It’s not simply choosing something that no one else has.
The word “custom” gets used pretty loosely in the jewelry business. Changing the metal color or putting a different stone into an existing mounting may be called custom. There’s nothing wrong with that, but true custom design is something different.
There are generally two ways I begin a custom design.
Sometimes the stone comes first. You may already own a diamond or gemstone, inherit one, or find a stone you absolutely love. We then design around its shape, dimensions, color and personality.
Other times, the design comes first. You know the look you want—the proportions, setting style or overall feel of the piece—and we source the stones specifically to make that design work.
Neither way is better. The important part is figuring out what matters most to you.
That discovery is also why I believe custom jewelry should be an experience, not simply a transaction. I want clients involved in the process—looking at stones, discussing possibilities, seeing the design develop and understanding why we’re making certain choices. Quite often, the finished piece isn’t exactly what someone pictured when they first walked in. It’s better, because we discovered things along the way.
After nearly 30 years in this industry and as a GIA Graduate Gemologist, I have watched the custom-design process change dramatically. Experience still matters—technology can’t tell you whether a diamond is beautiful or whether a design is going to look right on someone’s hand—but I’ve also embraced the advancements that have made us better at what we do.
CAD design, precision manufacturing and improved stone sourcing allow us to see and refine a piece before it is made, make adjustments earlier in the process and create complicated designs with remarkable accuracy.
And there is another benefit that sometimes surprises people: custom doesn’t necessarily mean more expensive anymore.
Years ago, creating a one-of-a-kind piece could involve considerably more hand labor, experimentation and expense. Today’s technology allows us to work much more efficiently. Combined with the ability to source stones specifically for a design, those efficiencies can translate into real savings for the customer.
Technology hasn’t replaced craftsmanship or experience. It’s given us better tools to use them.
Custom also doesn’t have to mean elaborate. Some of my favorite pieces are incredibly simple. The goal isn’t to add details just because we can or to make something obviously “custom.”
The goal is to create something that feels right for the person wearing it—and to make the process of getting there part of the experience.
Because in the end, you’re not just choosing a piece of jewelry from a case.
You’re getting to be part of creating it.
If you’re thinking about creating a custom piece or simply have questions, I’m here to help you decide whether it’s right for you. Christmas is just around the corner, so there is still time—but not much.
Call the studio at (636) 778-0352 for a phone consultation or to schedule an appointment. No deposit is required to explore whether a custom design is right for you.
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