What is Considered Handcrafted Jewelry?
Jewellery made with hands has always been considered a product of art and a reflection of artistic expression, both in the symbolic and physical sense. Handmade products are not mass-produced but are made by artists who take their time, imagination, and energy to produce every piece of art they make. However, what is considered handcrafted jewelry? In this blog, we will discuss what makes handcrafted stand out when choosing pieces that can bring personality to one’s jewelry collection and what kinds might be.
Handcrafted Jewelry
Handmade jewellery is made by hand without using advanced technologies and applications, including soldering, shaping, and polishing tools. Every single part is made by hand instead of a machine. Each piece has its own story behind it—based on ethnicity, nature, or the prevailing art movements.
What sets handmade jewellery apart is its maker-piece connection: No two items should ever be designed similarly! At TJ Gold, we appreciate the art of making quality products by providing different beautifully handcrafted items. (Read more about how to tell if jewelry is gold)
Materials Used in Handcrafted Jewellery Construction
Another interesting peculiarity of handmade jewellery is the number of materials that its makers work with. Hinged jewellery artists utilize gold, silver, platinum, gemstones, wood, leather, and other natural products including wood. The selection of materials that they use affects the appearance, durability, and price of each item that they create.
At TJ Gold, we use scrap gold in our jewelry-making process. This is helpful in terms of recycling and gives every piece a unique mix of history and contemporary artistry!
What is handmade Jewellery called?
Handcrafted jewellery may be classified under different titles depending on its method and artistry of production.
1. Artisan Jewelry
Artisan jewellery refers to pieces crafted by highly skilled craftspeople. These often focus on small, personalised designs. Usually, limited quantities are produced, and the materials selected reflect each artisan's vision for every piece they create.
2. Custom Jewelry
Custom jewellery falls within handmade jewellery but stands apart due to being specifically created based on individual customer orders. Whether for an engagement ring, family heirloom or anything in between - every element can be personalised specifically to their wearers' desires and tastes at TJ Gold. We enjoy crafting TJ Handcrafted pieces to meet customer specifications and needs!
3. Designer Jewelry
Designer jewellery has long been associated with high-quality craftsmanship. It features intricate, bold designs and innovative materials used. Although some mass-produced collections exist, TJ Gold's Handcrafted collection ensures each piece features its own artistic flare.
4. Hand-Forged Jewelry
Hand-forged jewelry refers to pieces created using physical hammering and shaping by hand. It produces sturdy yet delicate jewelry with intricate designs and shapes that is prized for both its craftsmanship and strength. TJ Handcrafted has many hand-forged gold and silver pieces in our selection that will endure through generations!
Handcrafted vs Machine-Made Jewellery: What's the Difference?
This is one of the most common questions buyers ask — and it matters more than most people realise.
Machine-made jewellery is produced through automated casting, die-stamping, or computer-controlled milling. It is consistent, fast, and cost-effective — ideal for mass market pieces that need to look the same every time. The tradeoff is that machine-made pieces lack individuality and are often made with lower-grade finishing.
Handcrafted jewellery involves a craftsperson at every stage. Even when CAD technology is used for design (as it is at TJ Handcrafted), the metal work, stone setting, and finishing are completed by skilled hands. This is why handcrafted pieces typically show:
More refined surface textures from hand-polishing
Precise stone settings with individual adjustment
Subtle natural variations that confirm human involvement
Greater structural integrity in key stress points like claws and shoulders
For a detailed breakdown, see our guide: Difference Between Handmade & Machine-Made Gold Chains
Why Buy Handcrafted Jewelry?
Selecting handcrafted jewellery brings aesthetic and unique qualities; it is also about supporting skilled artisans and sustainable practices.
Unmatched Quality: Handcrafted jewellery is made with unmatched precision and care. Each item meets our high-quality standards.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Solutions: Artisans use sustainable practices by recycling scrap gold into beautiful new jewellery, reducing environmental impact.
