Hands Down Handmade!
Why buy handmade? I have been thinking about this question and would like to share my thoughts on why I think handmade things are so special and why it is such a great thing to support the creative designers and makers who produce such beautiful things when we can.
it feels great
You may know of craft folks locally or have come across people whose work you love further afield online. Yes they are real people who are passionate about what they do! Many of these creative individuals work alone or in small businesses. Throughout this crazy year these hard working folks have carried on in whatever way they can, beavering away in studios or at home, pouring their passion, creativity and skill into making amazing things to share with us. They may have received little in the way of financial support to keep themselves going this year and yet will probably have found creative ways to reach out, support and give back both within their professional communities and to their customers. Yes it feels good to support this community of makers whose work we love and without which our lives would be poorer in many ways. So go on, buy handmade this Christmas!
unique
There is no doubt about this one. Handmade wins hands down! When you buy from a handmade designer maker you are getting something that is original, special and a bit different, definitely not to be found on most high streets. When it comes to jewellery some pieces will be one offs, others made to order, or produced in small batches. The wonderful thing is you get to enjoy owning and wearing something truly creative and unique.
ethically minded
As well as choosing materials for their visual qualities many makers care about where their materials come from, how they are produced, and the impact sourcing them has on communities and environments. Making ethical jewellery can be challenging but oh so rewarding when as a jeweller you find ways to integrate ethical approaches into your practice. Some makers choose to donate some of their income to carefully chosen charities too. If these issues are important to you look for information on makers’ websites. Of course you can also have a chat about aspects of making jewellery with the maker when you are considering a purchase. You might find it makes a real difference about how you purchase jewellery.
beautiful materials
Handmade designer makers care enormously about the materials they use, how they look, feel and function. The materials they choose have to be perfect for purpose in every way. This passion for materials means that when you buy handmade you get great quality materials that are beautiful to look at.
made to last
Buying handmade jewellery is not like fast fashion. A beautiful handmade silver or gold ring is made to last. In fact jewellery is very special here because often pieces of jewellery are passed from one person to another and even become precious family heirlooms. Buying handmade might cost a bit more but you are buying quality workmanship, and quality materials, that in most cases will last a lifetime and beyond.
personalize
One of the great things about buying from a maker directly is that you might have the chance to personalize a piece of jewellery. This could be to choose a particular gemstone or surface finish, design, or to have a piece engraved or stamped with a personal message or name. Being able to communicate with the maker easily makes the whole process of making these decisions stress free and enjoyable and if something isn’t quite right you know who to talk to! Handmade Jewellers are proud of what they make and really want you to be happy with your purchase and so providing a great customer service is really important.
bespoke
Some jewellers make bespoke pieces commissioned by a client. Working with a maker on a bespoke item of jewellery is a wonderful process. The level of involvement of the client can vary but they will always choose the final design and finish and get involved in selecting gemstones. It is the most personal way to buy jewellery and although it is definitely a little more costly, if the occasion permits, is incredibly special.
stories
What is fascinating about handmade jewellery is that the work of each designer makers invariably comes with a story. These stories are personal, connected to what inspires the maker in the development of their designs, the processes they use and materials they work with. Choosing jewellery is also personal and you, the buyer, will find your own connection with the work of a designer maker. Owning handmade jewellery will undoubtedly remind the wearer of people, times and places. This is something very special about jewellery, each piece tells its own story, carrying moments of memory for maker, giver, and wearer. Wonderful!
craft skills and traditions
Working with metal encompasses an incredible range of amazing ancient traditions going back many thousands of years. Whilst some traditions may have been lost over time many of the skills and processes used to make jewellery by hand today hail from ancient roots. It is exciting to realise that your jewellery may have been made using a skill or tradition with a very long and fascinating history. We really don’t want to lose these traditions of making things by hand. Buying handmade will ensure these traditions are kept alive and well and carried into the future.
giving
When you choose a piece of handmade jewellery for a friend or loved one you will undoubtedly think about it very carefully and take your time. You will want it to be perfect for the person you are giving it to. Being on the receiving end of a gift made with the passion of the maker, and chosen with the love and care of the giver, just makes it super special.
customer service
Last but definitely not least! Customer service is very important to all craftsmen and craftswomen who design, make and sell their own work. We are passionate about what we do and what we made and we absolutely want you the customer to be totally happy with and love your purchase. Makers are very unlikely to allow inferior work out of their workshops. If any problems do arise however do get in touch with the maker who I am sure will want to help you resolve them as far as they are able.