You are buying an original design by the original artist. I hand assemble my jewelry at my home studio, including all wire wrapping, soldering, hand fabrication, etc. I make and sculpt many items myself (I do not use mass produced findings). When needed, I work with a few reputable foundries that I have good long-standing relationships with for casting. The silver that I use is the highest quality .925 sterling silver which is nickel free. I also make my jewelry out of pure silver clay, silver wire, copper, beads and pearls which are handmade, soldered and forged by me. "I believe the difference is in the tiny details, from my articulated pendants, right down to my custom crown charms!"