Gyrogami Blog - Precious Metals, Jewelry, Artwork

Value and Price

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22k gold and silver necklace
Asking price: $20k

Categories: Human nature; Commerce and business

Word count/read time: 444 words; 2 minutes

In any craft, profession, hobby, or endeavor there will be those that talk and those that actually do. Experience doesn't equate to proficiency, talent, or quality but often manifests in much less desirable traits. However, it guarantees bad habits and poor workmanship will persist eternally. With that mediocrity comes one benefit: It gives a small group of craftspeople a chance to shine.

Chainmaille is a simple craft so the lack of decent products in the marketplace is disheartening. It should only take a few moments to master a new weave. Compare that to origami or knitting where it might take weeks to make one devastatingly horrible model that would barely pass as amorphous modern art.

Labor and materials determine the absolute minimum price. Desirability adds perceived value. Unique or one-of-a-kind pieces may boost the threshold. The emotional attachment can substantially increase its value. Its lineage and history can add to the price.

When possible, use measurements to judge quality because numbers don't lie. Quality is a major component of value and ultimately, price. Since one's treasure may be another's trash, there may be arguments on what constitutes art.

Price is what you pay. Value is a nebulous property that defines what you get. All price points have a wide range of value and quality. As something becomes more expensive it should perform better, do more, or be more. Sometimes the prized piece is labor-intensive and can't be made any other way, explaining its high price.

Cost is obscure and includes things like materials and labor. The hidden costs include collateral damage during its creation and distribution. How do you put a price on clean water? Clean air? No slave or forced labor? Fair treatment and pay for workers? Respecting the environment and habitats? Handmade? Made from reclaimed materials?

But let's be very, V-E-R-Y clear: There's no place for $20,000 solid gold and silver basic chainmail weaves with unsoldered, crooked jump rings closed so badly that they might fall out of place. This is insulting to everything jewelry!

I am flummoxed at how many sellers overestimate their quality and price gouge accordingly. A reasonable guideline is that a butted sterling silver chainmaille piece should be 5%-15% of the price for an equivalent welded or soldered version. Equivalent means both materials and finished quality. Expensive materials never justify high prices unless made to the highest standards.

Compare my prices to marketplace offerings and factor in quality, precision, manufacturing, and ethical sourcing. I make jewelry and chains with unmatched value and pedigree - under $10 gets you a finished piece! You'll understand there is a difference, perhaps a new benchmark for your appreciation of chain link jewelry.

Posted by M: August 20, 2017

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