Listen, there is a time and place for handmade and computer models and machine made. All three forms exist in my business. I have often told people to go buy jewellery from a store (i.e. chain from Costco, earrings from Mejuri, etc.). Not because I don’t want to make their jewellery but rather because I believe in serving my customer and sometimes that means not making the sale. I’m not going to lie to you and tell you I can make the factory machine-made ring for less because I can’t. Service costs more in Canada and good service costs even more.

So how do these forms exist in my business?

Handmade: most of my jewellery is handmade!

Computer models: I often get them made because they just look sharper and save A LOT of time that I don’t have because I work part-time.

Machine made: chains are machine made! I have made chains by hand but they had large links that are easy to hold with pliers and solder. The small links on a chain have to be created by tools too small for real hands. So 99% of the time I buy chains and certain components because they can’t be made by hand (like thin chains or lobster clasps) or it’s not worth it (like butterfly backings for stud earrings).

Despite all these forms being necessary, you still need human touch. Handmade hoop earrings vs machine made earrings? Handmade will be sturdy and solid and machine-made hollow and dainty. Computer model made by someone who understands computers but not the physical art of making jewellery? Handmade will be better.

So there's a time and need for both old school handmade and modern technologies!