The design and creation of bespoke jewellery is about more than creating a statement piece; it should be the process of defining something that is representative of your individuality.

A great custom piece should demonstrate quality workmanship, a design that has been perfected for you, and as a result, it should be more than unique. It should have a quality about it that transcends other pieces of jewellery. Whether it has a subtlety all of its own or stands out as a bold challenge to the world, nobody should be able to deny that when they describe your bespoke piece, they are describing you.

Jewellery can be unique without being of a high quality. Bespoke design doesn’t necessarily mean a good or aesthetically pleasing design. Therefore, before work begins you should give consideration to the process you are about to go through, and how to make sure the end result is perfect
Remember, you are an expert on what you like, and how you live. Your jeweller is an expert on stones, precious metals and how they can best interact. The design process is most effective when you both allow each other to lead the way in your areas of expertise. Your jeweller should not try to define your taste or dictate what is in fashion at the expense of your preferences. Their job is to help you understand what is practical and possible, and work with you to define and realise your vision. Likewise, your job is not to relentlessly pursue avenues that are impractical or impossible. Jewellers work with tangible materials that adhere to the laws of science – some things simply cannot be done.

At the core of this is the relationship. Don’t underestimate the importance of each of you being able to communicate your expertise. A bespoke design appointment should never be rushed and the conversation should be one of openness and honesty rather than one of either of you trying to make a point. Come to your designer with examples ripped from magazines, drawings on napkins and pictures of stones that you love. Tell them your perfect scenario so that they can work with you to make it happen. Most importantly, don’t assume that they can read your mind and that something is, “common sense.” There is a time and a place for assumption and custom jewellery design is not one of those times.
Unique jewellery is hard work for everyone. Unlike traditional pieces which are destined for display cabinets and locked boxes, a bespoke piece is made with a person in mind. There is a level of accountability and an awareness of the trust that has been placed on the jeweller’s shoulders. Likewise, the prospect of trying to take an image in your head and communicate it to, even the best designer, is a confronting and exhausting one.

But when you try on a piece of jewellery that no one else in the world has ever worn before, you discovered that custom jewellery is a reminder that you are unique, and anything unique is worth the effort.