What Influences the Price of Fine Jewellery in 2025?

If you've ever fallen in love with a piece of jewellery only to be shocked by the price, you're not alone. It's a moment most buyers have experienced, that instant where budget meets reality. Wouldn't it be great to be understand what actually goes into that number rather than simple walking away thinking its too expensive. 

Fine jewellery pricing is rarely random. From the rarity of materials to the level of craftsmanship, from the brand’s heritage to market demand, every piece has a story that’s reflected in its cost. When you know how to read that story, you can tell whether you’re overpaying or getting genuine value.

Have you ever fallen for the perfect piece of jewellery, only to feel your heart drop when you see the price? 

Fine jewellery is one of the most emotionally-driven purchases we make, which makes it even more frustrating when the pricing feels confusing, inconsistent, or impossible to decode. Whether you’re shopping for yourself, marking a milestone, or investing in a future heirloom, understanding what actually affects the cost of fine jewellery empowers you to buy with clarity and confidence.

At Argent & Asher, we believe in total pricing transparency, no mystery markups, no retail smoke and mirrors. In this article, we’ll break down what goes into the price of a fine jewellery piece in 2025, how traditional pricing models compare to modern ones like ours, and what you should expect to pay for quality, craftsmanship, and ethical sourcing.

Let’s get into it. 

The 6 Factors That Determine the Price of Fine Jewellery

Whether it’s a dainty everyday chain or a bold statement ring, these core elements play a role in what your jewellery will cost:

1. Materials: Precious Metals and Gemstones

The type, weight, and quality of the materials are the most obvious cost driver.

• Gold: Solid 14k or 18k gold costs significantly more than gold-filled or gold-plated alternatives, but it also lasts longer and retains value.

• Platinum: Rarer and denser than gold, platinum is typically more expensive.

• Gemstones: Natural, untreated stones (like diamonds, sapphires, emeralds) vary widely in price based on size, clarity, cut, and origin. Lab-grown gems can lower the price, though not always significantly for larger pieces.

 💡 2025 Insight: Metal and gem pricing continues to fluctuate due to global supply chain shifts and ethical sourcing regulations. We’ve seen up to 15% cost variance in gold alone year over year.

2. Craftsmanship and Manufacturing Method

This is where many buyers underestimate the cost, but it’s one of the biggest indicators of quality.

•Handcrafted vs Mass-Produced: Handmade jewellery (especially made-to-order or bespoke) costs more because of the time, precision, and skill involved.

•Customisation: Personalised engravings, made-to-fit sizing, or resetting heirloom stones adds labour hours and increases the price.

• Origin: Pieces made in-house by skilled artisans in ethical studios will cost more than those mass-produced overseas.

💡 Why it matters: A ring made by hand in a local workshop using sustainable practices cannot and should not be priced the same as a factory-assembled one from a mass retailer.

3. Design Complexity

Simplicity is beautiful, but intricate designs often require more time, tools, and expertise, all of which add to the cost. 

• A basic solitaire ring may cost less to produce than a pavé band or multi-stone piece.

• Complex shaping, hand engraving, or vintage-inspired detailing often means higher labour costs and longer production times.

• Personalised artistry: Bespoke designs involve one-to-one collaboration with a skilled artisan to bring your vision to life. Whether it's a custom name necklace or a more intricate design. This isn't just about creating a piece of jewelllery, it's about translating your personal story into a wearable heirloom, which takes dedicated time and craftsmanship.

💡 Consider: The more hands-on the creation process, the more your piece reflects real artistry, and that artistry is priced accordingly. 

4. Sourcing and Sustainability

In 2025, buyers are rightly asking: Where did this come from?

• Ethically sourced materials cost more and that’s a good thing. Fair wages, clean mining practices, and responsible environmental policies are not “cheap.”

• At Argent & Asher, we partner with transparent suppliers and traceable sources, so you can wear your values with confidence.

💡 Modern buyers expect ethical luxury. This commitment adds to the price, but also the value.

5. Brand Model (Retail vs Direct-to-Consumer)

Two rings that look the same may have very different prices, depending on where you buy.

• Traditional luxury brands often mark up jewellery 8–10x production cost due to retail overhead, middlemen, and prestige pricing.

• Direct-to-consumer brands (like Argent & Asher) cut unnecessary costs by selling online, sourcing responsibly, and keeping design in-house.

💡 More expensive doesn’t always mean better. Often, it just means more people taking a cut.

6. Packaging, Presentation, and Service

Yes, even the box matters.

Luxury packaging, secure insured shipping, responsive customer service, and complimentary cleaning kits all add to your total cost. But they also enhance your experience and protect your investment.

💡 A thoughtful unboxing experience and human-first support is worth the price. (Just ask anyone who’s received jewellery in a plastic bag from Amazon…)

Conclusion: Buying Jewellery Is Emotional - But It Doesn’t Have to Be Confusing

Now you know exactly what goes into the price of fine jewellery in 2025, from the metal and design to the sourcing and support behind it.

If you’ve ever felt unsure, overwhelmed, or blindsided while jewellery shopping, you’re not alone, but knowledge changes everything.

Before you make your next purchase, explore our guide to common online jewellery shopping mistakes and avoid the regret so many buyers face.

At Argent & Asher, we create heirloom-quality jewellery with complete transparency, so you know exactly what you’re paying for, and why it matters.

Keep Reading in the “Jewellery Buying Smarter” Series:

• 7 Common Mistakes People Make When Buying Jewellery Online

• Gold Vermeil, Plated, Filled or Solid: What’s the Difference?

Or take the next step and explore our Signature Collections where quality and clarity are always included.