About Quality Criteria of Jewelry

3D design and printing are already commonplace, and artificial intelligence is quickly becoming a part of manufacturing. The new technology expands the range of materials, metal alloys, and coatings. Traditional craft methods are preserved and developed alongside industrial manufacturing.

How does all this affect the quality of the jewelry? The highest quality products are still finished by hand, even if new technology is used in the intermediate stages. Machines are not yet capable of the same as the experience, vision and skill of an expert. It is important to constantly update the criteria for a quality product. There must be reasons for the price of the product.

I. Durability
High-quality jewelry can withstand use in its own context. The wear and tear of a wedding ring intended for daily use is different from that of a dainty pearl ring intended for party use. Durability can be affected by, e.g., material choices, processing methods, and customer education. The durability of the material depends on the purpose of use; for example, silver wears quickly, and titanium very slowly. Producing methods have a big impact on durability. The more graceful the jewelry, the more important it is to know how to toughen the material mechanically, by heat treatment, or by combining them.

II. Repairability
High-quality jewelry can be repaired or modified if necessary. For example, loose or wobbly stones must be reattached, the size of the ring can be changed (this does not apply to all materials or large changes). The customer has information about the material's recyclability and modifying possibilities.

III. Security
High-quality jewelry is safe for its wearer, or the wearer is aware of the risks. For example, in certain professions, a closed ring is always a risk. Chains should always have the weakest link, which saves from strangulation or wrist injury. Naturally, the materials must be non-allergenic and safe.

IV. Aesthetics
A wedding ring that is used on a daily basis must also last aesthetically. The same ring is used both in everyday life and at parties. A trained eye can deduce a lot about the quality of a piece of jewelry, looking at's details: whether seams are visible, what fastening methods have been used, what the surface of the jewelry is like, etc. Jewelry is also a total sensory experience. High-quality jewelry looks and feels good.

V. Investment value
Jewelry is also always an investment. The investment value is not based only on monetary value, but a huge amount of emotion or memories can be attached to the piece of jewelry. A high-quality piece of jewelry feels valuable in every sense of the word. In the best but rare cases, the jewelry can increase its value much better than its sale value as a collector's item.

VI. Artistic quality
A piece of jewelry can also be a work of art - then the quality is in the ability to manifest an artistic effect. A piece of jewelry art can be a wearable sculpture or a multimedia work.

VII. Ethics and the environment
The origin and sales chain of high-quality jewelry is clear and clean. The origin and the alloys of the materials of the high-quality jewelry are known. Energy is not wasted in the production of jewelry.


A jewelry customer has to base every jewelry purchase on these criteria, and possibly add their own. It's a good idea to talk to the jewelry manufacturer or seller. High-quality jewelry usually does not end up as precious metal scrap or otherwise recycled but is handed down with pride from one generation to another. High-quality jewelry is fashioned and constantly renewed. High-quality jewelry is valuable, in all senses of the word.
 

About the author

Antti Nieminen is a metal artist, master blacksmith, jeweler, and sculptor. His work spans a wide range of visual arts, including sculpture, design, jewelry, and traditional metal art.
Passionate about working with all types of metals and alloys, he explores the unique character of each material to make the most of the creative process. His expertise in forging, casting, blacksmithing, and goldsmithing is a rare yet valuable combination, enabling the production of metal art ranging from intricate jewelry to large-scale environmental monuments.
In his artistic practice, he strives to create meaningful communication through art. Each piece is designed to engage in dialogue with its surroundings and the viewer, whether through contrast, introduction, or emphasis. Inspired by the relationship between humans and their natural and built environment, he seeks to express these connections through his work.


Artist Website: www.vaskitsa.com
Professionnal Metallurgist Website: www.metalli.pro
Facebook: Taideseppä Antti Nieminen
Instagram: @taideseppa