How Thefts Affect Small Businesses Like Ours

From the very first glimmer of an idea to the final polish before it leaves our hands, every piece of jewellery at Twelve Silver Trees has its own journey. Inspired by nature, history, and art, each design is carefully crafted in sterling silver and gold. For us, jewellery isn’t just something you wear—it’s something that tells a story.

But along with the joy of creating comes a challenge that isn’t always easy to talk about: theft. Sadly, it’s something we’ve experienced, and the impact on a small independent businesses like ours is far greater than many people might realise.

The True Cost Of Theft

For large retailers, a stolen item can often be written off. For a small jewellery business, the loss of even a single pendant or pair of earrings means more than the value of the piece itself. It represents:

• The hours spent working on and sourcing designs 
• The cost of high-quality sterling silver, gold, and gemstones
• The time taken to prepare it for a market or photograph it for the website

Replacing that piece isn’t simple. It comes directly from our pocket and our time—meaning less to reinvest in new designs, materials, and opportunities to share our jewellery on our website, artisan markets and events.

The Emotional Side

Theft isn’t just a financial issue—it’s also emotional. Every item of jewellery carries with it part of our creativity and passion. When something is stolen, it feels like more than just stock lost—it’s a piece of our story taken without thought. It can be disheartening and, at times, discouraging, especially when so much joy usually comes from curating jewellery for our customers.

The Challenge of Mail Theft

Theft doesn’t only happen at markets—it can also occur once an item leaves us

Sadly, we’ve seen cases where jewellery parcels are:

• Delivered to the wrong address
• Left unattended on doorsteps or in unsecured places
• Intercepted or go missing in transit

Although these situations are completely outside our control, as the seller we are often responsible for replacing the order. This means absorbing the cost of the materials, the hours spent creating the piece, and the postage—sometimes more than once.

For a small independent business, mail theft or delivery issues can be just as damaging as in-person theft. While we do everything we can to package and send your jewellery securely, we also rely on postal services and couriers to ensure it reaches you safely.

How can I help make sure my deliveries arrive safely?

• Firstly - carefully check that your delivery address is correct & written in the correct format. 
• If you won’t be home, consider using a work address, parcel locker, or collection point.
• Opt for tracked or signed-for delivery when available.
• Keep an eye on your tracking updates and let the provider know quickly if anything seems unusual.

Why Your Support Matters So Much

This is why your support means the world to us. Every purchase of handcrafted sterling silver jewellery, every kind word at a market, and every recommendation to a friend reminds us why we do what we do.

When you choose to support small businesses like Twelve Silver Trees, you’re not just buying jewellery—you’re helping sustain creativity, craftsmanship, and tradition. You’re enabling us to keep exploring new designs, from nature-inspired pendants to unique gemstone rings, and to bring them to life for people who truly value handmade work.

How You Can Help

• Shop small and independent: Every purchase has a direct, positive impact.
• Spread the word: Recommend your favourite independent jewellery makers to friends and family, or share our work online.
• Be part of the community: Stop by our stall at markets, follow our journey, or simply say hello—these small moments of connection make a big difference.
• Be mindful of deliveries: Where possible, use secure delivery options, request signed-for parcels, or collect from a post office or locker if you know you won’t be home.

Why It Matters to Talk About This

We share this not to complain, but to raise awareness. When you support a small business, you’re supporting a person, a family, a dream. Every purchase matters. Every kind review, every recommendation, every person who chooses to shop small rather than with a faceless giant makes a huge difference.

And while theft is something that sadly will always happen, your support helps balance out those losses. It reminds us why we do what we do and keeps the heart of the business beating.

So, from all of us at Twelve Silver Trees: thank you. Thank you for being part of our story, for valuing handmade, and for standing with small businesses through the good times and the tough times.