Why Handmade Matters: The Heart Behind Each Piece
In a world full of fast fashion and mass production, I find handmade jewellery to be a breath of fresh air. It carries with it something that can never be replicated by a machine, which is the touch of the maker, the hours of care, and the quiet devotion to craft. When you choose one of my handmade treasures, you’re choosing more than just an accessory. You’re choosing a story, a connection, and a little piece of my heart. Many of my friends are jewellers, and we all agree on one thing, no machine can ever capture the magic, the joy, or the little quirks that make a piece truly special.
For me, creating jewellery has always been about more than design. It’s about bringing together materials with history, antique buttons, vintage treasures, gemstones, and pairing them with modern sterling silver settings. Each piece of jewellery I create doesn’t begin with a template or a factory mould, but with inspiration. Sometimes it’s the lustre of a pearl, the unique shape of a button, or the sparkling colours in a crystal or gemstone. And colour, always colour! By the way, for some genuine colour inspiration, here is the link to my new book: “Watermelon Blue:Re-Thinking Your Relationship to Colour!” https://www.reneeblackwelldesign.com/product/just-released-my-new-book-watermelon-blue-re-thinking-your-relationship-with-colour-wb500-copy-2/
Handmade means there are no shortcuts. Every clasp, bezel, and setting is crafted with attention to detail. If a stone or component doesn’t sit just right, I start again. If a design feels incomplete, I refine it until it sings. It’s a slower process, but that’s the beauty of it, because I believe great things should take time.
My customers & collectors have told me they can feel the difference in handmade jewellery. They say it has a warmth, a presence, even an energy that’s missing from mass-produced pieces. I think that’s because when you wear one-of-a-kind artisan jewellery, you’re not just wearing metal and stone, you’re wearing hours of imagination, skill, and passion poured into every detail.
Above image, Shannon Garson wearing bespoke pearl & vintage button earrings. Shannon Garson is an Australian ceramic artist, writer and curator with a studio practice spanning 20 years. Check out her website, here: https://www.shannongarsonporcelain.com.au/
Here is one of my favourite “Rave Reviews” that pretty much sums it up my jewellery.
“When you buy a piece of Renee Blackwell jewellery, you’re not just buying something pretty to accessorize an outfit with, you’re buying a story. I love how each element in Renee’s pieces has a story, a history, a providence, and that the final piece she designs creates a new story from the curated elements she uniquely brings together. Renee’s design aesthetic and eye for beauty is so well honed, you feel like you’re wearing a little bit of art that happens to be gorgeous!” Jill, Brisbane, Australia.
Handmade also means individuality. No two vintage buttons are ever exactly alike, and no two gemstones carry the same patterns, colours, or shapes. This means that the earrings or pendant you choose are truly yours alone – a little piece of art designed to be treasured, not copied. I have a card in my office that reads: “Jewellery is my Art!” – and every time I see it, I’m reminded that each piece I create is crafted with heart, care, and its own unique story, made just for you.
At its heart, handmade jewellery is all about connection, between designer and wearer, past and present, material and meaning. That connection is why I do what I do. Every piece I create carries my promise of quality, craftsmanship, and a true love of design. As I often say, “It’s just a piece of jewellery until it’s yours, then it becomes a treasure.” To me, that sentiment sums it up perfectly.
So when you choose handmade, know this: you’re not just buying jewellery. You’re supporting artistry, celebrating history, and wearing something that was made with heart. And to me, that’s the most beautiful thing of all. To enjoy the full range of my jewellery, go here: https://www.reneeblackwelldesign.com/
Renée Blackwell Design, jewellery with heart, soul, and a sprinkle of my own special magic!
