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A customer recently asked me if I’d consider making cheaper stacking rings. Truth be told, the voice inside my head responded with a very quick “absolutely not!” However I wanted to be sure that I got back my customer in a very thorough (and thoughtful way). I’m a sensitive person and I try to live my life and run my business with intention. I’m an open book and always happy to share my “why” with anyone who is curious.
I will say, it’s not the first time I’ve heard a comment like “I love your designs but I can’t afford them.” I completely understand this sentiment. It’s true that jewelry can be found at almost any price point, so why are some pieces significantly more expensive than others? The short answer: QUALITY.
At CMD, quality isn’t just a buzzword — it’s a commitment and part of our company’s ethos. We thoughtfully choose the type of people to join our team and what materials to use. We put our heads together when we think about how we’ll bring the sketch on the yellow post-it to a finished object getting ready to ship out the door. Every decision is made with longevity, beauty, and craftswomanship in mind.
Let’s break it down a little more here.
Handmade jewelry carries a value that mass-produced pieces simply don’t. We’re a small team of five strong women, and from design to delivery we do it all! At CMD, every piece is cut, shaped, and soldered by hand in our Upstate New York Studio. Unlike mass-produced jewelry, which relies on molds and machinery, our pieces are crafted with precision and care by skilled artisans.
This process takes more time, but that’s exactly the point. A handmade piece is a labor of love, infused with intention and individuality.
Not all gold is created equal. You may have seen terms like gold-plated, gold vermeil, and gold-filled, but they are vastly different in durability and value.
Gold-plated jewelry has a base metal (like brass, nickel, or steel) with an ultra-thin layer of gold that can chip, flake, and fade quickly. It may look beautiful at first, but it won’t last.
Gold vermeil is a step up, with a thicker gold coating over sterling silver, but even this will wear down over time.
Gold-filled jewelry, which is what we use for our EVERYDAY line (14k gold-fill, sterling silver and non-diamond adorned items). Gold-fill is a thick layer of real 14K gold pressure-bonded to a brass core. It won’t rub off or tarnish easily, making it the next best thing to solid gold. Interested in learning more about why we work with the gold materials that we do? Check out my earlier blog, Why I Use Gold-fill in My Designs.
INTERESTING NOTE about gold-filled materials: A lot of jewelers won’t touch gold-filled materials with a 10-foot pole. It’s an extremely challenging material to work with in the studio. Each piece of wire has to be carefully treated (and protected) during the process of heating and handling it. It’s a labor of love and when the material is treated with care and respect, the finished pieces not only last a long time, they look absolutely stunning. In summary, it’s a pain in the ass to work with but over time, we’ve really dialed in our processes and have had incredible luck with it!
Solid Sterling Silver, tried and true. It’s timeless, durable, hypoallergenic and easy to clean. It’s our most affordable option, indeed!
Oxidized Sterling Silver is simply darkened sterling silver, but it’s important to understand the nature of this material. It’s a patina on the sterling. We sometimes carve lines or channels to preserve the oxidation. Read more about this material in my blog, Will My Oxidized Jewlery Stay Black Forever? We also created a DIY Oxidation Kit available for purchase on our website so you can maintain the treatment at home. I often tell people, oxidizing jewelry is like polishing your black leather boots… it takes work and commitment! But I understand, it’s the drama of the black that really catches all the eyes.
Solid 14K gold, which we use in our SPECIAL OCCASION pieces, is the ultimate investment. It lasts forever, can be passed down as an heirloom, and retains its intrinsic value. Plus, it’s just a stunningly beautiful material. (Read more on my favorite material below).
The truth is, you get what you pay for. A cheaper ring might seem like a good deal at the moment, but if it tarnishes, turns your skin green, or falls apart after a few wears, was it really worth it? To each their own, but we think not.
CMD jewelry is designed to last. With proper care, our gold-filled and sterling silver pieces can last a very long time, and our solid gold pieces will last forever. You don’t have to worry about replacing them year after year — they’re made to withstand daily wear, life’s adventures, and the test of time.
If you’re interested in investing in the highest quality heirloom jewelry, I always recommend considering a solid gold piece from our Special Occasion line. We also love taking on custom projects! If you have vision, book a virtual or in-person consult with me here and let's make it happen.
As I like to say, go for gold (and the diamonds, too) - you deserve it! If you need any further convincing to make the investment in an heirloom-quality piece, read my earlier blog, The Case for Solid.
Investing in quality also means investing in responsible production. We work with reputable suppliers and source materials from ethical origins. Fast fashion jewelry may be cheap, but it often comes at the cost of poor working conditions and environmentally harmful practices. At CMD, we prioritize sustainability and fair labor, ensuring that our pieces align with our values — and yours.
I’m also proud that I offer my employees a living wage, healthcare and retirement benefits along with paid holidays and vacation time. A lot of studios produce overseas to cut costs and make more money. We simply do not and will not. To me, manufacturing in our teeny tiny Upstate NY Studio is the only way to do it. And yes, this makes CMD pricier than the jewelry you can snag at any big box store.
So, would I ever consider making cheaper stacking rings? Nope! Because compromising quality is not an option. Every CMD piece is designed and crafted to be worn and loved for years.
We believe jewelry should be an investment — not just in style, but in craftswomanship, durability, and ethical responsibility. When you choose CMD, you’re not just buying jewelry; you’re choosing quality, integrity, and timeless beauty.
All that being said, it makes my heart happy to offer sales and a selection of more affordable pieces that enable you to add CMD to your personal collection —
Check out the Under $150 collection and some highly giftable, daintier pieces like the Spread the Love Necklace, Bracelet, and now Ring designs. These are delicate solid gold pieces but at a more approachable price point. The Petite Symbols Collection contains several pieces like this.
Next, look out for sales, discounts, and chances to earn CMD Bucks (AKA store credit). Be sure to sign up for the CMD Buck Reward Program, because we love gifting store credit to members throughout the year for repeat purchases, birthdays, and sometimes just because.
We want you to join the Stacking Club! Tune into our Happy Hour Sale, which takes place every few months or so. This event is a crowd favorite and a sweet way to save 20-25% on limited edition and best-selling ring and bracelet designs for a short time during the sale. The next one JUST HAPPENS to start TOMORROW (Thursday, February 27th), so set your alarms for 4pm ET to join me on Instagram Live for the official unveil of this month’s featured designs. Then… collect your favorites online here!
We offer discounts for joining our email and text lists, as well as special promotions on products and collections throughout the year. Occasionally, we even offer website-wide sales! While we don’t discount our solid gold and diamond-adorned pieces in the Special Occasion collection often… but, keep your eyes peeled because we have done it once or twice before! Join now by texting TELLMEFIRST to +1 (833) 993-0491 to be the first to hear about all sales, events, and new products — and to get first dibs on Happy Hour tomorrow!
Thank you for valuing what we do. We wouldn’t be here without you. If I haven’t answered your questions, please leave me a comment below.
Phew, I know that was a long one, thanks for reading if you made it this far. I appreciate you!
Yours truly,
Colleen
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