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There are many pluses to choosing handcrafted jewellery, but a few pitfalls as well.

PLUS POINTS

Handcrafted items of jewellery are often unique. Even if a design is repeated, they are unlikely to be exactly the same as any other piece. This is sometimes due to the element of craftsmanship, but also can be due to the choice of materials.

You can often pick up a piece of handcrafted jewellery at a very reasonable price if you shop at craft fairs or even boot fairs. Jewellers just starting out in their career are sometimes as talented as more established retailers, but are selling their pieces more cheaply to earn a place in the market.

You can meet the person who created your jewellery and understand the creative process.

You can often ask for an item to be adjust or even created especially for you. If you need a particular colour item to go with a special outfit, a self-employed craftsman can often help you with this where a chain of jewellers cannot.

PITFALLS

You might find that the jeweller lacks experience and has made some elementary errors in design. This might be a clasp that doesn't fasten, or a necklace that doesn't lie flat. You should try on your goods carefully before buying.

You might find the the after-sales service isn't the same as buying from a shop. If you buy form a craft stall and you want to return an item for refund or repair, you might find that the artist has moved on and that you can't find them.

The quality of materials might not be as high as a long-standing jewellery might use. This could be because the maker wants to retain a rustic look, or because they can't afford higher priced materials because they are just starting out.

These are just a few pointers. You will know yourself which pieces you like and dislike. If you love it, buy it!

Learn more about this author, Susan Hibberd.
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