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Q1 What's the difference between a handcrafted ring and one I buy "off the shelf"? |
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A 1. Mass-produced jewellery, firstly, is a lot lighter than handcrafted jewellery. The rings themselves are cast and sold by gold-weight, so the lighter the item is, the cheaper it is. Gold, like any metal when cast, becomes somewhat porous, which means tiny air bubbles are present in the metal. This can't be seen with the naked eye on the surface, but it does weaken the metal, meaning cast claws and settings can be brittle and break very easily often resulting in the loss of gemstones. I have seen claws break off a cast ring, simply by being caught in the threads of a jumper. This also means that the gold will wear away faster, so the life-expectancy of your cast ring may be 5-10 years compared to a handcrafted piece that will last your lifetime and beyond. Mass-produced jewellery is also made to suit standard size gemstones, so settings are often not a perfect fit for the stone supplied. A handcrafted ring is made specifically for the diamond or gemstone supplied, minimising any risk of losing the stone. Then, of course, there is the design. A handcrafted ring is truly unique and is a true reflection of your taste and style.
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