As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to get on top of your festive shopping. Naturally, a timeless and utterly precious gift for the women in your life is jewellery. Whether you present gold stacking rings to your best friend or surprise your mum with a rose gold necklace chain, jewellery always demonstrates that you care.
But when the time comes to shop, we urge you to browse your local handmade jewellery store. When you choose to support small, local businesses and invest in handmade products – you have the power to make a difference in someone’s life.
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Top Reasons To Shop Small, Local & Handmade This Holiday
As a handmade jewellery business ourselves, Jewel Tree London are committed to triumphing fellow independent brands. Today, let us share with you exactly why you should consider shopping locally.
Small Handmade Businesses Give (More) Back To The Local Community
Of course, we know that many large corporations do channel their profits into excellent causes. But, as small businesses operate more like families, we really do have the power to give so much more back locally. For a start, we know our immediate area and we understand the interworkings of the community we exist within. This means that when we choose to support community initiatives, we know directly who our efforts are benefiting.
A small handmade jewellery store is often more likely to take part in community initiatives, such as sponsoring a local cause or helping raise funds. That means that any profit you can help them to generate goes back into making your neighbourhood a greater place.
Buying Handmade Is More Sustainable And Greener
In most cases, smaller businesses are way ahead of the game in regard to sustainable practices. At Jewel Tree London, we follow a strict code of conduct to ensure social and environmental responsibility. This spans everything from responsible sourcing of raw materials to ethical mining practices and zero tolerance of child labour.
Indeed, many handmade boutiques rely on recycling and upcycling goods. As an example, we are committed to using recycled sterling silver to produce our pieces. Whilst at the moment, this makes up 50% of our collection – in the future, we do intend to increase this. Additionally, we wrap our pieces in earth-friendly packaging that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).
Furthermore, handmade businesses are far more likely to encourage their patrons to fix broken jewellery rather than buy a new piece. That’s why so many independent boutiques offer warranties and free repairs for a limited time. So, if you break the clasp on that rose gold necklace chain – take it back to the boutique you bought it from. Much more sustainable!
Handmade Goods Always Have A Story And Offer A Fuller Experience
Who doesn’t love a story behind a product? Entrepreneurs behind handmade goods always have a remarkable story behind their inspiration and products.
Take, for example, the story behind Jewel Tree London. Our founder and creative director Deborah Vani Zama specialised in Furniture Design at the National Institute of Design. After graduation, she worked with indigenous craft communities in her home country of India, as well as Japan. During this time, she turned her attention to social and community projects that empowered women and developed sustainable income-generation projects based on local needs.
Furthermore, Zama directly sources inspiration from her natural world and architectural greats. As an example, this elegant rose gold necklace chain was inspired by the Chand Baori step wells of Rajasthan.
How can factory-made items possibly compete?
Handmade Products Are Crafted With Love
Artisans who work with their hands literally pour their heart and soul into the pieces they create. Upholding traditional production techniques and ethicality is fundamental to Jewel Tree London.
We always think about our consumers’ needs and take care when we select the gemstones we work with. These small stud earrings are available with precious gemstones that have spiritual connotations – such as powerful black onyx and mystical lapis lazuli. Additionally, due to the nature of handcrafted jewellery, every single piece is one of a kind. Look closely at the detail in a set of gold stacking rings made by hand; you’ll surely notice slight groves and alterations in the stone.
And now you know why choosing to shop at your local handmade jewellery store is best!
