Jewelry matters to a lot of people, and it's worth understanding how it's actually made and why some pieces carry the price tag they do. Plenty of people build an outfit, a mood, even a sense of status around what they're wearing on their neck or wrist, and jewelry has always had that layer of statement to it. Think about how often the biggest celebrities show up covered in it, and how the prices behind those pieces can be hard to believe once you actually look them up.
Why jewelry can feel expensive
There are plenty of reasons jewelry ends up priced the way it is, and to be fair, some pieces genuinely are expensive. But it helps to understand what actually goes into making a single piece before assuming the price is arbitrary.
At DICCI, every piece is handcrafted to make it unique and appealing, designed for you and because of you. We try to stay close to current trends while keeping that classic, chic core in every design.
A good example is the Holy Spirit Necklace, a Bali-style silver chain with a Holy Spirit pendant, double engraved with the prayer "Veni Sancte Spiritus" ("Come Holy Spirit" in Latin). It can look expensive at first glance, mostly because of the size of the pendant and the shine of the chain, but once you factor in that it's handmade and cast in silver, a genuinely limited material, the pricing starts to make a lot more sense.
What makes 925 silver cost what it does
Sterling silver is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals. Pure silver on its own is actually too soft to hold shape, which is exactly why sterling silver, at that specific ratio, is considered the standard for fine jewelry.
It does naturally tarnish over time, since that remaining 7.5%, usually copper, reacts with the air. Perfume, hairspray, hand gel, and sweat all speed that process up, and how quickly it happens really depends on the person, since skin pH varies from one person to the next. If tarnishing sounds like more upkeep than you want, stainless steel is the more forgiving option.
Why stainless steel is the low-maintenance alternative
Unlike silver, stainless steel doesn't oxidize, which makes it a solid pick for anyone who wants something they can wear daily without thinking twice about it. It also tends to be more affordable, without sacrificing much in terms of durability or finish.
A good example is the Woven Ring, with a handmade braided detail for anyone who wants something that stands out a little in a crowd. Made from 316L stainless steel, it's built for everyday wear, the kind of piece that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.
A few pieces worth seeing
Whether you're drawn to the warmth of silver or the practicality of steel, Dicci's 925 silver jewelry and stainless steel jewelry collections bring both together in one place.
Frequently asked questions
Why does jewelry price vary so much between materials?
Rarer materials cost more simply because there's less of them, basic supply and demand. Geography plays a role too: in places like India, where silver has to be imported, it's perceived as a genuinely luxury metal, while in Europe it tends to feel more accessible, even if it's still mostly a middle and upper-middle class purchase.
Does 925 silver tarnish quickly?
It varies from person to person, since skin pH affects how fast the reaction happens. Things like perfume, hairspray, and sweat also speed it up, so how often you'll need to clean it really depends on your routine and your skin.
Is stainless steel a lower-quality alternative to silver?
Not really, it's just a different set of tradeoffs. Stainless steel doesn't have silver's warmth or shine, but it doesn't oxidize either, so it needs almost no maintenance, which makes it a practical choice for daily wear.
Is handmade jewelry always more expensive than mass-produced pieces?
Generally, yes, since handmade pieces take more time and skill per item. That extra cost usually shows up as more attention to detail and a design that feels less like everyone else's.
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