Why choose handmade jewelry? I’ve been an artist for most of my life and a professional bench jeweler for almost a decade, which means I not only design and create my own original pieces, I've also repaired, refurbished, and worked with countless jewelry items from around the world. If there’s one thing my years of experience have taught me, it’s that handmade jewelry from a small local artisan is always the better investment. 

Jewelry produced in mass production facilities often presents problems right from the beginning. To make jewelry as cheaply and quickly as possible, factories tend to push designs that use very little metal. Jewelry with minimal metal, for example a very thin ring, lacks the structural integrity required to support stones; this deficiency can result in breaks, bends, or, worse, the loss of a valuable stone.

Additionally, issues in the casting process - such as empty pockets and cracking - are often overlooked, which can cause catastrophic breaks very early on. I’ve had to repair many modern pieces within less than a year of purchase. Have you ever wondered why impossibly delicate-looking jewelry is so trendy lately? It’s no coincidence - the trend is influenced by manufacturers wanting to cut costs during production! And believe me, it’s just as flimsy as it appears. 

Beyond the lower quality, mass-produced pieces lack the uniqueness and charm of handmade jewelry. Hundreds of identical rings are sold at big box stores every day, but each piece I create is unique. Even when I replicate my own designs for new products, I always make sure each item has a personal touch that sets it apart. I can even craft 100% custom designs just for you, so that you can rest assured nobody else has the exact same piece. My jewelry is meant for you and your story, and I want it to feel personal.

Finally, mass-produced jewelry is often made overseas in factories with long workdays, questionable safety practices, and little regard for the creative fulfillment of their employees. As a one-woman business, every piece you purchase is made by yours truly in my home shop, using materials I source myself to uphold the highest ethical standards. By shopping locally, you’re supporting the dreams of a jeweler dedicated to creating beautiful, unique, and lasting jewelry just for you. 

Thank you for letting my work become part of your story. Your support makes every hour at the bench worthwhile!