What Does Value for Money Really Mean?

With so much inexpensive, mass‑produced jewellery available today, I’ve been reflecting on what true value for money looks like — and what makes handmade jewellery worth choosing.

For me, value begins long before a piece ever reaches the bench. It starts with time: the time to think, to sketch, to experiment, and to let ideas grow. Every design begins as a spark, then evolves through trial, error, and refinement until it becomes something wearable, meaningful, and uniquely mine.

Only then does the making begin.

Each piece is crafted from scratch — pierced, filed, soldered, sanded, and polished by hand. Sometimes a prototype is created in wax or metal and sent to a caster to produce a mould or a one‑off piece. Stones are carefully set, and findings such as chains or earring hooks are chosen to complement the design. Every detail matters. Every stage is intentional.

And finally, each piece receives its hallmark from the Dublin Assay Office, carrying my maker’s mark as a guarantee of authenticity and quality.

Handmaking jewellery is a slow, deliberate process — but that is exactly what makes it special. It allows for customisation: choosing your chain length, ring size, gemstones, or beads. It allows you to collaborate with the maker. It gives you a story behind the piece you wear.

This is what gives handmade jewellery its value.

Not just the materials, but the creativity, the craftsmanship, the time, and the connection.

This is the true value of Original Strands jewellery — pieces designed with intention, made with care, and created to be treasured.