05/17/2026
I saw a post where someone was complaining that handmade items are expensive.
My question is … Compared to what?
SHEIN? Temu? TikTok Shop? If that’s what your answer was… You’re right. My pieces don’t compare.
Why? Because I’ve been making jewelry for over 10 years. I’ve paid to take classes and courses. THOUSANDS of dollars worth. $3k this year alone for a 4 week course (when my dad was in the hospital / rehab and I was working multiple side gigs) I ended up missing parts and no I don’t get those back. I took a semester of jewelry classes at a community collage, I’ve spent time at workshops at , I’ve spent hundreds of dollars on making things and messing them up. I’ve spent money traveling to get beads and supplies or having stones shipped from over seas from sources that I’ve spent years getting to know dealers online. The list is really never ending but it’s all to say that I pay myself for my time, knowledge and because I believe I deserve a livable wage. A single ring can take me 8 hours. If you paid me $200 for it, that’s $25 an hour and doesn’t even include my overhead or supplies.
When you buy fast fashion that is garbage to begin with that will last you maybe a few wears, you’re cheating yourself out of your own money. My jewelry is made to last. It can be polished, mended if broken, restrung if a strand is depleted.
I am not here to tell you that you need to stop shopping from those places but I will remind you that you’re showing with your actions that you support in adequate working conditions for people including children.
In a world of over consumption, and yes I do partake in it. My go to consumption is vintage, thrifted or curated pieces someone has spent time looking for that are quality and long lasting.
If there is 1 thing you can do for yourself over the next 12 months, instead of buying cheaply made jewelry made in factories over seas, save your money each time and buy yourself 1 quality piece that will last you a lifetime.
Xoxo
