Artisan: a worker in a skilled trade, especially one that involves making things by hand
In recent years, there has been a surge in demand for handmade and artisan items as part of the movement toward ethical, sustainable, and local shopping. When people buy handmade, they often believe they are getting a one-of-a-kind piece crafted with care, attention to detail, and artistic skill. They expect high-quality materials and the unique touch of an artisan who has personally designed and created the item, often imagining that it was made in a small studio or workshop. The term handmade is associated with ethical production practices, where buyers assume they are supporting local or independent makers who prioritise sustainability, fair wages, and traditional craftsmanship.
However, many shoppers unknowingly purchase mass-produced items disguised as handmade, missing out on the quality, craftsmanship, and ethical values they believe they’re supporting.
As the demand for unique, artisanal products grows, so does the number of businesses eager to capitalise on the 'handmade' label. Many large companies who mass-produced accessories and jewellery in factories are now also using the term ‘handmade’ in order to try to align themselves with shoppers values in order to gain more sales.
How are large companies who make mass make items able to say they are handmade?
The term "handmade" can be loosely defined and is not strictly regulated in many regions meaning there is minimal risk of legal repercussions. Many companies who mass make accessories and jewellery exploit this ambiguity, claiming that their items are "handmade" because workers, rather than machines, assemble or finish the products, even if the pieces are produced on mass.
But what is the difference between mass made handmade and artisan handmade?
While mass-produced accessories might be 'assembled by hand', they are often created on assembly lines in bulk, prioritising speed and cost over individuality and craftsmanship.
Independent artisans, on the other hand, typically personally oversee every stage of production, often spending hours perfecting a single piece, ensuring each one is unique and crafted with care. They typically prioritise sustainability by using eco-friendly materials, producing in small batches, and avoid waste.
Some independent artisans may choose to outsource parts of their production process, but this is still very different from mass manufacturing. In these cases, artisans often work closely with small, ethical workshops or skilled craftspeople, ensuring that the quality, design, and craftsmanship align with their original vision. This approach allows them to maintain creative control and attention to detail, while also supporting other small-scale artisans or local businesses. Unlike mass-produced factory items, where assembly is rushed and standardised, this type of collaboration still ensures that each piece reflects the artisan's high standards and personal touch.
When mass-produced items are marketed as handmade, it devalues the true craftsmanship that independent artisans put into their work. Handmade goods typically take time, skill, and careful attention to detail. Mass-produced ‘hand assembled’ items labeled as handmade are usually priced much lower than true handmade goods because they are produced in large quantities with cheaper materials and lower labor costs.
But surely a low price ‘handmade item’ is a good thing?
Unfortunately no. There is a cost somewhere - either human, environmental or in the quality of the item (more often than not, all 3). What you need to think about is how has that item been ‘handmade’ so cheaply? When you buy an item you are paying for labour, materials, production overheads such as rents, equipment etc, running costs - electricity etc, taxes, fees, marketing, packaging, insurance, losses through defects and returns as well as a profit for the company producing it and of those in the supply chain. If it is so cheep where is the cost cutting coming from?
In reality the aim of these companies creating mass produced items is to get huge number of sales quickly at the biggest profit and therefore items are often assembled by low-paid workers in conditions far from what most of us envision as artisanal craftsmanship, while using very cheap materials.
We have all heard about the very poor conditions and pay for workers at companies such as Shein but many are not aware that the very low price points are also achieved through cost-cutting measures in the materials used. Items such as jewellery can often include metals and chemicals that don’t meet safety standards in the UK and other regions. For example, In 2021, a CBC Marketplace investigation found that some jewellery sold by Shein contained dangerous levels of toxic metals. In one example, a Shein necklace tested contained over 20 times the legal limit of lead in children's jewellery in Canada, which has a similar safety standard as the UK. Exposure to lead, especially in high amounts, can cause serious health issues.
Factories operate on high energy consumption, often powered by fossil fuels, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike small-scale artisans who handcraft each item with care, mass production lines churn out thousands of pieces at a time, prioritising speed and volume over sustainability. Excessive waste is a common byproduct of mass production as large companies will frequently overproduce to meet demand forecasts or to ensure lower production costs, leading to surplus items that often go unsold and end up in landfills. Then within that there will be excess materials, defective products, packaging and transportation (often from overseas) all contributing to environmental harm.
So no - cheap does not equal better!
What impact does mass made accessories and jewellery have on independent artisans and consumers?
Price pressure:
Independent artisans struggle to compete on price. This forces some artisans to either lower their prices (often at the expense of their own financial sustainability) or lose sales to mass-produced alternatives. Independent artisans who maintain fair pricing for their handmade goods may experience lower sales due to the overwhelming presence of cheaper, mass-produced items in marketplaces like Etsy. This can result in reduced income and make it harder for artisans to sustain their businesses.
Loss of trust and value:
Consumers who unknowingly buy mass-produced goods labeled as handmade may feel disappointed when the quality doesn't meet their expectations. This can lead to a general distrust of all products labeled as handmade, making it harder for independent artisans to build loyal customer bases.
Loss of choice:
Large companies mass-producing "handmade" items tend to replicate popular trends or generic designs, creating a flood of similar products onto the market. This makes it harder for independent artisans, who offer unique and one-of-a-kind designs, to be noticed.
