Which is the Better Way to Go, Custom-Made Jewelry or Machine-Made Jewelry?

Shopping for jewelry really can be an emotional experience. Whether you’re buying something to celebrate an important milestone in someone’s life that you love or you are simply treating yourself to something gorgeous, jewelry often evokes emotions and means much more than what it looks like on the outside. But before you go shopping for that next big piece of jewelry, there are a few things you might want to consider. Something you may not have already thought about is how the jewelry was made. When you’re talking about fine jewelry, there are typically only two options: handmade or machine-made.

Both handmade jewelry and machine-made jewelry can be stunning, but they are very different and give shoppers different levels of involvement in the process. Handmade jewelry is often what people try to seek out because of the charm and story behind how it was created. Machine-made jewelry is often desired because every single piece that comes off the production line is exactly the same as the last.

If you haven’t taken the time to think about this before, don’t worry. Most people haven’t! But if you’re looking to become a wise jewelry shopper, it’s time to learn the differences between handmade vs machine-made jewelry.

Once you know what makes the two different from each other and what that means for the quality and price–you’ll be able to ask your jeweler the right questions. That way, whether you fall in love with something handmade or machine-made, you can be sure you know what you’re getting!

What is Handmade Jewelry?

Handmade jewelry is made entirely by hand using classic goldsmithing tools. When jewelers create handmade jewelry, they do just as the name implies…by hand. Now don’t get us wrong, they will use machines to help them with certain aspects of the process. There are many steps in the casting process that can only be done by machine. Jewelry makers also use machines to help them set the stones. When you think of this jewelry maker using tools like torches, drills, polishing wheels, etc….you are definitely thinking of handmade jewelry.

The key to remember is that none of these machines are automated! They use machinery as tools that their hands guide to create the shapes in the metal, set the stones, and polish your jewelry. Handmade jewelry is one-of-a-kind, there is no exact duplicate of another piece possible because of tiny imperfections and variations that happen when a person makes it. This allows jewelry to have character, and that is something many people seek when they want handmade jewelry.

What is Machine-Made Jewelry?

Machine made jewelry isn’t created with jewelers using their hands to shape the piece as it’s being made. Machines made jewelry is typically made to be mass-produced. Machines are consistent and perfect so they create exactly the same piece every time. Since machines can create jewelry very quickly and detail oriented programs are controlling the machines, manufacturers can create beautiful jewelry at a much lower cost than its handmade counterpart.

Quality Differences

Handmade Jewelry – When jewelry is made by hand, your jeweler will typically be looking through a microscope while they work. Because of this, they are able to take their time on each step and pay attention to the small details. A handmade artisan will cut each stone prong individually and set them with care. While making your jewelry, they will pay close attention to detail and double-check their work because they know you will too. Handmade jewelry is quality jewelry that will last you a lifetime.

Machine Made Jewelry – Now we want to preface this by saying that machine-made jewelry is not always low-quality jewelry. If the manufacturer has high-quality machines that are properly calibrated and the materials they are starting with are high-quality as well, then there’s no reason the end product shouldn’t be too! It will just lack that personable touch and some of the little details that a human eye simply can’t catch. Things like sharp prongs holding your diamond in place or edges that may not have been polished all the way.

Design Flexibility

Handmade Jewelry – With handmade jewelry you have an unlimited amount of flexibility when it comes to the uniqueness of your piece. You can sit down with your jeweler and customize something that already exists or create something from scratch!

Machine Made Jewelry – Majority of machine-made jewelry is mass-produced. This means that you will typically not be able to make changes to a design. Most machine jewelry is designed using CAD programs. Once a design is done, there isn’t typically an option to change it just for the one piece on the production line.

Price Differences

Handmade Jewelry– Handmade jewelry will cost you more because you are paying for the materials as well as the jeweler’s time. If your jeweler has been making beautiful jewelry for 25 years, their labor is probably going to cost you. However, that also means they know what they’re doing and will create a beautiful piece. Decide what’s more important to you when it comes to price.

Machine Made Jewelry –Machine jewelry is less expensive because the bulk of it is made by machines. Machines do not require breaks, time off, or vacations so production can stay consistent. Because they can make large amounts of jewelry in a short period of time and purchase materials in bulk, they can sell it to you for less money.

Time & Turnaround

Handmade Jewelry– Like previously mentioned, handmade jewelry takes a long time. If you are short on time, you might want to consider skipping the handmade route. Putting time restraint on handmade jewelry can be frustrating for you and the jewelry maker. You may find yourself making rushed decisions that you’ll regret in the long run. Creating handmade jewelry requires a lot of communication, a clear vision, and patience. You will probably have to meet with your jewelry maker several times in person to finalize details and even help them source out materials. Once the design is finalized it can take over a month to get your piece finished. Some people hate waiting though the entire process and some love being part of the creation of something unique.

Machine Made Jewelry – If you need a piece of jewelry ASAP, go with machine-made jewelry. Many jewelry stores keep machine-made jewelry in stock so you can literally walk out with your jewelry that same day!

Emotional Value

Handmade Jewelry- Let’s face it. If you are involved in almost every step of the process of making your jewelry, you will automatically be emotionally invested and want to cherish the piece forever. Whether you helped your jewelry maker sketch the design, pick the perfect center stone, or you watched them turn the sketch into a wax model and then into your finished jewelry. You have a story behind your handmade piece that you will get to share every time you wear it. Not to mention, you can pass that story down to anyone who is lucky enough to wear it next!

Machine Made Jewelry- Just because your jewelry wasn’t handmade doesn’t mean it can’t have emotional value and an amazing story behind it. Looking for the perfect piece of jewelry doesn’t always have to mean custom shopping. If you find the perfect necklace or ring and it’s for your anniversary or to celebrate your sweetheart, then it will always have sentimental value.

Final Thoughts

Still not sure which route you’re going to choose? That’s okay! If you value uniqueness and detail and have the time and budget, handmade jewelry is the way to go. Not only can you create something beautiful and completely unique to you and your significant other but handmade jewelry makes for amazing gifts and heirloom pieces you can pass down for generations.

If you’re short on time or don’t have a large budget to spend on jewelry, machine-made jewelry might be best for you. Machine jewelry is also great if you like things to be perfectly symmetrical and don’t like little imperfections like some handmade jewelry might have.

So which type of jewelry is better? There is no right or wrong answer here, only what better suits your needs and wants!