It can be challenging, and possibly boring, to stay on top of the latest fashion trends. Who wants to have the same pieces of jewelry as everyone else all the time? A New York Times fashion contributor recently said, “The concept that anyone ought to be wearing anything other than what they’re comfortable in represents the last gasp of an old system that is fading into irrelevance.”

We love the notion of finding what you love, despite what trends may say otherwise. And one of the most personal items you can wear is jewelry. Jewelry has a long history of being unique to its wearer. That’s one reason why unique jewelry pieces are a must-have for any woman.

Unique jewelry is fantastic simply because there are few others like it. It’s not often purchased in a department store, but from a jewelry artist, often local, who handcrafts each piece with incredible attention to detail.

Why Choose Unique Jewelry Pieces?

When it comes to jewelry, people love something unique. That is why handcrafted jewelry is growing in popularity and demand. It is designed and created by hand rather than by mass-produced machine work. These unique jewelry pieces also have several benefits that you won’t find in commercially-produced jewelry.

Higher-Quality

There is no use of machines in the manufacture of handcrafted jewelry. Instead, each piece is created individually by skilled artisans. Each piece of jewelry is unique in design and pattern, whether it is necklaces, earrings, bracelets, or rings. Unique jewelry may also be crafted in silver, gold, diamonds, and rare and beautiful gemstones.

Artisan jewelry is also of superior quality because it is usually crafted with higher-quality materials, like gold-fill and natural stones. Many mass-produced jewelry pieces are gold- and silver-plated, and often feature fake gemstones, diamonds, and pearls.

Exclusive/Limited Designs

Since artisans create jewelry, the pieces are usually made in smaller quantities. It is less likely that you will run into someone at an event or even a coffee shop who has the same piece of handmade jewelry as you.

Related:How to Choose a Unique Everyday Necklace

Affordable

Handcrafted jewelry is relatively affordable. Many online and local jewelers sell beautiful, unique jewelry pieces at lower prices compared to traditional jewelers.

Even high-quality pieces can be less expensive than similar products from jeweler franchises.

Sustainable

Mass-produced items often result in the depletion of resources. Smaller productions use their resources more conservatively. Most jewelry artisans also take pride in their masterpieces and work hard to ensure each piece is perfect.

How to Find Unique Jewelry Pieces

Handmade jewelry is a must-have, but where do you find it? There are various online shops where you can find unique pieces. That said, some of us still love going into a store to find quality, unique jewelry pieces we can touch and try on. If this is the case, shopping local, small businesses are the way to go.

Locally-made jewelry is designed from an artist's imagination. So much thought goes into every design, and the end product is often something people will notice.

High-Quality and Long-Lasting Material

The most significant difference between local artisan jewelry and commercially-produced jewelry is the quality. Companies need to keep prices down to meet their customer's needs and demands, but they have to cut corners somewhere.

Often, they do this by blending cheap metals to make costume pieces. For example, gold jewelry is often gold-plated, which does not last very long. Gold-plated jewelry will inevitably tarnish within a short period of time.

In contrast, local artisans work hard to make high-quality and durable pieces out of high-quality materials. The pieces will last much longer, and it’s wonderful to tell people who ask where you got that beautiful set of hoop earrings that they can support a local business.

Related:Bracelet Guide: How to Wear a Delicate Gold Bracelet

14K Gold-Filled vs Gold-Plated Jewelry

Look for local artists who sell gold-filled jewelry. Gold is often associated with beauty, elegance, and status. Many of us may be looking for gorgeous, unique jewelry pieces made of gold. Solid gold is high-quality and expensive, but it is also soft. It scratches and dents easily.

Gold-filled is a valuable and durable solid gold alternative. It is also less expensive than pure gold. The material is a mix of solid gold with other quality metals, like brass or silver, in multiple layers. The layers of gold ensure a durable piece of jewelry that will not tarnish quickly or easily.

Gold-plated jewelry, on the other hand, will likely flake off or turn colors within a year. The brass underneath will then tarnish and may even dye your skin. However, gold-filled jewelry does not have this problem. The gold will last a lifetime if cared for properly.

What Are Some Must-Have Pieces?

Now that we know precisely how to find unique jewelry pieces, what are some must-have pieces every woman needs in their collection?

Gold Hoops

Speaking of a beautiful set of hoops, every woman should have a timeless set of gold hoops. Gold complements any outfit, from casual to formal. The simplistic, round shape of hoops symbolizes wholeness and infinity.

The great thing about hoops is that there are many style options: petite, bold, double, sleek, and come in every shape. There are plenty of style options to choose from, no matter your own personal style. Additionally, hoops look absolutely amazing with any hairstyle.

