I think its important to help customers understand why buying from a boutique jeweller in the UK can be more expensive. There’s a number of reason. The cost of materials has influenced significantly.

Precious metal prices have risen significantly since 2008 due to economic instability, inflation, and geopolitical tensions. The 2008 financial crisis drove investors to gold as a safe haven, while low interest rates and quantitative easing weakened currencies, increasing demand.

Subsequent crises, including the European debt crisis and COVID-19, further boosted prices. Central banks, particularly in China and Russia, expanded their gold reserves, adding to demand. Rising inflation, supply chain disruptions, and higher mining costs have also contributed.

More recently, geopolitical tensions, such as the war in Ukraine, have reinforced gold’s role as a stable store of value, driving its long-term price increase

Large Popular Online Jewellery Brands.

Popular online UK jeweller brands can offer cheaper prices than independent jewellery makers due to economies of scale, bulk material purchasing, and mass production. They manufacture in large quantities, reducing production costs per piece, and often outsource to lower-cost regions. Their supply chains are optimized for efficiency, securing discounts on gold, silver, and gemstones.

In contrast, independent jewellers handcraft each piece, requiring more time and skill, increasing labour costs. They also buy materials in smaller quantities at higher prices. Additionally, large brands have strong marketing budgets and online presence, allowing them to sell in higher volumes with lower profit margins per item.

Shannon Sait Designs offers unique, bespoke, and high-quality handmade jewellery crafted with passion and love. Each piece is designed to be one-of-a-kind, ensuring you own something truly special.