From conception to completion

Hey !

Today I thought I would write about custom/bespoke designs and the basic process that we will go through to get a beautiful piece of jewellery for yourself or your loved one. On a single day last week I met with 4 clients (yes 4 …. exciting), two were for collection of custom designs, one was for a final sizing of rings before they are made up in the very luxurious 18ct. gold, also a custom design, and the final meeting was for the start of a engagement ring commission.

 Prototype silver wedding rings to be sized on client. Once done these will be remade in 18ct. gold

I am absolutely delighted I have constant requests for custom/bespoke designs, I am trusted by you, my customers to create the perfect design/s for what ever event you are celebrating. Be it a life commitment to each other, declaration of love, birthdays, anniversaries, memory jewellery, celebration of achievement …. the list is endless. So, I thought I would write a blog for you about the commission process if you are considering commissioning a piece of jewellery.

A ring I made to commission. The client provided her own emerald for this ring.

Contact me !! We can do face to face, phone, email , social media, even FaceTime if you wanted. Some clients have a clear idea of what they want, some don’t. We can talk through your ideas, deadlines and general thoughts and begin the process. Below I have listed the things we are likely to discuss.

 Design; What kind of piece of jewellery would you like? Maybe a ring, necklace with personalised charms, bangle sets ……. i could go on but i won’t !

Stones; Do you imagine stones being included, if so what kind ? Birth stones? Children or loved ones birth stones? or just a beautiful gem stone of choice because we like it, maybe you have a stone yourself you would like me to work with ?(blog coming soon on heritage jewellery)

Selection of gems I keep for commissions and one off designs

Metal; What metal would you like the piece to be made from ? I mainly work in silver but am happy to work in gold at any point. Gold is much more expensive but is always worth the consideration.

Finished 18ct wedding rings

Budget; This one always makes me a little cringe but now after a time of making jewellery I have come to realise this is a Very Very important question. From the clients point of view even if money is no object you will have a vague idea of a budget and how loosely this can be regarded. This is so I can get an idea of what materials are available for me to use in your design, then I can source the best materials for your budget. There is no point me telling you you can have a diamond ring when the budget doesn’t suit, but I will always be able to find a great alternative for you. This just ensures no false promises are made and both the client and myself are comfortable to move forward.

Deadline; the date you expect me to deliver the finished piece. I don’t miss deadlines, even if it means being up 4 days straight to get something finished. I’ve been known to have a pair of earrings made in a day so its always worth an ask if the deadline is very close. If I can’t do it in time i’ll say NO !!!

Once there is a clear idea for design, I will draw up some ideas for you and email them over.

Drawings for an emerald ring commission I made. Emerald was clients own stone.

Let me know!!Tell me what you think, I may get it right first time, if not we will go back to the drawing board and I will repeat the process until we get the design just right.

“Yes I prefer the stone to be set on a portrait setting but I can’t make my mind up between the top right picture of the “light setting” or the middle top one of the “medium setting”. I think if you do the light then you can always add to it can’t you so I will go with that.”

Above is feed back from the emerald ring design.

At this point it is all the housekeeping stuff.

• Confirmation of sizes (ring sizes, chain lengths etc)
• Making sure the order details are correct
• Price
• Payment method
• Double checking of deadline
• Please read terms and conditions for all of the above

Once we have got through all of that I will then personaly make your jewellery for you in my workshop in Cornwall.

This is me making wedding rings 🙂

When it has been finished, it comes to you as soon as possible and beautifully packaged. Hopefully you love it as much as I do 🙂

Please note.. my company ethics are those of creating a great experience for my clients. if there is anything you would like to discuss please just contact me !