The "Cost-Per-Wear" Equation: Why a $100 Bracelet is Cheaper Than a $10 One

We have all done it.

You are standing at a checkout counter, or scrolling through a fast-fashion app. You see a bracelet for $10 (or Rp 150,000). It’s shiny, it’s trendy, and it costs less than a lunch. You think, "Why not? It’s a steal."

Then, you see a bracelet at Praijing made of solid Sterling Silver and natural gemstones. The price is higher. You hesitate. You think, "That’s an investment. Do I really need to spend that much?"

The answer lies in a simple mathematical concept called Cost-Per-Wear (CPW).

If you run the numbers, you will realize something shocking: The "cheap" bracelet is actually the most expensive item in your wardrobe, and the "expensive" Praijing bracelet is essentially free.

Here is the math to prove it.

What is Cost-Per-Wear?

The price tag is what you pay once. Cost-Per-Wear is what you pay every time you use it.

The formula is simple:

Total Price ÷ Number of Times Worn = Cost-Per-Wear

Let’s break down the two scenarios.

Scenario A: The "Bargain" Accessory

You buy a trendy bracelet made of mystery metal and plastic beads for $10.

• Week 1: You wear it everyday. It looks great.

• Week 2: The elastic starts to fray. The metal coating starts to chip, revealing copper underneath.

• Week 4: It leaves a green stain on your wrist, or it snaps. You throw it in the trash.

You wore it perhaps 10 times.

$10 ÷ 10 wears = $1.00 per wear.

Scenario B: The Praijing Investment

You buy a handcrafted Crystalegance bracelet made of 925 Sterling Silver and genuine Black Onyx for $100.

• Year 1: You wear it to work 3 times a week. It doesn't tarnish (or shines up easily). The stones don't fade.

• Year 2: It’s still your go-to accessory for meetings.

• Year 3: It has become your signature piece.

Let’s say you wear it just 3 times a week for 3 years. That is roughly 450 wears.

$100 ÷ 450 wears = $0.22 per wear.

** The Verdict:** The "cheap" bracelet actually costs 5x more per day than the luxury one.

The Hidden Costs of "Cheap"

Beyond the math, there are hidden taxes you pay when you buy low-quality jewelry.

1. The "Re-Buy" Tax

When the cheap bracelet breaks in a month, you have to buy another one. And another one. Over three years, you might spend $300 replacing cheap junk, whereas the one high-quality piece would have lasted the whole time.

2. The "Professional" Tax

Cheap jewelry looks cheap. Plastic beads have seams. Plated metal looks yellow and fake.

In a professional setting, details matter. Wearing a piece of authentic Sumba craftsmanship signals that you value quality. Wearing disposable fashion signals that you cut corners.

3. The "Eco" Tax

Fast fashion is a disaster for the planet. Buying ten plastic bracelets that end up in a landfill is wasteful. Buying one piece of silver—a precious metal that can be melted down, recycled, and restored forever—is a sustainable choice.

Why Praijing Lasts Longer

The reason our Cost-Per-Wear is so low is because our materials are built to survive real life.

• 925 Sterling Silver: We don't use plated brass. We use solid silver that can be polished back to a shine even after 100 years.

• Natural Stones: Unlike glass or plastic, natural gemstones like Amethyst and Tiger’s Eye are hard and durable. They have survived inside the earth for millions of years; they can survive your daily commute.

Conclusion

The next time you hesitate at a higher price tag, do the mental math.

Are you buying a disposable toy for a dollar a day? Or are you buying a lifetime companion for 20 cents a day?

Stop renting your style. Own it.

Invest in something that lasts. Explore the durable, handcrafted collections at Praijing.com today.