Custom Jewellery Design and Bespoke Commissions
What is the difference between customised and bespoke jewellery?
If you like the look of one of my pieces but would like it remade in a different metal or incorporating gemstones, this would be a customised commission.
If a piece of jewellery is one-of-a-kind and has been designed specifically for you, it is a bespoke commission. There are so many reasons why people come to me with their bespoke jewellery requests: it could be an engagement ring, wedding ring or maybe something special for yourself or someone you care about.
As a sustainable jewellery designer, I particularly enjoy creating new jewellery using the client’s old or inherited jewellery. This is not only a more ethical way of making jewellery, it also allows the client to wear previously unworn accessory that may have sentimental value. This is classed as ‘remodelling’.
The process of custom jewellery design allows me to work one-on-one with a client, to create their modern heirloom jewellery piece.
What does the process of custom or bespoke jewellery involve?
The journey of custom jewellery commissions, starts when you email me with your jewellery ideas. I will let you know if your request is something that I can help you with: all jewellery makers have their own styles, so it’s important to choose a jewellery designer with a similar aesthetic to you or one whose style you admire. Custom jewellery design is a collaboration between the jeweller and the client, it’s therefore important that both parties are happy. Next, I would suggest an in-person or video consultation to further discuss your ideas. If this is not possible, then I recommend that my client’s put together images or sketches (artistic skill is not required) that they can share with me to help develop the design.
“Ange is amazing! She has taken my Nana’s engagement ring and worked with us to create a brand new design, unique in every way, whilst retaining the sentiment and history of the original piece of jewelry. Ange is a great listener and communicator and genuinely cares about her work and the satisfaction of her clients. I cannot recommend Ange or her design skills more highly. We both feel privileged that Ange has become part of our story!”
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Do you make ethical engagement rings and wedding rings?
Yes - I love using preloved or unworn heirloom jewellery to create new custom design pieces. It’s not only a great way to reduce waste but it’s also the perfect way of incorporating the sentiment and memories of preloved jewellery into something that symbolises a new relationship. As a maker of ethical jewellery, I use only recycled silver and gold in my work, as well as sourcing ethically produced gemstones (like Ocean Diamonds or lab-grown stones).
How long does a custom jewellery commission take to make?
This will be dependent on a few factors. Firstly the type of jewellery piece that you’d like made - rings and larger items like bracelets need to be sent away for hallmarking, and this can take up to 10 working days. If you have a specific deadline, for example an engagement party or wedding date, it’s best to give as much notice as possible. This allows time not only for designing but also for fitting and delivery. Ideally, I like to give 6-8 weeks when embarking on a custom made jewellery commission.
How much does custom made jewellery cost?
The price of my custom made jewellery designs, would be dependent upon on the piece and the materials required (e.g. gold is more expensive than silver). Other factors that affect the cost are design time and labour. It’s helpful if you have a rough idea of your budget, as this will help me to make my service as accessible as possible.
Once the design has been agreed, I will provide you with an itemised quote and a completion date for the commission. An initial payment of 50% is required once the quote has been approved, with the remainder payable on completion.
All of my custom made jewellery is hallmarked at the London Assay Office , this is included in the total cost of your bespoke commission. As already mentioned, the hallmarking process can take up to two weeks, so please bear this in mind when considering the timeframe of your custom order.
The cost of any custom made jewellery design is non-refundable.
Need a few more details?
Please feel free to drop me an email if you have any further questions or if you’d like to discuss your custom jewellery ideas.
“When I decided that I wanted a special piece of bespoke jewellery for a special birthday, Angela was my first and only choice.From the very beginning Angela kept in contact with me about design ideas and once we agreed on the concept she worked her magic and made it happen!I’m so thrilled with my piece - I wear my ring every day and it gets lots of compliments.I already have another piece that I’m planning for Angela to cast her eye over, and I know she won’t disappoint”