It’s Not Just Lara Green, The Real Crisis Destroying Local Jewelry Makers in the U.S.

By Katie Williams - Published: August 13, 2025 – Updated: 2 hours ago

Katie Williams is a senior writer covering artisan craftsmanship and cultural stories for Artisan Weekly.

Across the United States, family businesses have always been the backbone of our communities. From small farms to machine shops, from local diners to jewelry workshops, generations have taken pride in working with their hands and building something that lasts.

But today, an alarming trend is threatening that legacy: American jewelry makers are closing their doors at record speed.

A Vanishing Craft in America’s Heartland

In towns from Kentucky to Michigan, workshops that once rang with the sound of saws, hammers, and polishing wheels now sit quiet. Skilled jewelers who learned the trade from their parents and grandparents are walking away, not because they want to, but because they can’t compete with cheap imports flooding in from overseas.

China produces jewelry at a fraction of the cost. They cut corners on labor standards, materials, and environmental responsibility. And while those products show up in U.S. stores at bargain prices, the hidden cost is devastating: jobs lost, skills forgotten, and proud small businesses forced to shut down.

Why It Matters to You

When you buy a piece of quality jewelry, you’re doing more than just treating yourself. You’re:

• Supporting Local Families. Every purchase keeps paychecks flowing into American households, often in small towns where good jobs are harder to come by.

• Preserving Tradition. Craftsmanship, artistry, and pride don’t happen on an assembly line. They’re passed down, often through generations.

• Investing in Quality. Jewelry made well is designed to last. It isn’t the disposable, fast-fashion trinket that tarnishes or breaks after a few wears.

• Keeping Communities Strong. Local businesses pay local taxes, sponsor little league teams, and keep our towns alive.

This isn’t just about jewelry. It’s about what kind of country we want to be.

Lara Green Jewelry: Standing Up for American Craft

One company still fighting this battle is Lara Green Jewelry. Daily, we’re inspired by American designers to create pieces that honor tradition while bringing beauty into everyday life.

Every ring, necklace, or bracelet we sell helps prove that American manufacturing can survive, if enough people believe it’s worth protecting.

We refuse to cut corners. We source responsibly, we treat workers fairly, and we believe that the piece you wear should carry more than sparkle. It should carry meaning.

The Real Cost of Buying Cheap

It’s tempting to grab a $2 necklace on Temu. But consider this:

• Will it still shine five years from now?

• Was it made with safe, ethical practices?

• Does it support anyone in your community?

More often than not, the answer is no. And every time we choose the “cheap” option, we make it harder for American businesses to survive.

A Movement You Can Join

America knows the value of hard work. We know that a handshake matters, that family legacies deserve respect, and that quality is worth paying for.

Choosing American-inspired jewelry is about more than style. It’s about pride. It’s about protecting jobs in our towns, honoring the skills of our neighbors, and making sure that our children grow up in a country that still values craft and character.

Take Action Today

Lara Green Jewelry invites you to stand with us. Every purchase is a vote, for fairness, for quality, for American families.

Explore our American-inspired collection today and see what it feels like to wear something with meaning.

Shop Lara Green Jewelry Now

Because once these workshops are gone, they may never come back. And we believe the South, the Midwest, and the entire country deserve better than that.