Choosing quality

Sometimes you just have the perfect piece of jewelry in your head and there’s no way you can find it on the retail market. Bringing your dream jewelry into the world is no easy task and choosing the right designer to do it should be thought out very carefully, particularly when you are considering a high-end piece.

Your number one goal when you begin your search should be to locate professional designers whose work reflects your style. The easiest form of custom design is to find something very close to your idea and have it modified, but even when you’re having something made from scratch, knowing they share your tastes is a big step in developing a piece of jewelry you will treasure forever. Jewelry is a personal experience and the time and effort that goes into it means that you will always associate it with the person who created it. Avoid bad situations and don’t risk hating the piece, by choosing someone whose work you admire and whose personality you are comfortable with.

Ask for referrals from friends, do a search for custom jewelry online, read testimonials and create a list of candidates. Choose a designer with lots of experience in custom work – they’ll have a better time understanding your requests, will be less likely to take on projects above their skill level, and will be able to make suggestions about your design without fear of losing a customer. Listen to their ideas and give honest feedback; never say yes because you’re confused or assume they know what you want better than you do, but be aware that they may have experience with the way your intended design will look or feel that you may not realize.

If you’re creating your custom design with a jeweler over the internet your designer should have clear pictures on their website or blog. There’s no use having them make a necklace if you can’t tell from the picture what it actually looks like. No one likes receiving a new necklace in the mail only to find it looks nothing like the website. If something is unclear, ask for alternative views or further descriptions of the mockups.

Once you’ve found the right person there are plenty of things you can do to make the process go smoothly. Be up front about your budget, the date you need the piece by, and any other expectations or concerns. A designer can’t put you at ease if you don’t ask questions, and it’s hard on everyone when your jewelry designer creates a predesign that’s way outside your budget simply because you didn’t voice it. Discussing your budget early will also give your jeweler an opportunity to tell you whether it’s a realistic goal for the work. If you’ve done your homework about the designer you’ll be able to tell the difference between honest feedback and upselling techniques. Unless you have set an absolute maximum to your budget there will likely be unforseen costs at the end of the process – materials may change from the original plan, the design may take longer than initially estimated, and don’t forget extras like tax and shipping.

Don’t be surprised if the designer asks for a design deposit. Many jewelers will do it for free but if your design is going to be complicated or take lots of hours to create they may want to ensure that you’re serious about buying. Make sure you ask them about their policies in case you change your mind, want to move the design in a new direction, or simply don’t like what you’re sent at the end of the process.

Knowing what to expect and choosing the right designer will make the end piece all the better.With the right approach and lots of research, having custom jewelry created can be a rewarding experience and leave you with a one-of-a-kind treasure you will be proud to wear.

Elena Adams

Article courtesy of Elena Adams at http://www.elena-adams.com/

Elena Adams is a jewelry designer based in the Bay Area. With nearly
a decade of experience, she offers a range of handmade, sterling
silver jewelry at www.elena-adams.com. She is passionate about
updating the look of classical chain maille for the refined woman, and
teaches jewelry technique and photography classes around San
Francisco.

Tags: art, artisan, handcrafted

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