Handmade jewellery has a special kind of magic. No two pieces are ever quite the same, and there's a real person behind every design. But with so many 'handmade' claims out there (oh hey Etsy, you used to be a handmade platform, what happened?), how do you know you're actually getting quality crafts(wo)manship and not just a pretty photo and crappy results?
Here are five signs to look for before you commit to your new piece - and can rock it ethically, too:
1. The details are slightly imperfect (in a good way)
Machine-made jewellery is flawless. Every piece identical, every edge razor-sharp, the perfect finish, the repeatability. Handmade jewellery tells a story. A slightly uneven clasp, a hand-set stone in one earring that sits just a touch differently than the other... these aren't flaws, they're fingerprints. If a piece feels too perfect, it probably wasn't made by hand at all.
Fun fact: this is actually something I hear at markets and festivals over and over again: how refreshing it is too see the marks, to have truly unique pieces. Why make it look machine-made when it was made with my precious hands? So next time you see 'handmade' jewellery, check for evidence.
2. The materials are clearly listed
A maker who is proud of their work will tell you exactly what you're buying. Look for clear info on:
- Metal type (brass, gold-filled, gold-plated, sterling silver, etc.) including secondary materials
- Stone or bead origin (natural, lab-grown, glass, resin)
- Plating thickness, if applicable
If a brand is vague about materials, that's usually a red flag - not a style choice. Be careful when something is too good to be true, like 'silver' for a fraction of the usual price. You might be buying something completely different, and it turns out to be actually too good to be true.
3. It comes with care instructions
Quality handmade pieces are made to last, and no metalsmith will pretend they don't still need a little love (the pieces, not the jeweller, but hey maybe both). Brands that care about longevity will tell you how to store your jewellery, what to keep it away from (perfume, water, sweat), and how to keep it looking new. If there's zero guidance, the maker may not expect the piece to last long anyway.
4. The weight feels right
Pick it up. Quality handmade jewellery has a certain heft to it. Even lightweight designs feel substantial, not hollow or flimsy. Thin, feather-light pieces that bend easily are often a sign of lower-quality materials or rushed production.
5. You can see the maker's process
Whether it's behind-the-scenes photos, studio videos, or a founder story, brands that make jewellery by hand usually want to show you how. Transparency about the process - from sketch to finished piece - is one of the clearest signs you're supporting real craftsmanship, not a mass-produced knockoff.
Handmade doesn't have to mean expensive - it means intentional. Every byMaraca piece is designed and made with these standards in mind, so you're not just buying jewellery, you're buying something made for you, made with pride and love and sweat and blood, but always authentic and full of character. Just like every one of us.
Shop your new favourite jewellery at byMaracajewellery.com or follow along on Instagram @bymaraca for behind-the-scenes looks at how each piece comes to life.
