The Art of Refinement: Pro Tips for Creating Custom Fine Jewelry Part 1

Creating Heirloom Quality, Chaos Free, Truly Special Custom Jewelry 

When exploring the possibilities of custom jewelry, it's easy to become distracted and overwhelmed by what seem like endless options.  We totally get it... there are so many opportunities for personalization: birthstones, names, quotations, dates, initials, astrological constellations or signs, motifs like hearts or infinity symbols... it can be daunting when all you really want to do is make something beautiful and personal. After all, a piece of fine jewelry might just be the most personal gift one can give. 

Beware of Chaos

And while the loveliest of sentiments, personalization can go wrong very quickly.  Not sure what we mean?  Google search  "mother's jewelry" and prepare yourself for absolute and total chaos.  

In the online abyss of easily accessible, highly customizable,  immediately available jewelry, we wonder if perhaps the actual significance of such a gift has been forgotten? Afterall, custom or bespoke fine jewelry is the most time honored, generational and luxurious gift with which we celebrate.  

Step 1. Find Your Designer

Have a certain style in mind?  Look for an experienced custom jeweler who works in your desired look.  They will guide you toward thoughtful design choices, point out potential pitfalls, and ensure quality.  A seasoned, professional designer won't be afraid to kindly advise against unintentionally problematic design elements and suggest alternatives. Be wary of the eager and very well intended sales associate who promises "if you can dream it, we can design it." 

Step 2: Consider Longevity 

As our team goes about the daily work of stone sourcing, sketching, planning, modeling, prototyping and creating, we strive for each piece that comes off our goldsmithing benches to be heirloom quality and to someday, with appropriate stewardship, carry on as a familial touchstone.  We consider a piece's longevity in terms of both structure and of style.  Sure, any piece we create today will at some point be a relic of the past. It's the nature of time. But for the present we can still avoid mess and cliche and create beauty. We expertly guide our clients to choose considerate design details that will uplift and compliment the wearer, resulting in bespoke pieces that are intimate, effortless and luxurious. Heirloom quality jewelry must be designed with mindful consideration of trends and crafted with materials that will last.

Step 3: Refine your Design

Consider how many elements you incorporate into your custom design. Engravings, initials, dates, names, birthstones, astrological signs, inspirational symbols etc are all fun ideas...  but should be incorporated with a gentle touch. Limit or repeat your design elements to achieve a cohesive, impactful look.  Frankly you don't actually need to use ANY of these elements in your bespoke piece.  Some of the most successful and beautiful pieces we've ever made were simply created as a gift with the spirit of the receiver in mind... simply and elegantly highlighting a beautiful diamond or gemstone.