A+ Accessories
A few weeks back we talked about fast fashion versus slow fashion and why shopping local for clothing is the savvy choice. Well, it’s not hard to believe that the same goes for accessories. Especially when it comes to jewelry, there are many reasons buying hand-made over factory made is ideal. Some of those reasons include:
You are more likely to get something that is unique! Factory pieces are made in large quantities and you are much more likely to bump into somebody with the same item than if you purchase a one-of-a-kind item.
That green tint that some jewelry leaves on skin - we all try to avoid that. Yet often without knowingly we purchase inexpensive and mass-produced jewelry that uses materials that are potentially reactive or toxic to our skin. With local pieces, artisans and jewelers work closely with their raw materials and can even inform you where those materials are sourced. Therefore, you can be guaranteed that what you are wearing will not have a negative and unsightly after effect. Bonus - often the materials used in handmade items are more durable - which means the money you spend will go further. Saving = savvy!
Supporting the local economy. This is something that you have heard from us before, but we feel strongly about how important this is. If you purchase a piece from an independent artisan over a well-established designer, even online, you will be contributing to the well-being of individuals who will benefit from that support more.
Conversation. You may think, “what does conversation have to do with my accessories?” Well, during the pandemic, interacting with others took an obvious hit due to quarantine restrictions. According to the Mayo Clinic, “everyone needs a varying amount of real social contact to maintain his or her mental and physical health.” Now that the world is opening back up, a piece of unique, handcrafted jewelry could be the conversation starter that helps you achieve that social interaction you need. Whether it be the backstory about the jewelry’s origin, or the reason why you chose that specific adornment, hand-made is much more of a conversation curiosity than a factory made and mass produced item.
There are so many artisans who make beautiful jewelry, so the next time you are in need of some A+ accessories, channel your inner savvy and choose high quality and hand crafted.
What is your favorite piece of jewelry? Share in the comment below.
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