Back in the 90's I loved catching the train with my friends to Leicester from my home town of Melton Mowbray, and trawling The Shires (now High Cross), the Silver Arcade and small back streets to find unique and wonderful jewellery. Believe it or not, some of those pieces I still wear; a garnet and rose quartz silver ring, a mother of pearl twisted sea necklace and a gorgeous opal and amber ring, made in Poland with 2.5mm sterling silver wire- it's quite a beast!
But back then, when Primark was just starting to emerge, Claire's Accessories was big and Accessorize was the place to go for boho, cute jewellery that came in every colour you could possibly want, I too found myself falling into the trap of buying disposable jewellery. A pair of star earrings that gave my ears an infection, a bracelet that turned my arm green (we've all been there, haven't we?) and even a lovely crescent moon pendant necklace that made my beloved cream jumper turn brown.
Today, I choose not to purchase from any fast fashion brands, as my personal way of shopping has changed, and I think I always knew where my even as a teenager. So it seems befitting that I have now created a brand that honours the idea that we should buy once, buy well and care for what we have. But what are my reasons for feeling this way? Here are a few of my thoughts about why artisan is best.
The Problem with Fast Fashion Jewellery
For years, fast fashion jewellery has been a staple of high-street shopping—cheap, trendy, and readily available. However, its allure has begun to fade as consumers become more conscious of its environmental and ethical impact. Here’s why:
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Short Lifespan: Many mass-produced pieces are made from base metals and low-quality coatings, meaning they tarnish, break, or become unwearable in a short time.
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Environmental Impact: The disposable nature of fast jewellery contributes to excessive waste, with unwanted pieces ending up in landfill sites.
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Lack of Sentimental Value: Unlike timeless jewellery, these pieces are rarely kept or passed down through generations, making them less meaningful over time.
With this growing awareness, consumers are now seeking durable, classic jewellery that lasts for years, if not generations.
The Rise of Timeless Jewellery
Timeless jewellery isn’t just about style—it’s about heritage, craftsmanship, and the emotional connection. Whether it’s a pair of sterling silver cufflinks, a handcrafted coin pendant, or an elegant gold bracelet, these pieces offer something that fast fashion simply can’t:
1. Quality Over Quantity
Consumers are choosing fewer, better pieces over an abundance of cheap accessories. This shift means investing in high-quality materials such as sterling silver, gold, and ethically sourced gemstones—pieces designed to last a lifetime.
2. Sentimental Value and Storytelling
Unlike mass-produced accessories, timeless jewellery carries meaning. Whether it’s a family heirloom, a coin necklace commemorating a special year, or a handcrafted piece celebrating a milestone, these items hold sentimental weight and personal history.
3. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing
As more people embrace sustainable fashion, jewellery brands are responding with ethically sourced materials, recycled metals, and handcrafted techniques that reduce waste. By choosing timeless jewellery, consumers are making a responsible choice for both the environment and future generations.
4. Investment in Longevity
Well-crafted jewellery isn’t just an accessory—it’s an investment. Unlike throwaway pieces, sterling silver and solid gold jewellery retain their value and can even appreciate over time. This makes them a smarter financial and sentimental purchase.
Prenoa: Championing Authentic Coin Jewellery
At Prenoa, we believe that jewellery should tell a story and hold genuine historical value. Our passion lies in sharing and educating others about the significance of real coins—each with its own history, character, and craftsmanship.
Unlike many mass-produced replicas that lack authenticity, our real coin jewellery is made from genuine, historically accurate coins. These are carefully selected and handcrafted into necklaces, bracelets, and cufflinks that will last for decades to come.
By using authentic coins instead of fake replicas, we ensure that every piece carries not just beauty, but real historical significance. Whether it’s a sixpence from the early 1900s, a timeless sovereign, or a unique international coin, our jewellery is designed to celebrate history while providing excellent value to our customers.
Why Throwaway is Out
The shift away from disposable jewellery mirrors a wider movement in fashion and lifestyle. People are prioritising longevity, craftsmanship, and sustainability over fleeting trends. The mindset of “buy less, buy better” is reshaping the way we think about jewellery, turning it back into an investment, rather than an impulse buy.
The Future of Jewellery: Meaningful, Lasting, and Responsible
As we move towards a more sustainable future, I feel the demand for high-quality jewellery will continue to rise. Whether it's for daily wear, special occasions, or future heirlooms, investing in well-made, meaningful pieces ensures that jewellery retains its value, beauty, and significance for years to come. This means we buy less, with more meaning.
At Prenoa, we celebrate this movement by offering authentic, handcrafted jewellery made from lasting materials. Our pieces aren’t just accessories—they are symbols of memories, milestones, and personal history. Explore our collection and discover jewellery that is made to last, not to be discarded.