Handmade Jewelry Buying Guide

Handmade jewelry is one of the most popular categories at craft markets — and one where an informed buyer is a satisfied buyer. Here's what you need to know before you fall in love with a piece.

Understanding Metals

Sterling Silver (925)

Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver alloyed with copper for strength. It's an excellent choice for everyday wear and is generally safe for sensitive skin. Look for a "925" stamp. Sterling will tarnish over time but polishes easily.

Fine Silver (.999)

Purer than sterling, fine silver is softer and rarely used in structural pieces, but popular in artisan work because it doesn't tarnish as readily. It's more expensive and requires more delicate handling.

Gold-Filled vs. Gold-Plated

Gold-filled (often marked "14/20 GF") has a thick bonded layer of gold and is genuinely durable — it's a very different product from gold-plated, which is a thin electrodeposited layer that wears off relatively quickly. Ask makers which they use; the price difference is significant and justified.

Copper and Brass

Popular in artisan work for their warmth and affordability. Copper and brass can cause green skin discoloration, especially in humid conditions. This is harmless but worth knowing. Some makers seal their brass work to reduce this.

Bronze and Mixed Metals

Many jewelers work in bronze alloys or combine metals intentionally. Ask about composition if you have metal sensitivities.

Gemstones: Natural, Lab-Created, and Simulants

Natural Gemstones

Mined from the earth, natural stones vary in color, inclusion, and character — this variation is part of their value. Turquoise, labradorite, amethyst, and moonstone are common in handmade jewelry.

Lab-Created Stones

Chemically identical to natural stones but grown in controlled conditions. Often used for sapphires, emeralds, and opals. They're not "fake" — they're the same material at a fraction of the price.

Simulants

Different materials designed to look like a more expensive stone — cubic zirconia simulating diamond, for example. A trustworthy maker will always tell you what you're actually buying.

Sizing

Ring and bracelet sizing varies by maker. Before buying a ring as a gift, know the recipient's size. Many jewelers offer resizing for a fee, but not all designs can be resized (eternity bands with stones all the way around, for example, are difficult).

For bracelets, measure the wrist and add about half an inch for comfort. Necklace length conventions: choker (~14"), princess (~18"), matinee (~22"), opera (~30"+).

Hypoallergenic Options

Nickel is a common allergen and appears in many alloys, including some lower-quality silver and gold plating bases. If you have metal sensitivities:

• Choose sterling silver, fine silver, or solid gold
• Titanium and niobium are excellent hypoallergenic alternatives for ear wires
• Ask makers specifically whether their findings (ear wires, clasps) are nickel-free

Care and Longevity

• Store silver in anti-tarnish pouches or cloth when not worn
• Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, and exercising
• Polish sterling with a soft cloth — commercial polishes are fine occasionally but remove a tiny layer of metal each time
• Keep gemstone pieces away from ultrasonic cleaners unless the maker approves; porous stones like turquoise and opal are damaged by chemicals and moisture
• Ask your jeweler which cleaning method they recommend — the answer tells you they know their craft