Gold hoops are a must-have go-to for all occasions, whether you choose delicate circles or a big, beautiful pair.

Pendant Necklace

A truly unique jewelry piece is a pendant necklace. The pendant is a symbol of your personal style and personality. It can be simple or deeply personal, like a locket, birthstone, charm or engraving, or maybe something you picked that just 'spoke' to you.

A simple, slender gold, brass, or silver chain matched with a gorgeous pendant conveys style and elegance without taking over. They are statement pieces that add an air of mystery to the wearer. Unique pendants necklaces are a must-have piece for every woman.

Pearl Strands

Pearls are like the little black dress of your jewelry collection. They are iconic, fabulous, and exquisitely feminine. If you attend special occasions like graduations, weddings or art shows, pearls are the perfect match.

Pearls come in various colors, including gold, black, and the colors of the rainbow. Pearl necklaces are perfect on their own, but many women like completing the set. Pearl strands, bracelets, and earrings pair perfectly. Even better, there is not just one style for pearls. You can opt for pearl studs, dangling and cluster earrings, pearl strands, or even a simple pearl pendant necklace.

A Bold Bracelet

Bold bracelets are unique and convey a piece of your personality simultaneously. They also make an excellent statement piece, especially if you are not a necklace person.

You can buy plenty of unique and bold bracelets, from simple and elegant paperclip bracelets to complex, interlocking ones and cuffs.

Birthstone Jewelry

Nothing says unique quite like your birthstone. Birthstone pieces are full of meaning and are tailored to suit you specifically. They could range from rings to necklaces to bracelets and earrings. There are plenty of beautiful styles and charms that can be added, and an engraving marking your specific date of birth or your Zodiac sign would make your piece even more personalized. The personal and unique nature of birthstones, as well as their colors and corresponding months, are worth noting when deciding on your unique jewelry piece:

• January - Garnet

Garnet is typically associated with the color red, but it can actually be any color. The garnet family is complex, with several species and varieties. Some people believe that garnets are protective, shielding the wearer from injury. Red garnets are also associated with vitality, love, and light.

• February - Amethyst

Amethyst is a beautiful, crystalline quartz that ranges from pale lilac to a deep, reddish-purple. It is also scratch-resistant. Purple has long been associated with royalty, making amethysts a favorite among the ruling class. They are also associated with spirituality, healing, and mental health.

• March - Aquamarine, Bloodstone

Aquamarine is usually blue to blue-green and is a gemstone member of the beryl family. They are rightly named, coming from the Latin for "seawater," and are said to protect seafarers. Aquamarine is also associated with intelligence and marital happiness.

Bloodstones are usually dark green with bright red markings. It is often associated with vitality and courage.

• April - Diamond

As they say, diamonds are a girl's best friend. Diamonds are the most popular jewelry stone choice globally. Considering their extreme hardness and durability (not to mention their stunning beauty), diamonds are related to strength and eternal love. No wonder wedding rings and engagement rings usually feature diamonds.

• May - Emerald

Emeralds are part of the "Big Four" traditional gems, along with diamonds, rubies, and sapphires. The stunning, deep green is breathtaking. Emeralds are said to imbue the wearer with superior intelligence and promote healing.

• June - Pearl, Alexandrite

Pearls are timeless pieces that are often passed down through families. Some believe pearls represent honesty, purity, and wisdom.

Alexandrite is a stunning gemstone due to its color-changing qualities. In the sunlight, the gem is green and then turns red in incandescent light. The gemstone is associated with good luck. However, it is also rare and expensive, making it a truly unique jewelry piece.

• July - Ruby

Ruby is a durable and popular jewelry stone. Rubies are connected with strength, often favorited by warriors.

• August - Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx

Peridot is the modern August birthstone. It is always green, but the particular shade depends on the source. Peridot is associated with protection during the night.

• September - Sapphire

The final gemstone of the "Big Four," sapphire's remarkable blue color makes for a stunning piece of jewelry. It protects the wearer from envy.

• October - Opal, Tourmaline

Opal is a unique gemstone with various patterns. They are often associated with light and magic.

• November - Topaz, Golden Topaz, Citrine

November's gemstones are a stunning yellow. Citrine, for example, is primarily connected to healing and happiness.

• December - Turquoise, Blue Zircon, Blue Topaz, Tanzanite, Lapis Lazuli

December has various gemstones, all various shades of blue. Blue Zircon, for example, is an underrated gemstone that is now the modern December birthstone. Blue is typically associated with serenity and purity.

Invest In A Truly Unique Jewelry Piece

When it comes down to it, the perfect unique jewelry piece is something that matches your individual style and personality.

At Liz James, you can find high-quality jewelry designed and crafted by artists. Shop our collection of stunning, unique jewelry today.