What Makes Me Buy Jewelry on the Internet

by Anonymous

I love handcrafted jewelry. Thanks to the Internet, it is easier than ever to acquire some fabulous, unique pieces. My favorite sites are Etsy and eBay.

In the “real” world (off line), I’ve purchased handcrafted pieces at craft fairs, rock and gem shows, wedding shows, and in stand alone shops or little boutiques.

I enjoy handcrafted jewelry because it is unique and it is a truly a wearable form of art. There is nothing better than having a great piece of jewelry that you know no one else will have!

When I’m making a purchase, whether it be online or in person, I look for a few things.

I pay careful attention to the craftsmanship of any piece, making sure fastenings are tight, settings are properly attached, et cetera.

Being a firm believe in the old adage “you get what you pay for”, I always evaluate the piece not only on its craftsmanship, but price as well. Having said that, there is a point where the cost of handcrafted jewelry can be too high. There is no specific point where it becomes too much, rather it is just a vague point that varies from piece to piece.

(But please don’t think that I’m complaining about an artist’s right to charge a fair price - there is a difference between “fair price” and price gouging.)

What really draws me to a piece of jewelry is if it has any feeling. By that, I am referring to not only the level of skill needed to create it, but also the way the entire piece works together. I don’t like pieces that look shoddily made, nor do I like ones that look like something I could buy in fifteen stores in the mall.

When I purchase handcrafted jewelry, I like knowing that I own something that not many other people own. I have given handmade pieces for gifts, always with great success.

My only advice to jewelry artisans would be that they try to retain their own personal style while making a variety of pieces. I have purchased different items from the same artist before, it just really depends on their products.

All in all, I think that handcrafted jewelry is much better than mass produced pieces, and the best place to find handcrafted jewelry is online.

Comments for
What Makes Me Buy Jewelry on the Internet

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Check out Ruby Lane
by: Judith

You didn't mention Ruby Lane, which is a wonderful place to find beautiful artisan-crafted jewelry. I know because I have a shop there myself! If you don't already know about it, I hope you'll check it out. If you'd like to see my jewelry while you're there, look under Holly Cottage Designs in the artisan jewelry lane.

Your comments were very helpful - thanks!
Judith

Thanks!
by: Melissa Zurick

It's great to hear thoughts from customers who look for handcrafted jewelry! You've made some great comments! Thanks!

Melissa (Zurick Designs)

Artisan Handcrafted Jewellery Online
by: Geraldine Murphy

Hi! These comments are great...I have a website selling jewellery that I handmake, mostly animal designs and other quite funky pieces like washing lines, knickers, bras, fishnet tights, and for the last 5 years or so have been doing mostly wholesale to shops.

Business has been great but the margins are so small when doing so much wholesale. My website though is really working out well but there is always room for improvement in terms of what people look for when they are buying online, particularly in terms of the experience they have while doing it, so all the comments are brilliant.

Geraldine
Saba Jewellery

Thanks!
by: Linda G.

Thanks so much for sharing. I am learning so much by reading these posts. I know buying jewelry online can be a gamble. Does it really look as good in person as on the computer? Knowing what the buyer might be thinking is really turning out to be so helpful.

Linda G.
LinnyGirl Designs
www.linnygirldesigns.com

Thanks
by: Lisa

Thank you so much for the input, we really appreciate hearing from customers so we get it right. Thanks for the support! Lisa
lisascala.com

Thank you for your input!
by: Purely Paige

I really appreciate you taking the time to write so much about what you look for when buying online! It is very helpful to hear directly from a customer what they look for!

www.purelypaige.com
www.purelypaigejewelry.blogspot.com