By Marc Bendall, Master Jeweller
Custom Jewellery Guide: A Beginner's Overview
Custom jewellery offers the opportunity to create something truly unique – a piece crafted specifically for you, reflecting your personal style and story. If you're considering commissioning a custom piece, here's what you need to know.
What Is Custom Jewellery?
Custom jewellery is created from scratch based on your vision, rather than selecting from existing designs. It's the difference between buying a house and building one – you're involved in every decision, from materials to final details.
Why Choose Custom?
Perfect Personal Fit: Custom pieces are designed around your lifestyle, preferences, and physical needs. No more compromising on size, style, or functionality.
Meaningful Connection: When you're part of the creation process, your jewellery carries deeper emotional significance. It tells your story in a way mass-produced pieces simply can't.
Superior Quality: Custom jewellers typically use premium materials and traditional craftsmanship techniques, resulting in pieces built to last generations.
Complete Design Freedom: Love elements from different pieces? Want to incorporate family stones? Custom work means no limitations beyond your imagination and budget.
The Custom Process
1. Consultation Discuss your vision, lifestyle, budget, and the story behind your piece. This is where ideas take shape and possibilities are explored.
2. Design Development Your jeweller creates sketches and technical drawings, refining the design until it perfectly captures your vision.
3. Material Selection Choose metals, gemstones, and special elements based on your preferences, budget, and practical considerations.
4. Crafting Skilled artisans handcraft your piece using traditional techniques, typically taking 4-8 weeks depending on complexity.
5. Final Fitting Your completed piece is fitted, adjusted if needed, and you receive care instructions and documentation.
Types of Custom Projects
Engagement and Wedding Rings: Celebrate your unique love story
Anniversary Pieces: Mark special milestones with meaningful designs
Heirloom Redesigns: Transform inherited jewellery into something you'll love wearing
Statement Pieces: Create dramatic jewellery for special occasions
Everyday Luxury: Elegant pieces designed for daily wear
Understanding Costs
Custom jewellery costs vary based on materials, complexity, and craftsmanship required. While typically more expensive than mass-produced pieces, custom work often represents better value when considering quality, personalization, and lasting significance.
Experienced jewellers can help optimize your budget by suggesting alternatives that achieve your vision without compromising quality.
Material Options
Metals
Platinum: Most durable and hypoallergenic, with a naturally white color that won't oxidise
18k Gold: Available in yellow, white, and rose (white does require to be rhodium plated every year, depending on the wearer)
14k Gold: Similar durability for everyday wear
9k Gold: More affordable again than 18k or 14k but 9k yellow oxidises if exposed to hot pools
Note: For all the above, the durability does also depend on the thickness of the metal
Sterling Silver: Can oxidise and is the softest of the precious metals
Gemstones
Diamonds: Hardest natural material, perfect for daily wear. Lab grown diamonds are also an option where one has budget restraints
Sapphires/Rubies: Extremely durable in many colors
Emeralds: Stunning, vibrant and captivating
Alternative stones: Unique colors and character
Common Concerns Addressed
"What if I don't like it?" The thorough design process ensures satisfaction before crafting begins. Adjustments can be made if needed.
"How long does it take?" Most pieces require 4-8 weeks from design approval to completion.
"Is it too expensive?" Custom jewellery is accessible at various price points with honest budget discussions.
"What about warranties?" Quality jewellers provide documentation for insurance and lifetime maintenance services.
Getting Started
Gather inspiration from pieces you love
Set a realistic budget including a small buffer. Also be aware that all precious metals fluctuate daily, and likewise diamonds and all stones as all are priced in USD and then converted on the day of consultation
Research experienced jewellers with relevant portfolios
Schedule a consultation to discuss your project
Ask questions about process, timeline, and costs
The Emotional Journey
Creating custom jewellery is about more than the final piece – it's about the journey of bringing your vision to life. The process often becomes as meaningful as the jewellery itself, creating lasting memories alongside your unique treasure.
Custom jewellery requires patience and planning, but the reward is owning something that exists nowhere else in the world – a piece that tells your story and reflects your individuality.
If you're ready to explore the possibilities of custom jewellery, the first step is simply starting the conversation with an experienced jeweller who can guide you through the process and help bring your vision to life.
Marc Bendall has been creating custom jewellery in Christchurch for over 40 years. His studio in Sumner welcomes clients seeking personalized pieces that celebrate their unique stories and style. Contact Marc at 03 384 5156 or 021 896 667 to begin your custom jewellery journey.