Create A Unique Connection: Buying handmade jewellery means investing in a piece of art crafted with passion and care. You can learn the artist's story and the inspiration behind the design, creating an intimate bond with the unique piece.
Handcrafted Jewellery At TJ Gold
We pride ourselves in providing an exclusive range of handmade, made-to-order and ethnic jewellery products done by talented designers worldwide at TJ Handcrafted. Our collection demonstrates skills in making beautiful designs from scrap gold, which are sustainably sourced. Whether searching for unique rings, necklaces or bracelets, each piece tells its tale.
Interconnected Value
At Interconnected Value, our commitment to quality and sustainability extends to educating customers on the value of the jewellery. Many are curious as to "What is scrap gold worth?" Its worth is usually determined by weight, purity and the market price of gold, making scrap an invaluable resource!
Handcrafted Jewellery at TJ Handcrafted — Auckland & Houston, TX
TJ Handcrafted is not a retail store selling pre-made pieces imported from overseas. We are gold and diamond merchants and fine jewellery manufacturers — with a working casting house in Auckland and a presence in Houston, TX through our Bodega Diamond operation.
What that means for our customers:
Every custom piece is designed and manufactured entirely in-house
We use ethically sourced and recycled gold wherever possible
Our team handles everything from initial consultation to final delivery
We serve both the New Zealand and US markets with the same standard of craftsmanship
Whether you are looking for a bespoke engagement ring, a custom gold pendant, or a complete jewellery remodel using your own gold, our team is ready to bring your vision to life. Contact us to begin your custom jewellery consultation.
The Bottom Line
What is considered handcrafted jewelry? - Handcrafted jewelry offers something truly exceptional. Here at TJ Gold, we have the greatest pleasure in offering our clients aesthetically pleasing products that are sustainable and created with style. Whether you need custom-designed pieces for special events or need more information on scrap gold prices, our team is always on hand to guide you every step of the way!
Check out our TJ Handcrafted collection now and experience first-hand what its beauty and elegance can add to your life!
Frequently Asked Questions
What officially makes jewellery "handcrafted"?
There is no single universal standard for the term "handcrafted" in jewellery, but the widely accepted definition requires that a skilled artisan's hands are involved in the primary shaping, forming, setting, and finishing of the piece. Pieces where a craftsperson assembles pre-made mass-produced components are generally not considered truly handcrafted. At TJ Handcrafted, our pieces are designed, cast, set, and finished in-house by our own team — which meets the genuine definition of handcrafted jewellery.
Is CAD-designed jewellery still considered handcrafted?
Yes — CAD (computer-aided design) is a design tool, not a manufacturing method. At TJ Handcrafted, we use CAD to produce precise renders for client approval, but the actual metalwork — casting, hand-finishing, stone setting, and polishing — is all completed by hand in our Auckland workshop. The use of technology at the design stage does not remove the handcrafted nature of the final piece.
How do I know if a jewellery piece is genuinely handmade?
Look for natural variation — subtle differences in texture, slight uniqueness in stone settings, and handpolished surfaces that aren't machine-uniform. Ask the seller whether the piece was made in-house or sourced from a wholesale supplier. A genuine artisan jeweller will always be able to explain their process in detail. Read our guide on how to tell if jewellery is truly handcrafted for a full checklist.
Is handcrafted jewellery more expensive than machine-made?
Generally, yes — and for good reason. Handcrafted jewellery takes significantly longer to produce, involves skilled labour, and uses individually sourced materials. The premium you pay reflects the craftsmanship, the individuality, and the durability of the piece. For a full explanation of what drives handmade jewellery pricing, see: Is Handmade Jewelry More Expensive?
Can I bring my own gold to have a piece made at TJ Handcrafted?
Absolutely. Many of our customers bring in old or inherited gold jewellery to be transformed into something new through our casting and remodelling service. Rather than selling your gold for its melt value, you can have it recast into a piece of your own design. Visit our casting house page for more information, or contact us to discuss your project.
