Cheap imported jewellery compared to bespoke handmade jewellery

It is so easy to purchase cheap mass-produced jewellery from China and they have flooded the markets in Europe and the US. This means that artists and jewellers are really up against it competing with this market. However, this cheap imported jewellery is very poorly made using cheap materials and often breaks very easily.

You just have to look at the listings at places like Shein, Temu and ebay and the amounts of items for sale is staggering. This same cheap junk jewellery is now selling on Etsy which is against the regulations to be able to sell on their platform. However, they seem more interesting in profits rather than caring for their sellers.

Additionally, many items for sale on these platforms are stolen designs taken from many of the design ideas of makers from other platforms like Folksy or independent websites. Even the images will be stolen and used to sell their cheaper version.

Why is China flooding the market with cheap jewellery.

Simple answer. Because they can. Because China has a huge population to be able to make all this jewellery. China has a huge land mass to be able to build all the mass-producing factories and warehouses. And their government policies are very much geared towards making China a global economic super-power which includes mass production of goods to sell around the world.

Handmade jewellery ethic

In comparison to the cheap Chinese imports, handmade jewellery is made with quality materials and the finished product is made with love and a commitment to quality.

The design process of handmade jewellery made by independent designers can take a lot of research including trying out materials and techniques.

Handmade jewellery is often created with more care and passion, and with a greater level of craftsmanship that has taken years to perfect. This creates a more unique piece which is generally considered to be of a higher value and standard, and more precious to its owner.

Is Handmade jewellery more expensive?

Generally, yes. Machined jewellery takes less time to produce and has higher cost efficiencies, whereas handmade jewellery can take a lot longer when it's being worked on by a single jeweller. If the piece is bespoke, the design and production time also needs to be considered.

Adorn-you standard

All the jewellery pieces here at adorn-you are handmade by myself and they have been put together to provide a collection of jewellery that is both individual in design and providing a sensible price point. I do not use precious metals or expensive gemstones, which allows me to produce my jewellery for those who cannot afford top of the range bespoke items.

However, the materials I do use means I can still maintain a good quality for my jewellery items and my customers can be assured that the items they have purchased will be wearable for many years to come.

Czech glass necklace and earrings set from Adorn-you

You will find more designs like the Czech glass set pictured above in the shop as well as pretty floral lucite necklace sets.