Behind the Sparkle: What Really Determines the Price of a Piece of Jewellery

(And why two identical-looking rings can carry two very different price tags)

During a recent consultation, a client held up two rings, both white, both sparkly, and asked the question I hear most often:

“Why does one cost more than the other?”

The answer lies in three layers most shoppers never see. Here’s the exact brief I gave her, so you can spot the difference before you swipe your card.

1. The Obvious Factors: Gold, Gems & Carats

The first layer of jewellery pricing comes from materials:

• Metal: Gold, platinum, and silver prices fluctuate depending on purity and market rates.

• Gemstones: Carat weight, color, cut, and clarity, especially for natural stones, affect value. For instance, a fine-quality alexandrite or emerald will always cost more than a lab-grown substitute.

2. What You Don’t See: Craftsmanship & Design Time

What really separates one piece from another is artistry:

• Design time: A custom design can take weeks to perfect.

• Craftsmanship: Clean finishing, symmetry, and precise details elevate the final piece.

• Stone setting: Hand-setting ensures every gem catches the light at just the right angle.

These unseen details give jewelry its soul, individuality, and value.

3. Custom Jewelry vs. Mass-Produced Pieces

At Adrisya, I always say: you’re not just buying gold and gemstones, you’re investing in a creative process.

• Mass-produced pieces are made in thousands, designed for speed and efficiency.

• Custom-made jewelry is one-of-a-kind; it reflects your story, style, and energy, something a factory can never replicate.

4. The Emotional Worth

Jewelry is emotional armor. It celebrates milestones, holds memories, and passes down stories. That connection is priceless, and the true reason fine jewelry never loses value.

5. The Real Takeaway

Next time you fall in love with a piece, look beyond the sparkle. Behind every shimmer lies time, creativity, and human touch.

At Adrisya, that is what we believe in: jewelry designed to be felt, not just worn.

If you’d like to design something personal with me, get in touch here and let’s start your story.

About Shabnam Bhojwani

GIA Graduate Jeweller and IIG India Master of Jewelry Design, Shabnam Bhojwani blends design artistry with technical expertise to decode the language of luxury jewelry. Through her Dubai-based studio, Adrisya, she educates clients on the craftsmanship, emotion, and design value behind fine jewelry, making custom creation an experience, not just a purchase.

Connect on LinkedIn: Shabnam Bhojwani