What Makes a Piece of Jewellery ‘Handmade’?

PH824058 • 18 July 2025

In today’s world of fast fashion and mass production, the word “handmade” is often thrown around — but what does it really mean?

At JensGemz, every piece of jewellery is individually handcrafted by Jen, using high-quality materials and traditional techniques. We don’t use factory templates or automated machines. Instead, we focus on craftsmanship, care, and creativity — all from our small home studio in the UK.

More Than Just Assembling

Being handmade doesn’t just mean putting beads on a string. It means:

  • Selecting each component with care – From genuine freshwater pearls to strong yet stylish stainless steel rings and colourful aluminium rings, every material is chosen for both beauty and durability.
  • Time and skill – Our chainmaille pieces, for example, are made link by link using ancient weaves originally developed for armour. Each one takes time and precision — and no two are exactly alike.
  • Made to order – Many of our pieces are created just for you, with customisation options like colour scheme, clasp types or earring fittings. You're not picking something off a warehouse shelf — you're getting something made just for you.

Why It Matters

When you choose handmade, you’re not just buying a product — you’re supporting a real person’s time, energy, and artistry. You’re also getting a piece that has been checked, finished, and packed by the same hands that made it.

There’s a reason people say handmade jewellery has heart — because it truly does.

Discover the Difference

Whether you’re looking for an elegant pearl necklace, a bold chainmaille bracelet, or a unique gift for someone special, we hope you’ll notice the difference in a handmade piece.

Explore the collection at jensgemz.uk/shop and treat yourself to something with a little more meaning.

JensGemz blog posts

by PH824058 8 July 2025
At JensGemz, every piece of jewellery is handmade with care by Jen – the creative heart of our business. What began as a personal hobby has grown into a passion for creating unique, meaningful pieces that bring joy to others. Jen first discovered chainmaille many years ago, intrigued by its blend of strength and elegance. As she mastered the art of weaving each tiny ring into intricate patterns, her love of the craft only deepened. Today, her chainmaille jewellery ranges from bold statement pieces to delicate everyday wear, all crafted from high-quality stainless steel and anodised aluminium. Her second love? Pearls. Real, freshwater pearls – chosen for their organic shapes, soft lustre, and timeless beauty. Whether paired with chainmaille or used in more classic styles, Jen’s pearl jewellery is always one-of-a-kind, just like the wearer. Based in the UK, JensGemz is proud to be a small, independent business. We don’t mass-produce anything – every necklace, bracelet, and pair of earrings is made to order by Jen herself, with a focus on craftsmanship, detail, and originality. Whether you’re buying a gift or treating yourself, we hope you’ll find something special in our collection. Jen is regularly at craft fairs and loves meeting fellow jewellery enthusiasts in person. Our pieces are also available at a variety of independent shops across the country, so you can find JensGemz jewellery near you. Explore our collections online here: Chainmaille Jewellery | Natural Pearl Jewellery
by PH824058 5 July 2025
Pearls have captivated people for centuries — symbols of elegance, purity, and timeless beauty. But not all pearls are the same. At JensGemz, we work exclusively with genuine freshwater pearls, and every piece of our pearl jewellery is made with care, precision, and an appreciation for their natural charm. 🌊 Where Do Freshwater Pearls Come From? Unlike saltwater pearls (which grow in oysters in the ocean), freshwater pearls are formed inside mussels that live in rivers, lakes, and ponds . Most of the world’s freshwater pearls today are farmed responsibly in China, where skilled pearl farmers have developed the techniques to grow beautiful, lustrous pearls in a range of shapes and colours. Each mussel can produce multiple pearls at once — and because they’re formed naturally, no two are exactly alike. 💎 Why We Choose Freshwater Pearls At JensGemz, we only use genuine freshwater pearls in our jewellery. That means: Every pearl is real — not plastic or glass They’re naturally irregular , with unique textures and organic shapes Their colour and sheen comes from layers of nacre , just like traditional pearls This natural variation is what gives each piece of our jewellery its individual personality . When you wear it, you know no one else has one quite the same. 🎨 What About the Coloured Pearls? We love working with a range of pearl colours — soft pinks, cool greys, shimmering purples, and more. All of our coloured pearls are dyed , not painted. That’s an important difference: Dyed pearls have colour that penetrates into the nacre Painted pearls just have a coating that can wear off — we never use those You still get all the natural shine of the pearl, just in a tone that suits your style. 🌟 Handmade Pearl Jewellery, Made to Order Every piece of our pearl jewellery is handmade to order — whether you’re choosing dainty earrings, a classic bridal bracelet, or a meaningful anniversary gift. We allow you to customise fittings (hooks, studs, or lever-backs for earrings), and we dispatch within 5–7 working days. 📌 Explore the Collection Discover your perfect piece of pearl jewellery here: 🔗 Natural Pearl Jewellery at JensGemz
Byzantine weave stainless steel and coloured aluminium chainmaille necklace handcrafted by JensGemz
by PH824058 30 June 2025
Discover the art of chainmaille jewellery at JensGemz. Learn about the Byzantine weave and how coloured aluminium adds a modern twist.