What Makes Handmade Jewelry More Expensive (and Worth It)
When shopping for jewelry, it’s easy to notice the price difference between handmade artisan jewelry and mass-produced pieces you might find at a chain store. At Fire & Fringe, we believe in being transparent about what goes into our pricing—because every ring, necklace, or bracelet carries a story, not just a price tag.
Here’s why handmade jewelry costs more—and why it’s worth every penny.
1. Materials That Last a Lifetime
Many mass-produced pieces are often plated with thin layers of silver or gold over a base metal such as brass, nickel, or copper. That plating can wear off within months, leaving you with tarnished or discolored jewelry and skin! As well as the potential for reactions if you have sensitive skin.
At Fire & Fringe, we use solid sterling silver. Although sterling silver can tarnish over time it is easy to clean and restore to its original beauty with no risk of permanently discolored jewelry or irritating skin reactions.
Value takeaway: Handmade jewelry is an investment in quality. With the right care, your piece can last for generations.
2. The Hours Behind the Bench
When you buy artisan jewelry, you’re not just paying for the finished product—you’re paying for the hours of work that went into it.
Every Fire & Fringe piece begins as raw silver sheet and wire. From there, it’s measured, cut, soldered, filed, sanded, set, polished, and finished by hand. A single ring can take anywhere from 1 to 6 hours depending on the design.
Mass-produced pieces, on the other hand, are cast in bulk using molds, machines, and assembly lines. The human touch is minimal—and so is the individuality.
Value takeaway: Handmade pricing reflects the time and care of the maker, not just the materials.
3. The Tools and the Studio
Silversmithing requires specialized tools—saws, torches, polishing machines, hammers, and more. Add in studio space, safety equipment, and years of practice, and you start to see the hidden costs behind each handmade piece.
When you invest in artisan jewelry, you’re supporting not just the artist’s time but also the infrastructure that makes handcrafted work possible.
Value takeaway: You’re investing in a craft, not a factory.
4. One-of-a-Kind Artistry
Handmade jewelry isn’t just an accessory—it’s wearable art. No two Fire & Fringe pieces are identical, especially when natural stones like turquoise are involved. The matrix (the unique webbing and patterns within the stone) creates a piece that can never be duplicated.
Mass-produced jewelry is designed for uniformity. Handmade jewelry is designed for individuality.
Value takeaway: What you wear reflects your story—and handmade jewelry makes it personal.
5. Supporting Small Business and Artisan Craft
When you purchase from Fire & Fringe, you’re not funding a corporate chain—you’re directly supporting an artist who pours heart, skill, and creativity into every piece.
You’re also supporting the continuation of a traditional craft that values quality over shortcuts. It’s more than jewelry—it’s a statement of what (and who) you value.
Value takeaway: Your purchase has purpose, not just price.
Final Thoughts: Why Handmade Jewelry Is Worth It
Handmade jewelry costs more because it gives you more: better materials, skilled craftsmanship, one-of-a-kind artistry, and the knowledge that your purchase supports an artisan rather than a factory.
At Fire & Fringe, we’re proud to offer handmade sterling silver and turquoise jewelry that reflects the beauty of nature and the value of true craftsmanship. When you invest in a handmade piece, you’re not just buying jewelry—you’re buying something that will carry meaning for years to come.
Browse our latest collection of handmade sterling silver and turquoise jewelry and find the piece that speaks to you. Or contact us to start the process of designing an extra special heirloom piece made just for you!