Handmade vs. Machine-Made Jewelry: Which Should You Choose?

Shopping for jewelry can be an emotional journey, especially if it’s meant to commemorate a special occasion for someone you love. Even if you’re just treating yourself to something beautiful, jewelry can carry emotional significance and meaning well beyond what it looks like. But before you start shopping for that next important jewelry purchase, you may want to consider something that's often overlooked: how was it made? When it comes to fine jewelry, the answer is usually either handmade or machine-made. 

While both methods can create beautiful jewelry, they offer different experiences and levels of involvement. Handmade jewelry is often desired because of its charm and the personal touch behind creating it. On the other hand, machine-made jewelry is precise and consistent because it is not made by human hands.

If you haven’t considered this before, don’t feel bad, because most people don’t really think about this aspect of jewelry. But if you’d like to become a more savvy jewelry shopper, it’s worth learning the difference between handmade and machine-made jewelry.

Understanding what sets them apart—especially in terms of quality and cost—will help you know what questions to ask your jeweler. That way, no matter which type you’re drawn to, you’ll be confident in exactly what you’re buying. 

What Is Handmade Jewelry?

Handmade jewelry is crafted completely by the human hand using traditional goldsmithing tools and methods. This doesn’t mean that the jewelers don’t use machines to assist them with the process, as machines are necessary to do many parts of the casting process, as well as setting the stones. They use torches, drills, polishing wheels, etc.

However, the machines are not automated. Instead, they are used as tools guided by the human hand to shape the metal, set the stones, and polish the jewelry. Each piece of handmade jewelry is unique and because of human idiosyncrasies it would be impossible to perfectly duplicate another jewelry piece. This is what makes handmade jewelry so desirable for many people, as they want jewelry that is unique to them. 

What Is Machine-Made Jewelry?

Machine-made jewelry, as the name implies, is produced entirely by machines. This happens without human hands shaping the pieces during the process. This type of jewelry is typically mass-manufactured, focusing on consistency and speed to produce large quantities efficiently. Since machines are very advanced, machine-made jewelry can be very detailed and produced at a lower cost than handmade jewelry. It's made quickly and without the extra cost of human labor.

Quality Differences

• Handmade - When a piece of jewelry is crafted by hand, a skilled jeweler usually works under a microscope to ensure precision and meticulous detail. This means each step is examined under magnification and the jeweler pays attention to even the smallest details. For example, the prongs for each stone will be cut and set individually, and great care will be taken while making the jewelry. This meticulous process results in a high-quality piece of fine jewelry that’s built to last for years to come.

• Machine-Made - While handmade jewelry is often associated with high quality, that doesn’t mean machine-made pieces are necessarily of low quality. If the manufacturer’s machines are well-calibrated and high-quality materials are used, there’s no reason the finished jewelry shouldn’t be of excellent quality. It will just be missing the human touch and the attention to smaller details that machines can’t notice–such as a sharp prong or a section that isn’t fully polished to completion. 

Design Flexibility

• Handmade - In terms of uniqueness, handmade jewelry is more flexible because you can create something custom with your jeweler. You can make adjustments to existing designs or create something completely unique.

• Machine-Made - Since the majority of machine-made jewelry is mass produced, you most often do not have the option to change the design. A lot of it is designed with CAD, but once a design is finalized, you cannot make changes for just one piece in the production line. 

Price Differences

• Handmade - Handmade jewelry tends to be more expensive because you are not just paying for the materials, but also the jeweler’s labor and expertise. And if the jeweler has many years of experience and is very skilled, that labor may be quite expensive. But it does also mean better craftsmanship, so determining your priority is important here. 

• Machine-Made - Mass produced jewelry is more affordable because it is produced by machines and not much human labor is required. Since a large amount can be made in a short amount of time and sold in bulk, it can be offered at lower prices. 

Time and Turnaround

• Handmade - Making handmade jewelry can be a long process. If time is not on your side, you may want to forego the handmade approach. Rushing the creation of a handmade piece can be stressful for both you and the jeweler, often leading to hasty decisions and a final product that may not meet your expectations. Handmade jewelry requires great communication, a clear vision, and patience. The jeweler may need to meet with you multiple times in person to finalize every detail and source the right materials. Depending on the complexity and intricacy of the piece, it could take over a month to produce once the design is approved. That said, many people enjoy being part of the creative process and savor the anticipation that comes with it. 

• Machine-Made - If you’re in a hurry, machine-made jewelry is the best choice since you can take it home the same day.  

Emotional Value 

• Handmade - Since you are involved in almost every step of creating a handmade piece of jewelry, it is safe to say that you will be emotionally invested in the process. You will have a story to tell about how you helped with the design, or selected the perfect center stone, or saw the sketch, the wax model, and the finished piece. This story will accompany the jewelry, passed down to anyone who has the privilege of wearing it.

• Machine-Made - Machine-made jewelry can also carry sentimental value and a beautiful story. Searching for the perfect jewelry piece doesn’t have to involve customization. If it’s the perfect necklace or ring and it’s for a special occasion, it will always hold emotional value. 

Final Considerations

Still not sure which one you prefer? The best choice depends on what you value most in your jewelry. Handmade pieces are a great fit if you’re drawn to unique, personalized designs and appreciate the skill required to create something detailed like jewelry. Handmade jewelry can make meaningful gifts and become pieces that you will pass down to future generations.

On the other hand, machine-made jewelry is perfect for shoppers who have a short timeline or a smaller budget. It also works well if you prefer something completely symmetrical and without the small imperfections that can come from crafting something by hand.

So which is better? There’s no right or wrong choice—only the one that best matches your needs and desires.