Why Does Custom Jewelry Cost So Much More Than Mass-Produced Jewelry?

Written By Allie Perry November 22, 2024

I love showing people the one-of-a-kind jewelry I make, and I really love working with people to create pieces that I designed just for them. 

But I hate hearing, “OMG why is it so expensive‽” 

Since I wish there was more understanding around the cost difference between custom-designed or hand-made jewelry, and the mass-produced jewelry you can buy at retail chains, I’d like to discuss some of the similarities and difference.

First, I can help you understand the difference by asking you two questions:

• How much would it cost you to buy a shirt off the rack in some department store?
• How much would it cost you to go to a tailor, have them take your measurements, and make you a similar shirt in your perfect size, in the color of your choice, to your exact specifications?

What was the number you came up with for the first question? $25? $100? I’ve gotten all sorts of answers to the first question, including answers from people who clearly don’t buy their own clothing, and others who ignore the spirit of the question and cite the costs of high fashion designer brands. There’s no wrong answer really, and it at least gives you a baseline to consider for the second question.

When you thought about the second question, was the answer higher or lower? You’re a smart cookie, so I bet for the second question you either came up with a higher number, or said you couldn’t put a number on it, but you knew it would cost more than shopping off the rack.

And to those of you who say, “But a Givenchy shirt would cost me $850- a tailor wouldn’t charge me that much.” I pose this question: how much would it cost you to go to Givenchy and have them make a one-of-a-kind shirt just for you? Certainly exponentially more than $850, if you even had the clout to get them to take on the job.

Spoiler, you probably don’t. I definitely don’t.

And jewelry shopping presents you with those same questions and a choice: do you opt for the budget-friendly, mass-produced option or invest in custom, hand-made pieces? While the price difference might initially give you some sticker shock, it reflects the true value of craftsmanship, quality, and exclusivity of custom jewelry. Here’s why custom, hand-made jewelry commands a higher price, and why you might want to steer clear of mass-produced pieces.

1. Craftsmanship and Expertise

This one is a no-brainer. Custom jewelry is created by skilled artisans like me with years (I have decades!) of experience. I design and meticulously craft each piece by hand, all of which takes time, patience, and precision. Unlike mass production, which relies on machines and molds, hand-made jewelry reflects the artist’s personal touch and expertise.

2. Material Quality

Mass-produced jewelry often uses cheaper metals and synthetic stones to keep costs low. When higher karat gold is used, the jewelry is made as thin as possible for the same reason, and gemstones are frequently lower grade so the retailer can tout a lower cost without mentioning the lower quality. These manufacturing choices sacrifice durability in the process and leave you with stones that don’t have vibrant color or good sparkle. Custom jewelry, on the other hand, typically features high-quality materials such as genuine, high-grade gemstones and precious metals like gold or platinum. When you shop with me, you know the materials are sourced responsibly, which further increases the cost.

3. Time Investment

If you’ve seen any of the videos I post on social media (@allieperrydesigns on most platforms) you know that creating even the simplest piece of custom jewelry is a really labor-intensive process. From initial consultations and design sketches to stone setting and finishing, the process can take weeks or even months. Each step is tailored to my customer’s specifications, and I don’t take any shortcuts in the process.

4. Design Uniqueness

Custom jewelry offers exclusivity. Most of the pieces you find on my website are one-of-a-kind! When you commission a piece, it is designed specifically for you—an embodiment of your style, story, or sentiment, sometimes even using your inherited gemstones. Mass-produced pieces, by contrast, are churned out in bulk, meaning you’re likely to see that exact ring you fell in love with on someone else’s hand…maybe more than once.

5. Sustainability and Ethical Practices

When I make custom jewelry, I prioritize ethical sourcing and sustainable practices. This could mean sourcing conflict-free gemstones, recycling gold, or supporting fair trade. While these efforts are good for the environment and workers, they also add to the cost of production, particularly when I’m supporting lapidary artists across the United States instead of importing lower quality goods from overseas. Mass-produced jewelry manufacturing is focused on one thing- the bottom line. They want to pay the least amount during production and make the most amount during the sale.

6. Customer Involvement

When you buy custom jewelry, you’re part of the creative process! The time spent consulting with you, revising designs, and ensuring the final piece matches your vision is invaluable—but it also contributes to the price. The only involvement you have with mass-produced jewelry is what color you choose from the showcase.

7. Longevity and Value

Custom jewelry pieces are often more durable and hold their value better over time than mass-produced jewelry. Investing in custom jewelry means acquiring a timeless heirloom rather than a trend-driven accessory. Buying mass-produced jewelry often means you’ll be spending your money on a piece of jewelry that may be not only more prone to breakage but more cost-prohibitive to fix when you compare the cost of a quality repair to the original cost of the piece itself.

Why It’s Worth the Investment

Custom, hand-made jewelry is more than an accessory—it’s a story, an investment, and a testament to your own individuality. While the initial cost may be higher, the quality, craftsmanship, and personal connection make it a worthy addition to your  collection.

Buying your custom jewelry from independent jewelers like me also lets you know exactly where your money is going. You can feel good knowing you’re supporting someone’s dream instead of lining the pockets of some chain store’s shareholders.

By understanding the factors behind the price, you can appreciate the artistry and effort that make custom jewelry truly priceless.