Psychological and emotional impact:
For independent artisans, the emotional connection to their craft is a key motivator. Seeing mass-produced items labeled as handmade undermines their efforts and can be deeply discouraging. It can feel like their hard work, skill, and passion are devalued by the commercialisation of the "handmade" label.
Many independent artisans already operate on tight margins, and the competition with mass-produced goods can exacerbate financial stress. The struggle to maintain a business in the face of unfair competition can lead to burnout, forcing some artisans to give up their craft entirely.
So I’ll be fine if I buy my handmade items from an independent business?
Some independent businesses purchase mass-produced accessories and jewellery, often from wholesale websites or factories, and then repackage and sell under the label of “handmade”.
Reselling is a legitimate business model where individuals or companies procure products from manufacturers, wholesalers (including websites like Temu and Ali Express), or other suppliers, then sell them to consumers at a profit. However, this model can become confusing for customers when the term ‘handmade’ is used as buyers may mistakenly believe they are buying directly from the maker or an artisan, assuming the products are handmade or uniquely crafted by the independent seller. These businesses are very unlikely to divulge that the items have been made cheaply, in bulk and are available worldwide.
So, in a market flooded with imitation, how can you tell the difference between true artisan-made goods and factory-made replicas?
8 Points to help you spot real handmade items:
Price
Does the handmade item seem too affordable when you take into account all the factors involved in it being made? If so it is likely to have been ‘hand assembled’ on a production line rather than handmade by an artisan.
2. Uniqueness
Are the designs one of a kind or limited edition? Do items show slight variations in detail, showcasing the maker's hand in the process? If so then it is likely to have been made by an artisan.
3. Production time
Are the items made to order or small batch made? Artisans will often have longer production times which will be noted in the product description or FAQs, reflecting the care and effort put into crafting each piece.
If large numbers are available to ship right away it is likely that they have been mass made.
4. Craftmanship and transparency
Can the ‘maker’ tell you about the processes and materials involved in making the design? Can you see behind the scenes of the items being made on their social media? Can the design be altered and made bespoke? If so it is likely that the items are made by an artisan maker.
5. Where is the item made?
Artisans will share images of their workshop / studio, show tools of the trade and will highlight where the items are made. Mass made items are often created in countries with large scale production capabilities such as China or India and so location of where the item has been produced may not be shared.
6. Skills and Community
Does the maker offer commissions? Artisans are skilled in design and will be able to create something specifically for you or recommend someone that can.
7. Terminology
Look out for terms such as “hand-assembled” or “hand-finished” as these phrases make items sound artisan handmade but does not mean that! Read between the lines!
8. Sustainable attributes
Does the seller talk about sourcing of materials and their sustainable and ethical practises? Do they use recycled metals, up cycle elements, talk about their waste management? Are they transparent about where they get their materials? Artisans generally have a more eco friendly approach to their work - conscious of their wider impact.
When you choose to support independent artisans, you're not just buying a product—you're investing in a story, a craft, and a community. Every handmade piece carries the heart, skill, and dedication of the maker, who relies on fair wages and ethical practices to sustain their livelihood. By shopping thoughtfully and choosing authentic handmade goods, you help preserve traditional craftsmanship, support small businesses, and make a meaningful impact on local economies. Your purchase is more than just an item; it’s a vote for sustainability, creativity, and integrity in a world dominated by mass production. Let's keep the art of true craftsmanship alive by supporting those who pour their passion into every piece
FAQs
1. Where are The Lucky Sixpence hair accessories and jewellery made?
Each item by The Lucky Sixpence is made in my solar powered studio in the heart of Devon, England
2. Who makes The Lucky Sixpence hair accessories and jewellery?
Me - Janie. I sometimes have helpers who come and cut chain, take old samples or designs that have gone wrong apart or help with making items such as my geometric hoop earrings. These workers are paid a fair wage (above living wage in the UK) and work flexible hours that suit their needs.
3. Where are The Lucky Sixpence materials sourced from?
All my wire is from recycled materials produced here in the UK. I buy my beads from other small independent sellers in the UK. I use a large amount of up-cycled materials and will always reuse materials from discontinued design samples. A very small amount of my materials are from overseas - this is something I am continuing to look to reduce and remove from my collections.
4. What sustainable practices do you have?
As listed above my materials are mostly UK made and sourced and I work from my solar powered studio. I use up-cycled vintage materials and will reuse materials from unwanted or unworn jewellery. I make to order ensuring less waste. Any scrap wire is kept so that it can be recycled again. My keepsake packaging is made from recycled materials and is recyclable. Any packaging for postage is either paper and paper tape or card that can be recycled. I sometimes use bubble wrap but this is not new - it has been collected from friends and neighbours. Any off cuts are recycled with household plastics at the supermarket.
5. Do you offer commissions and can you rework my own pre loved jewellery?
Yes I do. You can find out about my commission process here.
6. What about the items on your website? Are they mass made?
No, every item is either one of a kind, limited edition or made to order. I have a selection of jewellery that I have made a small batch of ready for shows and pop up shops. I order materials to make designs in order to limit waste.
Clear, insightful, and perfectly structured—great job on this post!