Creating Your Own Bespoke Jewellery: A Guide To Getting It Right

by Jason Blaiklock

Have you ever thought about designing your own jewellery? The industry calls this a "bespoke" piece, and it's an exciting, refreshing process that results in a piece of jewellery that's entirely yours.

By taking part in the creation process, you’re not just buying jewellery; you’re crafting a meaningful, sentimental treasure that reflects your personal style.

However, to ensure you end up with the piece you envisioned, it's essential to follow certain procedures. Whether you're refreshing an existing piece, resizing a beloved ring, or repairing a cherished pendant or earring, these tips will help you have a great experience.

Tips For Getting The Design Right

  1. Clear Communication with Your Jeweller
    Ensure your jeweller takes detailed notes of all your design instructions and specific requests. This includes the type of gold, gemstone details, diamonds, setting preferences, ring size, chain size, and more.

  2. Accurate Personal Information
    Provide your correct full name, phone number, email, and delivery address. This might seem basic, but accurate details are crucial to avoid any delays or mistakes.

  3. Keep a Backup of All Order Details
    Maintain a record of notes and photos related to your order, such as setting preferences, preferred colours, comparable items, and your customer details. This will help if there’s any need to revisit the design or specifications.

  1. Request an Order Summary
    After placing your order, you should receive a summary that includes an expected production date and a fixed quote. If there’s any potential for variance in the cost, make sure it has been discussed and flagged beforehand.

  2. Understand the Craftsmanship Involved
    Hand-making jewellery is a time-honoured tradition. If you need your piece quickly, expect to pay a premium for the jeweller's added pressure. The same applies to ring resizing; avoid insisting on "same-day" service, as it increases the risk of damaging your jewellery.

  3. Allow Time for Complex Resizing
    Rings with side stones, such as diamonds, Cubic Zirconia, or other gemstones on the band, require more time for resizing. Rushing this process can lead to complications or damage.

  4. Plan for Delivery Time
    For bespoke orders, the typical delivery time is 5-6 weeks from when your quote and design brief are confirmed. Patience is key to receiving a beautifully crafted piece that meets your expectations.

Designing your own jewellery is a unique and rewarding experience. Whether you're aiming to create a one-of-a-kind piece or redesign a cherished item, the journey from concept to completion is both exciting and personal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Get Educated on the Design Process

Before diving into your design, it's crucial to understand the basics. Start by receiving a lesson or instructions on the design process from your jeweller. You’ll be shown actual rings, pendants, or earrings—often from existing stock—so you can choose a style that resonates with you or find inspiration for your concept.

Don’t hesitate to explore designs online for additional ideas.

Step 2: Design Your Jewellery

Once you have a clear vision, it's time to design your piece. Begin by modifying or developing the examples you've seen or comparing designs online. Even if you’re not an artist, a simple concept sketch is a great place to start.

This rough sketch will serve as the foundation for your bespoke item, helping to convey your ideas to the jeweller.

Step 3: Get a Quote

With your design in hand, it's time to understand the costs involved. Discuss any unique requests, such as a custom design, expedited delivery, or fast production, with your jeweller.

Be aware that prices can vary based on complexity and time frame. For reference, the “Ghellers Guide,” an international pricing standard for jewellery, states that an average ring makeup costs around $2,500 USD.

What If It’s Not What I Expected?

Handmade jewellery is crafted with precision, often starting with a hand-carved wax model. Your design should be an exact match to your specifications, especially with the help of modern tools like CAD software that allows for 3D renders of your concept.

There’s no excuse for discrepancies, so ensure your jeweller provides a detailed preview before production begins.

What If I’m Not Satisfied?

If the final product doesn’t meet your expectations, your jeweller should be willing to adjust, fix, or modify the item to align with the agreed-upon design. In some cases, they may even remake the piece to ensure your complete satisfaction.

It’s important to discuss these possibilities upfront to avoid disappointment.

How Safe is Shipping?

When it comes to shipping, safety and security are paramount. FedEx is internationally recognised for secure shipping, and many jewellers offer additional insurance coverage. Opt for a door-to-door service with a signature request to prevent your precious item from being left unattended. Tracking services also allow you to coordinate delivery to a convenient location, whether at home or work.

Be mindful of potential import or export duties, especially for newly completed pieces, and ensure your jeweller provides accurate shipping documentation to minimise unexpected fees.

How Can I Design My Own Jewellery?

Designing your own jewellery is an exciting and fun process, and you don’t need to be a professional artist or designer to succeed. Start by identifying the types of jewellery you love, whether it’s something you’ve seen on others or a style you admire online. Create an inspiration board on Pinterest to gather ideas.

Begin your design by sketching around the gemstones you want to use. Add a simple bale, shoulder setting, or motif, and then outline your piece in gold, incorporating design elements like small diamonds for added sparkle.

The key is to let your creativity flow and keep the design simple, especially if your chosen gemstone is the star of the show.

Remember: Confidence is Key

Designing jewellery is 99% confidence and 1% artistic or CAD skill. Don’t get stuck thinking you’re not a designer or good enough artist.

What matters most is knowing what you like and having the confidence to bring your vision to life. Trust your instincts, and you’ll create a piece that’s uniquely yours. Contact us today to learn more!

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