How to Spot Genuine Handmade Jewellery

In today’s online shopping world, the term “handmade jewellery” is everywhere, but not all “handmade” pieces are truly made by hand. Many mass-produced items are marketed as handmade, and it can be tricky to tell the difference.

If you value genuine handmade jewellery, knowing how to identify authentic pieces is essential. You’ll be able to choose higher-quality designs, support independent makers, and invest in jewellery that will last for years.

I’ve put together this guide to help you to spot the real thing, whether you’re buying handmade sterling silver jewellery online or in person.

1. Check for Hallmarks and Maker’s Marks

Authentic sterling silver jewellery should always carry a hallmark – a small series of stamped symbols that guarantee the purity of the metal.

Hallmarks on a silver bangle

In the UK, it’s a legal requirement for all silver jewellery weighing 7.78 grams or more to be hallmarked by an official assay office.

A hallmark can:

  • Verify metal quality – confirming the piece meets the required purity for silver.
  • Prove authenticity – helping you identify real precious metals and avoid plated or counterfeit pieces.
  • Provide dating & provenance – certain symbols or styles can link a piece to a particular year, region, or maker, adding historical and collector value.
  • Enhance trust & resale value – a clear hallmark reassures buyers and can improve a piece’s resale potential.

The most common sterling silver hallmark is “925”, which means the metal is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper or other metals. This is the recognised standard for fine jewellery in many countries.

In the United Kingdom, a full hallmark typically includes:

  • A maker’s mark – a unique stamp or engraving from the jeweller themselves. This is a strong sign that your jewellery is truly artisan-made.
  • The lion passant – the traditional symbol for sterling silver.
  • A city mark – such as an anchor for Birmingham or a leopard’s head for London.
  • A date letter – showing the year the piece was hallmarked.

If a seller can’t provide clear photos of the hallmark or doesn’t mention it at all, proceed with caution – it’s often a sign the piece may not be genuine.

2. Look for the Little Imperfections

One of the joys of handmade jewellery is that no two pieces are exactly the same. Machine-made jewellery is perfectly uniform, but handcrafting leaves subtle variations, perhaps in texture, shape, or the way the metal catches the light.

Far from being flaws, these tiny differences are proof that your jewellery was shaped, soldered, polished, and finished by human hands, not churned out in a factory.

3. Ask About the Materials

Genuine handmade sterling silver jewellery is usually made with solid precious metals, not plated base metals. Makers will often proudly share the source of their silver, gemstones, or other materials.

Artisans also tend to choose ethically sourced or recycled metals, something mass-produced “handmade” pieces rarely offer.

If a seller can’t (or won’t) tell you exactly what your jewellery is made of, be cautious.

4. Check for Limited Runs or One-of-a-Kind Designs

Most handmade jewellery is created in small batches or as one-of-a-kind pieces. The design might be made just a few times, or even custom-made for you.

If a seller has dozens or hundreds of identical “handmade” pieces available, it’s likely mass-produced.

5. Ask About the Making Process

True jewellery makers can walk you through the entire process, from initial design sketch to final polish. They’ll often share behind-the-scenes photos or videos of their workshop, tools, and techniques.

Three images showing a person making jewellery in the workshop - sawing, polishing and soldering

Mass-produced jewellery sellers typically can’t tell you how something was made, because they didn’t make it themselves.

6. Watch Out for Common Red Flags

Be cautious if you notice:

  • Identical items sold by multiple sellers on marketplaces.
  • Prices that seem too good to be true for sterling silver.
  • No hallmark on pieces where it’s legally required.
  • Only using glossy stock photos instead of images of the actual piece.

Why Choosing Genuine Handmade Jewellery Matters

When you choose authentic handmade jewellery, you’re investing in:

  • Quality – made to last and easy to repair if needed.
  • Craftsmanship – each piece has a human touch and unique story.
  • Ethics & Sustainability – many makers choose recycled or responsibly sourced materials.
  • Supporting Small Businesses – your purchase helps an independent artisan continue their craft.

Final Thoughts

Spotting authentic handmade sterling silver jewellery gets easier the more you know what to look for. From hallmarks and maker’s marks to unique details and material quality, these signs will help you shop with confidence.

If you’re looking for handmade silver jewellery made with care, quality materials, and timeless design, take a look at my latest collection – each piece is designed, crafted, and polished by my hands in my workshop.

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