When it comes to bringing your jewelry ideas to life, one of the most important considerations are the materials you will use — namely, the metals and the stones. In fact, the metal you choose can very well define which part of the jewelry market you’re situated in — from fashion to fine jewelry

The nonprofit sector is in an enviable position from a brand perspective, as once a donor is acquired, they can often be loyal for life. But, getting people to hitch themselves to your organization and support your goals can be a tricky — and sometimes costly — endeavor. What we’ve found, though, is that jewelry is a unique way for nonprofits to not only grow revenue but further enhance organizational loyalty and cause-awareness.

There is actually a lot more to the jewelry industry than just different types of metals or ways to wear jewelry itself — there are very different sectors of the market where you can make your mark. So here, we’re going to give you a crash course on everything from costume to fine jewelry. Where do you see yourself shining?

The e-commerce and Direct To Consumer market has significantly changed the retail game the last few years. And when you look at the jewelry market in particular — which is poised to grow nearly 20-percent by 2021 — you can see how this sector is directly benefiting from the digital-shift.

Jewelry is more than an accessory, it speaks to who you are. Whether you slip it on every morning according to your outfit or never take your pieces off, if you wear jewelry, you often feel naked without it. Because of its ability to represent ourselves, our favorite brands, wealth, fashion sense and even love, jewelry is often revered as a powerful object. And when we look at the market today, it agrees.

Jewelry might be a universal treasure, but there are certain places in the world where artisans have perfected the craft. In this ongoing series, we’re going to highlight the incredible countries and cultures that are world-renowned for their jewelry-making skills. In this edition, we’re taking you to the silver experts in Mexico, the handmade gold jewelers in Turkey and stone carvers in India.