Handmade vs Handcrafted - What's the difference?

‘Handmade’ and ‘handcrafted’ are words you might hear often, especially when it comes to jewellery! The two are often used interchangeably, both describing the intricate process of making something by hand. 

Often they provide a bit of a green flag to customers, knowing that care, thought, and attention to detail have all been a part of the planning and creating processes. However, there is a subtle difference between the two.

Handmade jewellery

Handmade would suggest a piece of jewellery has been made entirely by hand from start to finish. This means that a jeweller will have used their hands to shape various different forms of metal, such as wire and sheet, to make every component of the design - including the findings (ear wires, toggles and clasps). As well as setting any gemstones and polishing the finished piece by hand.

The process is incredibly time consuming which is why handmade jewellery is often more expensive. The price will not only reflect the cost of the metal and gemstones, but also the number of hours involved in making a piece from scratch.

For me, handmade is an important word to use when it comes to describing my jewellery. Many of my designs are created or forged entirely by hand and not by machine. I also put great care into all steps of creating my jewellery - from prototyping to the final touches such as polishing. 

Large brands will also describe their jewellery as handmade - which of course will be true, plenty of pieces will always have to be handmade. However, if prices are low and pieces are mass produced, it’s more than likely those pieces will have been made in exploitative conditions. So I think it’s also important to bear this in mind when we think about the idea of handmade and what it really stands for when used in different contexts.

Handcrafted jewellery

The term ‘handcrafted’ jewellery may also mean the piece has been made by hand, but it will likely include pre-made made components. That’s not to say that the piece wasn't made with care, craftsmanship and attention to detail however. It’s just that most of the components will have been machine made or perhaps cast and then finished carefully by hand.

You may have also seen the word hand finished when buying jewellery. This will of course still mean the piece has been made by hand, however, I would expect this to reflect even less craftsmanship than a piece that was handcrafted, and much more a description of simple assembly by hand.

Although I tend to use the word handmade jewellery most often to describe my work, the word handcrafted would also be appropriate for some of my pieces, as I too occasionally use cast elements or ready made chains or findings (such as butterfly backs) in my work. If anything, my jewellery is really a combination of the two depending on the piece. 

Ultimately, whether a piece of jewellery has been entirely handmade or handcrafted, you can be assured both processes involve a certain level of skill, knowledge and craftsmanship to create a finished piece. It is way more than just sticking bits and pieces together! Each piece of handmade of handcrafted jewellery will also be subtly unique and will have had the personal touch of the jeweller who made it.