Handcrafted Silver Jewellery vs. Machine-Made: A Sri Lankan Buyer’s Guide (2025)

From Sea Street to Galle Fort to your phone, one question keeps popping up: handmade or machine-made silver?
This easy guide covers why handcrafted 925 sterling silver is often the better pick for Sri Lankans, how our tropical humidity affects care, and the key things to check before you buy.

What does “925 sterling silver” mean?

It’s real silver mixed for strength: 92.5% pure silver plus 7.5% other metals (usually copper) so it lasts for everyday wear. To confirm you’re getting the good stuff, look for a tiny “925” mark—often on the clasp, inside the ring band, or another discreet spot.

---

Why handcrafted silver shines brighter in Sri Lanka

1) One-of-a-kind character

Handmade pieces carry subtle variations—hammer marks, wirework, hand-set stones—that give each item a story (great for bridal trousseaus, Avurudu gifting, and milestone keepsakes).

2) Stronger joints & easier repairs

Artisans typically solder, file, and polish joints by hand. That attention to joins and prongs often makes clasps, bezels, and chain links more serviceable over years of wear.

3) Ethically small-batch by local talent

Buying handmade supports Sri Lankan craft hubs—from Kandy’s traditional workshops to Galle Fort’s jewellers—where skills are passed down through families.

4) Designed for our climate & lifestyle

Artisans in Sri Lanka understand how heat, sea air, and sweat affect silver. Many finish pieces with thoughtful profiles (fewer snag points, better ventilation on the skin) for everyday comfort.

---

But when is machine-made a good idea?

Machine-made jewellery can be the better choice if you need identical multiples (e.g., corporate gifts or bridesmaid sets), tight budgets, or ultra-fine links that require mass-precision manufacturing. The trade-off: less individuality and typically lighter construction.

---

Sri Lanka’s humidity & silver: what to know (and do)

Colombo’s average relative humidity sits around 78%, often higher during monsoon months. High humidity accelerates tarnish (a surface reaction). The good news: tarnish is normal and reversible.

Care checklist for the tropics:

• Wipe with a soft, dry cloth after wear (especially after beach days).
• Store pieces airtight with anti-tarnish strips/silica gel; avoid bathrooms.
• Wear often—skin oils can slow tarnish.
• For stubborn tarnish, use a 925-safe polishing cloth or professional clean.
• Consider occasional re-polish or re-rhodium (if plated) by a trusted jeweller.

(Colombo’s day-to-night humidity can range roughly 70–90%, so storage matters.)

---

Roots of silver craftsmanship in Sri Lanka

From Kandy’s craft centres to Galle Fort’s jewellery lanes, the island nurtures a living tradition of metalwork and stone-setting. Bridal sets (Kandyan and Tamil) often mix silver/gold finishes, filigree, and statement pieces like the Nalalpata and the Mālaa Hatha of seven necklaces

Quick comparison: Handcrafted vs. Machine-Made

Feature	Handcrafted 925 Silver	Machine-Made Silver
Look & Feel	Unique textures; artisan detail	Uniform; consistent
Durability	Often sturdier joints; easy to service	Can be lighter; varies by factory
Ethics	Supports local craftspeople	Depends on supply chain
Customisation	High (sizing, stones, engraving)	Limited to catalogue
Price	Moderate–Premium	Budget–Moderate
Resale/Heirloom Value	Strong if artisan-made	Depends on brand

---

How to buy silver jewellery in Sri Lanka (no regrets checklist)

1. Verify 925: look for the stamp; ask for composition details and aftercare advice.
2. Weight & finish: solid, comfortable weight; smooth inner edges; well-seated stones.
3. Clasps & joins: test lobster/spring clasps; check soldered links.
4. Local credibility: artisan background, workshop info, or provenance (Kandy/Galle Fort makers, etc.).
5. Care & warranty: polishing/re-plating options, repair policy.

FAQ