What is a quality piece of jewelry?
Ask ten people, and you will definitely get different answers from each of them. For one, it's the durability of the jewelry, for another, it's the ease of use, and for a third, it's the design that matches personal preference. The question is easy to ask, but providing a comprehensive answer is a bit more challenging, as "quality" is notoriously a difficult concept. Let's try anyway:
In general, it can be said that quality refers to the characteristics of a product or service that are significant in meeting the customer's needs. The quality of a physical product refers to its ability to perform the tasks it is intended for throughout its expected lifespan. The components of product quality include the basic characteristics of the product and its specific features, reliability, durability, ease of use, maintenance and repair options, as well as any other product-specific factors. In addition, recyclability is increasingly being added to the quality metrics.
The features and functionality of the jewelry are relatively objective matters. They can often be identified, defined, and listed quite accurately. Subjective quality only changes when different customers evaluate it based on their own needs and experiences. Customers always have expectations when purchasing products or services. A Korua can be considered high-quality if the customer is satisfied and feels they have received full value for their money. In defining quality from the customer's perspective, it is always about whether the product meets the expectations that the customer had in advance regarding the product. The quality of the jewelry has been assessed through both objective and subjective measures. In ideal conditions, a piece of jewelry can be considered high-quality when it performs well not just in one area, but well or fairly well in all aspects.
EVALUATION OF JEWELRY QUALITY - OBJECTIVE METRICS
1) Basic features of the jewelry
The materials used and the quantity of the material naturally define the basic characteristics of the jewelry. Metals are more durable and better at resisting moisture than, for example, wood and leather. Gemstones remain beautiful longer than synthetic stones. A solid metal lasts better than coated, layered metal. Leather is perceived as soft and therefore feels pleasant. Most of us can easily recognize these basic features. Generally speaking, almost all known old esteemed jewelry is made of precious metals or combinations of precious metals and gemstones.
2) Special features of the jewelry:
The special features are a result of the basic characteristics of the jewelry and are known as the attractive qualities of the jewelry. For example, silver is a lightweight metal, so it does not strain or stretch your ears. Similarly, silver is a very white metal that is considered more beautiful and feminine than, for example, darker and heavier steel. Gold is once again one of the most well-tolerated materials from an allergy perspective. The attractiveness is naturally enhanced by the value of the metal it contains and its relatively good durability. Platinum is a durable yet dark metal that gives a masculine impression. Steel is affordable and durable, but just like platinum, its rather dark hue and heaviness are not to everyone's liking. The natural white lively surface of the pearl has enchanted millions of women. The leather bracelet conveys a relaxed vibe, etc. Each special feature has its own strong following.
3) Reliability of the jewelry:
As with any product, the more expensive the repair and maintenance costs are, the more important reliability and functionality become. A high-quality piece of jewelry is reliable for everyday use; it is best experienced when you hardly notice it while wearing. You can easily put on a quality piece of jewelry, the clasp works effortlessly, and you hardly notice the jewelry while wearing it. In a high-quality piece of jewelry, you won't feel sharp edges unless it belongs to the design. You will feel the joints as firm and you won't notice any extra wobbling or "play".
4) Consistency of the jewelry
Are, for example, the earrings identical or are there differences between them? The casting and finishing of high-quality jewelry is consistent, and there are no striking differences. The jewelry is of the same size and appearance. The glossiness level is consistent. If you have to choose between the "best-looking" of the same models, then the jewelry is not consistent.
Indeed, natural materials such as genuine pearls and stones are always unique, but the same rule applies here: high-quality pearl or stone earrings are made with pearls or stones that are of the same size, color, and luster.
5) Durability of the jewelry
Sustainability has an economic and technical dimension. The technical aspect is, for example, the calculated lifespan of the jewelry, more specifically the usage amount before it "wears out". The financial aspect emphasizes the upcoming repair costs in relation to a new, more sustainable model. It is often the case that the previously described "reliability" correlates well with durability. On the other hand, the lifespan generally increases in relation to the price of materials. The lifespan of gold jewelry can increase if the global market price of gold rises.
6) Care of the jewelry
The jewelry has been used only a little, but the lock is broken? Did your jewelry stay in the box because the surface has darkened or become dirty? Are the stones in your ring feeling like they're falling off by themselves? In fact, who was the seller or manufacturer you could contact?
A reliable and durable piece of jewelry can break over time. Genuine materials are most often maintainable and/or repairable. You can clean and polish a quality piece of jewelry, repair the clasps, and reattach the stones. You can repair the broken chain. Sometimes it is not financially or technically sensible; sometimes it is simply worth switching to something new. But quality also means that from a reliable store you can find help and answers to questions related to maintenance and repairs. Maintaining is also an eco-friendly action.
7) Recyclability of jewelry:
Recyclability is not traditionally considered a basic assumption of quality, but at Taika Helsinki, we believe that this should also be taken into account. Among the world's precious metals, for example, gold is recycled at a good percentage (> 95%), but less than half of silver. The largest waste in the jewelry category comes from so-called silver-plated jewelry (= the base of the jewelry is made of inexpensive base metal, with a thin layer of silver plating on the surface). In practice, all this silver is lost.
Taika Helsinki uses 925 silver, where the silver is fully recovered, just like the gold in gold jewelry. In skilled hands, precious metal can be recycled as part of the creation of a new piece of jewelry after recovery.
EVALUATION OF JEWELRY QUALITY - SUBJECTIVE METRICS
8) The Aesthetics of Jewelry
The aesthetics of jewelry refers to the shape, color, finish, and the feeling that the piece gives you. So it's a very subjective assessment and depends on your own preferences. Poor quality jewelry is distinguished by surface stains - discoloration - caused by poor quality surface treatment. Culture and time are also linked to the aesthetic quality of the jewelry. For example, in the Nordic countries, we value - meaning we consider it to be of higher quality - clear design language, light shades (light metals), and polished details (e.g., surface gloss). It is also not uncommon for a person to wear jewelry that holds significant symbolic value for them (e.g., a power charm)
9) The image of the jewelry manufacturer
Last but certainly not least, the quality gauge of a piece of jewelry is the image of the jewelry maker. This is indeed a very subjective measure. Imago fundamentally relies on the idea that the quality of the past (proven) is a guarantee or promise of the present (unproven) quality.
The analogy is as follows: A good image allows for higher prices. A higher price for jewelry (= higher margins) allows for achieving the aforementioned seven objective metrics.
This is of course a good thing as long as the price remains within reasonable limits. However, the pricing of the most expensive luxury brands no longer follows the aforementioned analogy, as the prices are multiple times higher than what objective measures would have achieved. The question is no longer about quality, but rather about the irrational behavior of buyers, and it is fundamentally psychological.
