How to shop for jewelry
Honest thoughts from a jewelry designer & maker
The way I think about how to shop for jewelry changed significantly since I started to design and make my own pieces. I see so many more details and have questions that previously never crossed my mind.
Jewelry is subjective, emotional, and often tied to memory, mood, or identity. I emphasize this because there is no objectively “good” or “bad” piece of jewelry. If you like a piece, that’s reason enough to collect it - even if it runs counter to every point I lay out below.
So I thought it would be interesting to take a brief pause from my weekly progress updates and instead share what I personally consider when buying jewelry: the story, the materials, and the craftsmanship.
Why story matters in jewelry
Pieces with personal meaning
For me, the story behind a jewelry piece and what it represents in my life is the most important factor when buying it. Some of my most cherished pieces range from a plastic beaded ring I bought with a best friend in Seoul to solid gold investment pieces that commemorate major life milestones.
The jewelry that I make lives in a box my dad made for me, and that in itself adds another layer of meaning.
Designers and brands that tell a story
I also love discovering independent designers and pieces that come with narratives. (If you’re shopping with a small brand or artist, don’t hesitate to ask them about the story behind a piece. They often light up when sharing it!)
Some favorites with strong storytelling:
Hug Bear Ring by my mentors at ileava jewelry - the bear character is the center of the universe in which their pieces exist.
Mia Gosset - incredibly cool, sculptural pieces with a hand-formed aesthetic.
Completedworks - jewelry and ceramics brand with a modern visual language. Their storytelling comes through in their photos.
Understanding jewelry materials
Knowing what your jewelry is made from helps inform how to care for it, how long it will last, and whether it holds resale or investment value.
Precious metals and gemstones
Solid gold, silver, or platinum pieces, alongside natural gemstones, are generally the best long-term materials. They resist tarnish, corrosion, and wear over time. These metals often come with hallmarks or stamps like:
K18 / 18K – 18 karat gold
K14 / 14K – 14 karat gold
925 / Silver – 92.5% pure silver
With rising prices of precious metals, there’s also growing interest in alternative materials like glass, shells, rocks, and leather. These can still be meaningful and beautiful, but require different care.
Questions to ask about jewelry materials
What is the piece made from?
Is the gold solid, gold-filled, or plated?
What karat is the gold (if applicable)?
Is the stone natural or lab-created?
Can you swim or shower with it?
How should you clean or store it?
Where were the materials sourced?
Details make the difference
Perhaps the biggest shift in how I shop for jewelry now that I make it myself is how much I notice tiny details. I spend a lot of time inspecting my own work for flaws and finishes, so my eyes naturally scan other pieces the same way.
What is metal porosity?
One thing I look for is porosity (tiny holes or air pockets in the metal that can happen during casting). These can affect the durability and appearance of a piece, especially if it’s meant to have a clean or polished finish. However, in some designs, visible pores or textures are part of the aesthetic.
Other details I notice
Microscopic scratches or nicks
Uneven polishing or tool marks
Stone setting quality (are they secure?)
None of these are necessarily “bad.” Sometimes roughness adds character, especially in handmade or textured designs. The key is knowing whether the details are intentional and whether they matter to you.
Final thoughts
Shopping for jewelry is part art, part intuition, and part education. Over time, your taste will evolve and that’s a good thing.
If a piece speaks to you, that's all the reason you need to love it.
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Next week, I will return to my regular updates about my current projects. A sneak peek of a sand dollar pendant I started is below. Speaking of texture in pieces, I intentionally created a water-brushed texture on the front and left the back of the pendant smooth. Assuming it turns out well, I will embed a tiny diamond at the top of the star. Very excited for this one!
