Where Does the Price Difference Come From and Why Does It Matter?

When looking for an engagement ring, price and quality are probably the first things that come to mind. But have you ever thought about the fine work and carefully selected stones behind it? When comparing hand-set diamonds to machine-set ones, the differences in quality, ethics, and price become clear.

Hand-Set Diamonds: Precision and Dedication

At Keefirivunts OÜ, every diamond is set by hand. This sets us apart from mass-produced jewelry, where machines and, often, unethical labor are used. Let me tell you a bit more about why handcrafted jewelry is worth its price.

Our artisans carefully set each diamond by hand, a process that’s both slow and precise. It requires skill, knowledge, and experience. The jeweler’s eye and hand adapt to each diamond’s unique features, ensuring an ideal setting that keeps the stone secure while maximizing its beauty and longevity within the piece.

In mass production, on the other hand, machines like CNC equipment are used to set diamonds. These machines are fast and efficient, but they lack the finesse to adapt to the uniqueness of each stone. The machine’s work is standardized, meaning that if a stone is irregular or has small imperfections, these flaws remain uncorrected, and the result is often subpar. While the stone is secured, it simply can’t compare to the quality of a hand-set, carefully inspected stone where every detail has been perfected.

Mass Production: Cheap Labor and Machine-Set Diamonds

A significant portion of jewelry production has been outsourced to countries with cheap labor, often under questionable working conditions. Several large brands have been caught using low-cost labor and even mistreating their workers. For instance, the world-famous brand P****** has faced criticism for employing long hours at low wages on their production lines, where proper quality control is often lacking. While this approach reduces manufacturing costs, it does not provide the same quality or transparency as that of a smaller artisan jeweler.
Another well-known crystal and jewelry producer, S********, has been criticized for the working conditions associated with its production. In countries where their products are manufactured, there have been issues with low wages and worker overload. The company has also been accused of neglecting the environmental impacts of its production processes. In contrast, our diamond setters work here in Estonia, where they are experienced specialists in their field and receive fair wages and

good working conditions. Beyond ethical considerations, this means that every piece leaving our hands is created with genuine dedication—not just for quick profit.

Where Does the Price Difference Come From?

It’s simple: time and skill come at a cost. Handcrafted rings require more expertise and time, which naturally increases their price—and their value. When a ring is made by machines, with every step of the production cycle done in a factory line, the company saves on materials and labor, resulting in a cheaper product. While a machine-made ring and a handcrafted piece may look similar at first glance, they are far from equal. An engagement ring is something you’ll likely buy only once in a lifetime. So why settle for a ring made quickly

and impersonally when you’re celebrating a relationship you’ve built with love and care?

Summary: Why Choose a Ring with Hand-Set Diamonds?

With a handcrafted engagement ring, every detail is carefully thought out and created with dedication. It’s not just another piece of jewelry; it’s an investment representing the resilience and beauty of your relationship. Hand-set diamonds, ethical working conditions, and meticulous craftsmanship result in a ring that is higher in quality and longer-lasting than any mass-produced alternative. At Keefirivunts OÜ, we believe that an engagement ring should be more than just beautiful—it should be meaningful and timeless. If you value quality, ethics, and timeless beauty, a handcrafted engagement ring is the perfect choice.