The most common questions we get asked about bespoke jewelry
How do I explain or describe the jewelry piece that I want designed? What do you need from me?
You need to translate your jewelry idea to something that your jeweler is able to envision too, and this is usually done with a sketch or photo. Sketches and photos don’t have to be perfect or exact, but you do need to provide your jeweler with something that will convey your jewelry vision.
Tip: If you’re not sure about what you want, we suggest that you perform a Google search for similar pieces. Look for different ideas and styles that match your tastes. You can save photos, and use them as a guide to explain exactly what you want.
How is the price of a bespoke jewelry piece determined?
Several factors are taken into consideration when determining the price of a custom jewelry piece such as the complexity of the design, the types of metals used, the types of gemstones used, and the finish. It’s a good idea to share your budget with the jeweler so that he can offer you different production options to match your budget. For example, you might decide to use man made diamonds instead of natural diamonds, or go with smaller gemstones rather than larger, more costly gems. Keep in mind, that sometimes it can be difficult to give a quote on a piece before the design is ready, especially if the design uses a lot of gems or gold. In this case, a common practice is to design the piece first and then show the client the different production options.
Can I make sure that I like the design, before it’s produced?
Bespoke jewelry should be designed in partnership with the client so that the final piece does not stray from the client’s original idea. If there are issues with the design to begin with, experienced jewelers can usually spot the problems and iron out the issues before beginning the design process. With CAD (designing with a computer) jewelry, there are added benefits; you can view the model before it’s cast and you can see a photo-realistic render that shows you how your jewelry vision will look as a finished piece. These two tools will give you a great deal of confidence (andexcitement) when approving the design.
What metals and gemstones do you work in?
This is another great question as working in different metals and with a variety of different gemstones not only provide more design creativity and flexibility, but the variety also makes it easier to match your budget. The most common metals are silver, gold and platinum. Silver can be gold or rhodium plated to make it much more durable, and you can request nickel-free plating if you are allergic to nickel.
How long will it take before I receive the piece?
The complexity of your design is the most important factor in determining the length of time it takes to complete the design. For production, other factors affect the time such as the metals used, the size of the piece, the setting requested, if engravings or platings were asked for, and if there are several parts to the piece. At Jewelrythis, the average projects takes one week to design and three weeks to produce.Complicated pieces, where a special diamond needs to be sourced, or when more than 50 diamonds need to be set, can take longer.
Can I incorporate an heirloom stone?
Not all custom jewelry stores will agree to use heirloom gemstones or gemstones you already have in your possession instead of the gemstones they stock, and this could be a game changer for someone who holds a sentimental attachment to a gemstone from another piece. Even for budgeting reasons, having your jeweler use your gemstones for your bespoke piece might be important to you. If it is, always check up front if your jewelry store is willing to use gemstones that you already possess.
How often will my engagement ring need cleaning and maintenance?
The type of maintenance and cleaning needed for your jewelry piece depends on the types of metals and gemstones it has, and the frequency of cleaning depends on how often you wear your jewelry and what it’s exposed too. Also, some jewelry is more difficult to clean than others because it has more in-between spots that are hard to reach. Your jewelry will be able to easily answer this question, but feel free to read our post on how to clean fine jewelry.
Does your jewelry come with appraisals and certificates?
For the average piece, no certificate or appraisal is needed. For the more expensive pieces, especially if it involves pricey diamonds, a certificate will be included with the project. Another option is to request an appraisal report, this can serve as a proof of value for your insurance company. If you’d like an appraisal, please remember to mention that before the piece is produced, as it’s much easier and less expensive to request a third-party appraisal to identify the jewelry piece’s composition when the piece is being made (e.g weighing the stones) than after it’s been set. An appraisal report costs about $150. We suggest you check out our blog post on busting common myths about jewelry appraisals.
At Jewelrythis, we’re always here to help before, during, and after you’ve begun your bespoke project.
Ready to create your dream bespoke jewelry?
