If you read my last post, The Magic of Handmade, you already know how much heart and intention goes into creating jewelry by hand. This follow-up dives a little deeper – because with so much mass-produced jewelry out there, it’s easy to wonder: how can you tell what’s truly handmade? When you’re holding a truly handmade piece, you’ll usually see tiny, beautiful quirks — a little texture here, a slight asymmetry there. These perfectly imperfect details are what give handmade jewelry its soul. You can feel that someone poured their time, skill, and heart into it.
Another tell-tale sign? A maker’s mark. A lot of artists, myself included, will stamp or engrave their initials, logo, or a small signature symbol somewhere discreet — often on the back or inside of the piece. It’s like a quiet way of saying, “I made this just for you.” It's also a clear sign that a real human was behind the design, not a machine or a factory line.
For me, every piece starts with metal and stone — raw, honest materials — and evolves into a statement of self-expression. I don’t use molds or machines to crank out hundreds of the
same thing. It’s just me, working one-on-one with each design until it feels right. So, if you’re ever unsure whether something is truly handmade, just ask the maker. We love to share our process — and when you find that perfect piece, it’s not just jewelry. It’s something distinctive, unique, and unmistakably you.