Why Choose Handmade Jewellery? 8 Reasons It Beats the High Street Every Time
You've seen it before — a beautiful piece of jewellery in a high street window, a price tag that seems too good to be true, and then three months later it's tarnished, broken, or you spot five other people wearing the exact same thing.
There's a better way. At Created By Lau, I handcraft every piece in my Yorkshire studio — from polymer clay earrings to resin pendants and welded bond permanent bracelets — with care, skill, and genuine passion. Here are eight reasons why choosing handmade jewellery is one of the best decisions you can make for your style, your values, and your wallet in the long run.
1. You'll Never See Anyone Else Wearing the Same Thing
Mass production means mass duplication. When you buy from the high street, you're buying the same piece that thousands of other people own. Handmade jewellery is different by nature — each piece has its own character, its own subtle variations, its own story.
At Created By Lau, I work in small batches, which means limited runs and genuinely one-of-a-kind pieces. You're not just buying jewellery — you're buying something that belongs to you.
2. The Quality Is Simply Incomparable
High street jewellery is designed to a price point. Handmade jewellery is designed to a standard. When I create a piece, I'm not cutting corners to hit a margin — I'm choosing the best materials, taking the time to get it right, and finishing every detail by hand.
I use polymer clay, resin, recycled metals, and natural materials because they're durable, beautiful, and built to last. These aren't pieces you'll throw away next season.
3. Your Money Stays Local
When you buy from a large retailer, your money travels far — through supply chains, shareholders, and overseas manufacturers. When you buy from Created By Lau, your money goes directly to a real person, in a real studio, in West Yorkshire.
Supporting independent makers keeps creativity alive, keeps skills alive, and keeps local economies thriving. It's a small purchase with a big impact.
4. Every Piece Has a Human Behind It
There's something you can feel in a handmade piece that no machine can replicate — the intention behind it. My mixed media jewellery isn't produced by an algorithm or a factory line. It's made by me, with my hands, in my studio, with genuine care for the person who'll wear it.
That human connection is woven into every piece. When you wear it, you're wearing someone's craft — and that means something.
5. You Get Real, Personal Customer Service
No chatbots. No automated responses. No being passed between departments. When you shop with Created By Lau, you deal directly with me — the maker. If you have a question, want something customised, or need advice on what piece is right for you, I'm here.
That level of personal service simply doesn't exist on the high street, and it makes the whole experience feel completely different.
6. It's a More Ethical Choice
Fast fashion jewellery has a hidden cost — to the environment, to workers in supply chains, and to the communities around factories. Handmade jewellery is the antidote to that.
I source materials thoughtfully, work sustainably, and produce in small quantities to avoid waste. Choosing handmade is choosing to opt out of the throwaway culture — and that's something to feel genuinely good about.
7. The Designs Are Genuinely Original
High street brands follow trends because trends sell at scale. Independent makers follow their creativity. Because I have complete control over my designs, I can create pieces that are bold, unexpected, and genuinely original — things you simply won't find anywhere else.
My collections evolve constantly, driven by inspiration rather than market research. If you want jewellery that feels fresh and alive, handmade is where to look.
8. It's an Investment, Not a Purchase
A well-made handmade piece will outlast ten cheap high street alternatives. When you invest in quality handmade jewellery, you're buying something you'll wear for years — something that holds its beauty, its integrity, and its meaning over time.
That's not just better value. It's a completely different relationship with the things you own.
Ready to Make the Switch?
If you're ready to step away from the high street and invest in something truly special, explore the full Created By Lau collection here. Every piece is handmade in Yorkshire with love, skill, and a genuine commitment to quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is handmade jewellery more expensive than high street jewellery?
Handmade jewellery reflects the true cost of skilled labour, quality materials, and time. High street jewellery is cheap because it's mass-produced at scale, often using lower-quality materials and overseas labour. When you buy handmade, you're paying for craftsmanship, originality, and longevity — and that's worth every penny.
Is handmade jewellery better quality than mass-produced jewellery?
In most cases, yes. Handmade jewellery is crafted with attention to detail that mass production simply can't match. Each piece is individually made and inspected, using materials chosen for quality rather than cost. At Created By Lau, every piece is made to last.
What materials does Created By Lau use?
Created By Lau uses a range of high-quality materials including polymer clay, resin, recycled metals, natural pressed flowers, and gold leaf. All materials are chosen for their durability, beauty, and ethical sourcing where possible.
Can I get a custom or personalised piece from Created By Lau?
Yes! One of the biggest advantages of buying handmade is the ability to customise. Get in touch directly to discuss bespoke commissions, personalised pieces, or custom colourways.
What is a welded bond permanent bracelet?
A permanent bracelet is a delicate chain bracelet welded directly onto your wrist with no clasp — designed to be worn every day as a lasting, meaningful piece of jewellery. Created By Lau offers permanent bracelet appointments for individuals and groups in West Yorkshire.
Where is Created By Lau based?
Created By Lau is based in West Yorkshire, UK. All jewellery is designed and handmade in the studio by Laura Jane, a Yorkshire-based maker with a background in fashion and design.