Custom jewelry is more accessible than ever before, thanks to the increase in demand and more access to jewelers with a passion for creating custom designs.
But with an increase in options, comes an increase in decisions, and you certainly don’t want to make the wrong one when it comes to having that beautiful, unique piece designed. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to create the perfect piece of custom jewelry for you or your loved ones, you’re in luck, because we have put together this guide to help you bring the perfect piece to fruition.
Custom Isn’t JUST About Being Unique
From Saturday farmer’s markets to boutiques and a seemingly endless supply of online vendors, the ability to purchase a unique piece of jewelry has become very commonplace. But unique, personalized, and custom are not the same thing, and here’s the difference!
A custom piece of jewelry isn’t created out of the inspirations or desires of the jeweler like a unique, hand-made, or one-of-a-kind piece that you might find at a market or boutique. A custom piece of jewelry is inspired by you and brought to life by an experienced jeweler. A personalized piece of jewelry isn’t something that was forged from your experiences and imagination, it’s the result of being able to choose pre-selected options.
So, if you are looking for something that’s crafted with you, and you alone in mind, custom jewelry might be the right choice for you!
Pros and Cons of Custom Jewelry
Custom jewelry design is growing in popularity year after year, because of all the benefits! Pre-designed and mass-produced jewelry can’t compete with something that was conceptualized, designed, and dreamed about by the giver or the wearer of the piece, and is there anything quite as special? A custom piece of jewelry.
But there are some things for you to consider when you are considering having a custom piece of jewelry designed! Here are some pros and cons.
Pros
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You can often create a piece that fits your budget
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You can have a piece that fits in perfectly with your lifestyle/type of work you do/hobbies
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You have the satisfaction of knowing that no one else will have a piece like the one you have designed
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You have literally hundreds of options and combinations to choose from
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You can work with an expert who can guide and inform your design choices and options
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A custom-designed piece is irreplaceable and has instant heirloom status
Cons
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Custom pieces may be more expensive due to the demand and craftsmanship
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It takes considerably longer to have a custom piece created, as opposed to selecting from a pre-designed piece
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It may be more difficult (or impossible in some cases) to have your piece resized, modified, or repaired
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Custom pieces can be more difficult to appraise, and as we mentioned, they are irreplaceable
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Your style may not be everyone’s cup of tea, so pieces made as gifts, wedding party gifts, engagement rings without your fiance’s input, etc. may not be well received
Types of Custom Jewelry
If it can be worn on your body, it can be custom-made. The sky’s the limit when it comes to your imagination, but when you work with an experienced custom jeweler, he or she will be able to fine-tune and streamline your vision to something that aligns not only with your budget but with the realities of how and when you will be wearing your jewelry.
Here are some common pieces that an experienced custom jeweler may love to collaborate with you on!
Necklaces
Whether you have a piece that you’d like modified to be just perfect, have something completely different in mind, or just want something like none other, a custom-designed necklace is always a show-stopper!
Bracelets
A little less formal, but just as beautiful, your custom-designed bracelet can vary from a daily wear item to something just for special occasions, or be something special you have created for your wedding party, family, or any other special person in your life.
Earrings
When you just don’t see what you are looking for in the store or online, having custom earrings created can be the perfect solution, whether you need a pair created to compliment another piece of jewelry or would love them to stand alone.
Rings
This may be one of the more obvious choices. From engagement rings to friendship, family, and everything in between, when you work with a custom jeweler to design the perfect ring, you aren’t just creating something you will wear now, but something that can be worn forever.
What Do I Need To Know Before I Get Started?
While one of the benefits of custom jewelry design is that your piece is unique, it’s helpful to peruse custom jewelry online or in stores, so that you can at least narrow down the features or qualities that you would like to see in your finished piece! And also, keep in mind that while there may be many who will say that they can do custom jewelry design, it pays to do your research! An hour or so spent looking at reviews and galleries of finished work will save you weeks or even years of disappointment and frustration.
Are you ready to start your custom jewelry project?