Handmade is the new luxury - I have seen this phrase quite lot on social media recently. For anyone following jewellers and other precious metal crafts people will know we have been hit with an all time high in metal prices recently. Silver has risen by 5% in just the last month (March figures) and 180% in the last 12 months! This is an eye watering rise for those of us lucky enough to make jewellery for a living.
When I was at University 20 years ago I made some silver pins shaped like Britain with weather phases etched into them. I splashed out on an A5 sheet of silver and I remember thinking that £60 was a lot of money! Now to buy a sheet that large, it would cost me £900!
So why is it getting so expensive? Well, aside from the general chaos going on around the world making raw materials costs soar, our love of technology is also having a big impact. Silver is such a wonderful metal that it is now in high demand for use in electric vehicles and solar panels. It is also used in AI data centres as it can manage massive electrical loads without over heating, transferring heat away from the processors. So each time you jump on ChatGPT or use AI to follow along with the latest trend, spare a though for us jewellers saving every little scrap to keep making you beautiful shiny things.
Historically silver was always golds 'cheaper' alternative but in Ancient Egypt silver was valued more than gold! Silver is such a lovely metal to work with, and like gold, can be recycled over and over to create new beautiful jewellery. It should be treasured and cared for as it can last you a life time! Jewellery in any precious metal in an investment, especially when coupled with love and sentiment.
As a maker I have always tried to keep my jewellery as affordable and accessible as possible however adjustments are necessary in order for me to keep making for you. I have not raised my prices properly in over 5 years so I am very much over due. I have been making now for 20 years and my skills have also grown along the way. After a long and tedious few hours over spreadsheets I have a new price list which will be implemented mid April 2026, please see my socials for the exact date as you might be able to grab your self a bargain before they change!
Each piece I make, either from my collections or a bespoke design, is made by me by hand in my tiny workshop by the sea. Thankfully this is not a job AI will be able to take away from me any time in the near future.
Human made is definitely the new luxury!