How to Recognise Quality Craftsmanship in Jewellery (Even as a Beginner)

When you admire a beautiful piece of jewellery, you might be drawn in by its sparkle, shape, or the way it complements your outfit. But beneath its surface, glamour lies something more enduring: craftsmanship. In a world flooded with mass-produced pieces, understanding what sets high-quality jewellery apart can save you money, protect you from fakes, and ensure your collection remains timeless.

Even if you're not a trained gemmologist, there are practical ways to distinguish between a finely made treasure and a poorly constructed trinket. This jewellery craftsmanship guide will equip you with the knowledge to buy smarter, whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring, a necklace, or heirloom-worthy earrings.

1. Why Craftsmanship Matters in Jewellery

Craftsmanship is the backbone of lasting beauty and durability in jewellery. It involves the skills, tools, and artistry applied to create a wearable piece of art. Well-crafted jewellery not only enhances aesthetics but also ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear. Whether handmade or meticulously machined, excellent craftsmanship will reveal itself through precision, durability, and seamless design.

This jewellery craftsmanship guide helps you look past branding and price tags to judge quality with confidence.

Read our blog on why gold-plated jewellery is a smart choice.

2. Hallmarks and Metal Quality

One of the first steps in identifying quality jewellery is checking for hallmarks. A hallmark is a small stamped symbol usually found on the inside of rings or the clasps of chains and bracelets. It indicates the purity of the metal and often the country of origin or the assay office where it was tested.

Shop the Emerald Majesty Set for timeless craftsmanship.

In the UK, hallmarking is a legal requirement for most precious metals. For example:

• Gold: 375 (9ct), 585 (14ct), 750 (18ct), 916 (22ct)

• Silver: 925 (Sterling Silver)

• Platinum: 950

These numbers may appear alongside a maker's mark or a date letter. The lack of proper hallmarking is a red flag and should raise questions about authenticity and value.

Read our blog on jewellery care tips.

3. Craftsmanship in Settings and Mounts

When examining a piece, take a close look at the way gemstones are mounted. Are they secure and flush with the setting? Or are they tilted and uneven?

One of the top signs of good jewellery quality is precision in stone settings. Poor craftsmanship often results in loose stones, visible glue, or prongs that snag easily. High-quality pieces will have smooth, symmetrical prongs or bezels that tightly hug the stone without excess metal obstructing the gem’s brilliance.

See the precision in our Diamond Solitaire Ring, where each stone is handset with care.

Also, inspect the back of the piece. Luxury jewellery often finishes both the front and back cleanly, with no sharp edges or unfinished surfaces.

4. Weight and Feel

Weight can tell you a lot about quality. While not a definitive factor alone, real gold or silver pieces usually feel heavier than plated or fake alternatives. Authentic metals and well-crafted designs tend to have a substantial feel, even in delicate-looking items.

To put it plainly, flimsy and feather-light items may indicate shortcuts in craftsmanship or the use of cheap alloys. As a rule of thumb, if it feels too light to be real, it probably is.

Feel the difference with our Solara Solitaire Bracelet — crafted for lasting elegance.

This is especially important when spotting fake vs real jewellery, as many fakes use aluminium or other lightweight materials that imitate the look without the feel.

5. Examine the Details Up Close

Quality is often found in the tiny details. Use a magnifying glass or loupe if available, and look closely at:

• The smoothness of the polish

• Precision of the cuts

• Symmetry in design

• Clean joints and solder marks

Mass-produced or fake pieces often show signs of sloppy manufacturing, such as uneven lines, rough finishes, or asymmetrical patterns.

Expert jewellery tips for beginners always recommend using natural light when inspecting jewellery. Light reveals flaws, scratches, and inconsistencies that might go unnoticed under artificial lighting.

6. The Clasp Test

It may seem like a small thing, but clasps and fastenings are key element of durable jewellery. They should feel sturdy and operate smoothly. If a clasp feels weak, loose, or difficult to engage, that’s a strong indicator of poor quality.

Well-crafted clasps will blend seamlessly with the piece while still providing security. In luxury items, you’ll often see lobster clasps, barrel clasps, or even custom locks—all designed to last for years.

7. Gemstone Quality and Authenticity

When buying jewellery with gemstones, it’s not just about how sparkly they are. Real stones will usually have minor inclusions—tiny imperfections formed by nature. Flawless stones may be synthetic or treated unless certified by a gemologist.

Here’s what to check:

• Clarity and Cut: Do the stones catch light evenly?

• Consistency: Are all gemstones in the piece matched in colour and size?

• Certification: Are they accompanied by a grading report or certificate?

Take our Emerald Necklace, certified for authenticity.

In the context of spotting fake vs real jewellery, cubic zirconia or glass can often be mistaken for diamonds unless examined closely. Real diamonds reflect light in shades of grey and white, whereas fake stones tend to emit a rainbow-like sparkle.

8. Avoiding Plated and Fake Pieces

Gold or silver-plated jewellery may look beautiful initially but tends to tarnish or wear out over time. A good jewellery craftsmanship guide will advise checking for signs such as chipped plating or green marks on the skin, both signs of base metals being exposed.

When in doubt, ask whether a piece is solid or plated and verify the metal type. Remember: price isn’t always an indicator. Some plated items are priced deceptively high.

9. Reputation of the Jeweller

The maker or brand behind a piece plays a major role in its quality. Reputable jewellers and designers take pride in their work and are transparent about their materials, origin, and processes. Look for reviews, certificates, and authenticity guarantees.

One of the most valuable expert jewellery tips for beginners is: to always buy from a trusted source. Whether it’s a high-street boutique or an online store, make sure there’s a return policy and some form of authentication.

10. Maintenance and Repair Clues

Surprisingly, how a piece of jewellery ages is also a testament to its craftsmanship. Well-made items can be polished, resized, or repaired without affecting their structure or appearance. Ask the jeweller how the piece should be maintained and whether it’s suitable for regular wear.

Jewellery that’s glued instead of soldered, hollow instead of solid, or constructed with fragile elements may not withstand basic repairs, indicating poor craftsmanship.

Conclusion: Trust Your Eyes and Instincts

Even without a formal background in jewellery, your eyes and instincts are powerful tools. By learning the key signs of good jewellery quality, you’ll start recognising the difference between cheap imitations and genuinely well-crafted pieces. Whether you're choosing an engagement ring or picking a birthday gift, a little knowledge goes a long way.

Use this jewellery craftsmanship guide as a reference whenever you shop. It’ll empower you to make confident, informed choices and build a collection of jewellery that not only looks beautiful but also stands the test of time.

FAQs

1. How can I identify quality jewellery as a beginner?
Start by checking for hallmarks, examining the weight, inspecting the setting, and buying from reputable sources. These basic checks are some of the most practical expert jewellery tips for beginners.

2. What are the main signs of good jewellery quality?
Precise settings, durable clasps, smooth finishes, consistent gemstones, and proper hallmarks are clear signs of good jewellery quality.

3. How do I know if a piece of jewellery is fake?
When spotting fake vs real jewellery, watch out for green skin marks, lightweight, missing hallmarks, and overly shiny stones that mimic glass or plastic.

4. Is it okay to buy plated jewellery?
Plated jewellery is more affordable but not as durable. It may tarnish over time. For longevity, solid gold or sterling silver is preferred.

5. What’s the best way to learn more about jewellery craftsmanship?
Refer to a detailed jewellery craftsmanship guide, attend local workshops, or ask trusted jewellers for insights. Over time, hands-on experience will sharpen your eye for quality.