Your jewelry says a lot about who you are, adding an impactful finishing touch to any look. For a more unique style, considering adding handmade jewelry to your collection.

There are many talented indie artists in the world creating beautiful, handmade pieces. Whether you’re shopping online or in person, you’ll have many types of jewelry to consider. But where do you start? If you’re uncertain about how to buy jewelry, here are a few things to look for while shopping.

Cost

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for jewelry is the cost. You’re the only one who understands your own financial situation. So, set a budget for yourself and only look for handmade pieces in that price range.

If you’re shopping online, most platforms let you filter your searches to show you pieces that fall into the price range you’re looking for. This makes it easier for you to stick to your budget.

Style and Design

Before shopping for jewelry, it’s also important to understand your style. Do you enjoy bold, funky colors or are you more toned down and chic? In the latter case, you’ll likely prefer simple jewelry.

By understanding different jewelry styles before you start shopping, you’ll be able to select pieces that best match your look. If you dress, look, and act a certain way, you want your jewelry to match.

Quality of the Materials Beads

The type of materials used can make or break a piece. If the artist uses low-quality beads that are plastic or covered in a film, the work will look tacky and it’s likely to fall apart or break. Likewise, certain types of metals chafe your skin and leave behind rashes.

Do your research before you shop. This can prevent you from purchasing work made from shoddy materials.

Ratings and Reviews

When shopping for jewelry, especially online, it’s easy to fall down the rabbit hole of check out this handmade jewelry or take a look at this artist. Having so many options can be overwhelming, especially if you find yourself drawn to numerous pieces.

So, how do you select which jewelry item or artist is right for you? Like any other product or service, you can check out the ratings and reviews first. Jewelry makers selling their work operate like any business and many online marketplaces and e-commerce platforms let people review their purchases and customer service experiences. These write-ups can provide insight as to whether you should shop with a certain artist or not.

Artist Location

First, who doesn’t like to shop local? It pumps money into your area’s local economy, and you feel a special connection knowing you’re supporting an artist from the same hometown or region as you.

If you’re shopping online, though, an artist’s location can also impact shipping costs. If they live across the country – or across the world – you could be paying more in shipping.

Want to Learn More About Handmade Jewelry?

If you want to learn more about handmade jewelry and other fashion trends, check out our blog for more information on various styles, designs, materials, and more. Our jewelry section is an excellent resource for any fashion-forward individual who enjoys accessorizing and wants to add some flair to their look.