One of the choices that you get to make when selecting a piece of fine jewelry is whether to go with a pre-designed (ready-made) piece or design one of your own
Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing between the two, and the benefits and features of both.
Design
One of the biggest differences between custom-made jewelry and pre-made or mass-produced pieces comes down to design. Mass-produced pieces are designed to be identical to one another, in quality and design. This design is selected, engineered, and the materials are procured in order to make hundreds, if not thousands of the same piece, to exacting specifications.
Custom-designed jewelry, on the other hand, is something that is either inspired by you, your loved one, or can even spring from the mind of a trusted, passionate, and experienced custom jewelry designer. It can be ornate, simple, grandiose, clean, and everything in between! You have control (within the limits of physics, metallurgy, and more) over the design, and there won’t be another piece exactly like it, for better or for worse. This may make your final piece something that is special to you, and you alone or you and yours, but may not have as much appeal to future generations, so keep this in mind.
Trends and Classics
Jewelry designers and manufacturers not only follow trends but also influence them as well. Their success depends on their ability to stay on top of the next hottest trend, or forego the changing times and refine their commitment to more classic or eternal themes. So if you are looking for something that’s cutting edge and on-trend, it’s often going to be a safe bet to select from your favorite jeweler’s selection of pre-made options, and fall in love with just the right piece.
If trends aren’t what drives your interest at this time, and a perfected classic design isn’t speaking to you either, then having a custom piece of your own design may be the perfect option! This way, you might be free to create exactly what you have in mind with an experienced, passionate master jeweler by your side. Whether it’s a custom-designed ring, necklace, bracelet and everything in-between, the perfect piece of your dreams is just a collaboration away.
Budget
While poignant, emotional gifts like jewelry can feel as though they should be immune from budget concerns, here on earth your budget needs to be respected. When it comes to cost, pre-made or mass-produced pieces will almost always beat a custom-designed piece, at the very least in terms of the unknown.
Ready-made pieces are much easier to price, and therefore much simpler to plan for when it comes to your bottom line. But that doesn’t mean that this is always going to be the case. In fact, the cost of a custom piece could surprise you, so don’t be discouraged or decline to pursue your interest in a custom piece due to preconceived notions. Some custom pieces may be less expensive, and others may create such a value proposition that the extra cost is well worth it.
Custom vs Customized
As you're making your decision, here’s a final thing to keep in mind: customized does not mean custom-made. There are many pre-designed/pre-made pieces that may offer you a myriad of options to choose from. Whether it’s the stone size or color, band material, finish, or engraving, the choices can seem bountiful, and this is good news. Swapping out a few key elements of a read-made piece may make it perfectly you or perfect for you, but it’s important to understand the distinction between custom and customized, so you can make the most informed decision.
Whether it’s a pre-made design or you have a little something else in mind, Grogan Jewelers has a huge selection of pieces that are ready to go, and expert craftsmen that are ready to bring the design you have in mind, to life!
Browse our selection online or submit your inspired idea to our team to get started with your custom design today!