately, handmade jewelry requires a lot of time before it’s ready because it’s a long and demanding process.
Luckily enough, mass-produced jewelry is very fast to get. Whether you buy it in shops or online, it doesn’t take more than a few days to get your chosen piece of jewelry. And it can make all the difference in the world.
It’s often less expensive
Let’s be honest: money is important. We all want to look unique and special but sometimes we cannot afford it. A handmade jewel can be as gorgeous as expensive, given the process behind it. But don’t worry, machine-produced jewelry is a great alternative if you want or need to save some money. And you can still look awesome!
About the author
Piergiorgio Sgarlata has been working as a copywriter and online marketeer for 3 years. SEO is his main area of expertise and you can find him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seo-content-writer/