Handmade jewellery gift guide

A piece of handmade jewellery is a gift someone can wear every day, and it comes with a story: a person shaped it, finished it and sent it to you. Here is how to choose well, and what to ask the maker before you buy.

1. Start with what they already wear

The safest guide is the jewellery they already reach for. Look at:

• metal colour: do they mostly wear silver, gold or neither?
• size and weight: small and simple, or bold statement pieces?
• everyday or occasion: something to wear daily, or for special days?
• piercings: if you're thinking of earrings, check their ears are pierced, or choose clip-ons.

If you're not sure, a necklace or bracelet that adjusts in length is the easiest gift to get right.

2. Know what the metal is

A good listing says exactly what a piece is made of, for example solid sterling silver, gold-plated brass, or copper. If it doesn't, ask. "Silver-coloured" and "sterling silver" are very different things.

If you're buying gold, silver, platinum or palladium in the UK, read our section on hallmarks in How to tell if something is really handmade. It explains the marks to look for and when the law requires them.

3. Check for allergies

Some people react to certain metals. If the person you're buying for has sensitive skin or a known metal allergy, ask the maker exactly which metals are used, including the clasp, the ear wires and anything under any plating. A good maker will know.

4. Get the size right

For rings, find out their size before you buy. Ring size systems differ between countries (letters in some places, numbers in others), so check which system the maker uses. If the ring is a surprise, many makers can advise, and some offer resizing; ask before you order rather than after.

For bracelets and necklaces, check the length in the listing against one they already wear.

5. Ask about care

Handmade pieces last longer when they're looked after. Ask the maker how to clean and store the piece, and whether it should be kept away from water, perfume or the gym. Passing that on with the gift is a thoughtful touch.

6. Ask the maker about the making

This is the best part of buying handmade. A friendly message such as "How do you make these?" or "Could this be made in a different length?" usually gets a detailed reply. Many makers can personalise a piece, add a different stone, or make something to order, but always agree the details and timing in writing before you pay.

7. Leave time for handmade

Made-to-order pieces take time, and some travel a long way. Check the making time and delivery estimate in the listing, and order early if it's for a birthday or holiday.

Handmade jewellery on Velor now

4‑Style Micro‑Crochet Handmade Ring Set, Minimum Order of 4 Pieces, Rose Peony Camellia Dandelion Floral Handcrafted RingsBy YiQi, China$38.00Natural Amber Barrel Bead NecklaceBy Duoduoxiang, Taiwan$60.00Boho Jewellery Set - Earth and SeaBy Deb Carr Jewellery, AustraliaA$99.00Realistic Handcrafted Owl Silver EarringsBy Nueve Sterling, CanadaC$216.00Beaded Bracelet Bands Compatible with Apple Watch for Women Adjustable Gold Stainless Steel Watch Band with Pink Flower Ceramic beadsBy Bead Watchband Works, China$27.79Handmade Chinese Knot Macrame Bracelet | Adjustable Nylon Cord Lucky Bracelet, Ginkgo Leaf / Mermaid Tail / Rose Butterfly Design, Unique Cultural Gift for HerBy Huluyan Huluyǔ, China¥388.00Night BloomBy Seyora, China¥389.00Hand‑Painted Ceramic Fish Pendant Necklace, Artisan Crafted Long Boho Beaded Necklace, Unique Handmade Statement JewelryBy Ceralo Studio, China¥49.90

See all handmade jewellery →

How buying on Velor works

• Every item is sold by the maker who made it. Each listing shows who made it and where.
• Velor is handmade only. Our seller rules don't allow factory-made goods, dropshipping or AI images passed off as real work.
• Your payment is held until delivery is confirmed, then released to the maker.
• Returns: you can request a return within 15 days of confirmed delivery. Faulty, damaged or not-as-described items are always covered. See our returns policy for the details, including personalised items and who pays return postage.

Make jewellery by hand? Apply to sell on Velor at velorhandmade.com/sell.