What to know about selling artisan jewelry (and 6 brands to shop)

Jewelry can be a very personal purchase; when people hunt for jewelry, they often prefer pieces that come with a story or have some meaning. They want pieces that are as distinct and one of a kind as they are. For this reason, many shoppers gravitate toward supporting artisan jewelry. 

Artisan jewelry easily stands out in a market that’s filled with factory-made, fast-fashion pieces. Adding artisan pieces can help a retail store show that it cares about creativity, originality, and authenticity. Let’s dive into why, and look at some wholesale brands that are bringing their artisan visions to life in a particularly unique fashion.

What is artisan jewelry?

Artisan jewelry is high-quality jewelry that is handmade by a skilled craftsperson. It’s unique, intricate, and custom-made—representing the artistic vision of an artisan. Artisans are workers who dedicate themselves to a specific trade, making all their wares by hand. They differ from hobbyists, who might make items for fun but aren’t experts. 

Artisan jewelry also shouldn’t be confused with mass-produced jewelry that is manufactured in factories. When someone buys artisan jewelry, they’re supporting the livelihood and passion of a single artisan or a collective of artisans. This is important for shoppers who want their buying decisions to have a sense of purpose or responsibility. 

Wearing these types of pieces is more than mere accessorizing. It’s a celebration of creativity and shows support for independent makers. For retail brands that aim to attract ethical consumers, “shop small” shoppers, or just jewelry lovers, artisan jewelry can help them stand out. 

Meet 6 jewelry makers who are putting the “art” in artisan

The great thing about artisan jewelry is its breadth and depth. It spans every material and technique one can imagine. By adding these distinct pieces to your retail shelves, you can catch the attention of shoppers. Here are a few of our favorites you can find on Faire.

1. Lenny & Eva

Lenny & Eva is a brand for women who like to wear their heart on their sleeve or, in this case, wrist. The mission of this women-owned jewelry brand in Tennessee is to “encourage women to be brave, live compassionately, and be the best version of themselves.” Since 2009, the team has crafted minimalist bracelets, necklaces, and earrings meant to uplift wearers’ spirits. Their popular Intentions Collection of bracelets features freshwater pearls and gold-plated charms that are packaged with an inspirational quote card, while their Faith Over Fear Collection highlights popular Bible verses, making them all perfect gifts.

 2. David Aubrey

Jennifer Arago was attending nursing school at night and working as a designer’s apprentice by day when she discovered her passion for jewelry. She began exhibiting her work in trade shows and caught the eye of agents in New York. She launched her studio, David Aubrey, in 1996, and since then she has been designing a wide range of earthy pieces from the vintage to the tribal, from the monochromatic to the colorful. She experiments with brass, glass, and natural stones like lava rock, hematite, and jade. Be sure to check out some of her bestsellers like the Art Deco Hoop Earrings or the Amazonite and White Stone Bracelet.

3. GoldFi

Nothing telegraphs quiet luxury like simple gold pieces. This jewelry wholesaler specializes in sophisticated, timeless, 18k-gold-filled jewelry for its retail clients. Each piece is meticulously crafted and built to last: They’re waterproof, tarnish-resistant, and hypoallergenic. GoldFi has something for everyone—from its dainty Selena Hoop Earrings to chunky statement pieces like the Bead Cluster Ring. It’s even ranked as a Top Shop by Faire, meaning it’s in the top 10% of brands that offer an exceptional buying experience. 

4. Sorrelli

At Sorrelli, the goal is to create affordable but high-quality, feminine pieces that a shopper can enjoy for decades, not months. The brand fuses 10k gold and pearls with bursts of vibrant color like aqua or fuchsia. The end result is playful but still classic, like the Hot Pink Pendant Necklace. Established in 1983, the brand makes its jewelry to stand the test of time—it offers a lifetime guarantee on every product. Each piece from Sorrelli is soldered by hand in the U.S. by its team of in-house artisans. 

5. Brenda Grands Jewelry

This Houston-based brand was started in 2014 by two sisters passionate about creativity and design. They stand out for their soft, dainty pieces made of 18k gold, stainless steel, or brass. The sisters are intentional about crafting pieces that can be worn with a T-shirt and jeans or dressed up with a little black dress and heels. In honor of their home state, they created a dedicated collection of Texas-inspired designs. Brenda Grands Jewelry is also committed to giving back, so it donates 10% of its profits to Stay Here, a mental health nonprofit.

6. KBD Studio

The founder of KBD Studios, Karin, began her career as a teenager by selling her jewelry designs to local shops. She’s been a jewelry artisan ever since, crafting pieces in her Los Angeles studio. Her work is bohemian with an edge, designed to appeal to the fierceness and fearlessness she believes all women have. Common motifs are moons, skulls, and mandalas, and the designer combines semiprecious stones like labradorite and quartz with brass and gunmetal. These witchy pieces are designed to make a statement and start a conversation.

Use artisan jewelry to set your store apart

Artisan jewelry isn’t just an accessory. They’re pieces of wearable art that can add a dash of whimsy and personality to your store shelves. By adding one-of-a-kind artisan jewelry to your retail brand, you can attract shoppers who care about authenticity, craftsmanship, and the human touch. That means better customer relationships and more opportunities to express your brand values to shoppers.