Fine Jewelry ~ Made-to-Order ~ At Spectrum Art & Jewelry

Ten Steps to Creating Your Custom Jewelry Project

The jewelry design process is fun and fascinating.  Our jewelry designer, Star Sosa is ready to walk you through the process.  Here are a few things you might consider in preparation for your private design consultation:

 
     1.  Do you wish to restyle or restore an existing piece of jewelry?

     2.  Do you have any gemstones you would like to consider for new disigns?  
           Is there a special diamond or gemstone you would like us to locate for
           you?  We have many resources for all kinds of gems.

     3.  What is your preferred style of jewelry design?  Star will ask you some
          questions so she can learn more about your preferences, such as:
                a.  Do you prefer classic or contemporary designs?
                b.  Do you like delicate or bold shapes?
                c.  Do you prefer symmetry or asymmetry?  Architectural or 
                     organic shapes?
                d.  Do you have preference of metal quality or color?
                e.  How do you plan to wear the new jewelry:  everyday or just for 
                     special occasions?

     4.  Bring photos from magazines or websites of styles that you like.  We
           won't duplicate something by another designer, but we can mix up
           elements & styles to get you a truly unique piece with similar flavor. 
           This will also be very helpful in learing exactly what jewelry you are
           most attracted to.  You can also look through our design portfolio for 
           ideas.

    5.   For a restyle consultation, plan to bring in as many pieces from your
           existing collection as you like.  You may be surprised at what
           combinations or rearrangements Star might suggest.  Also plan to 
           bring in any scrap gold or unwanted jewelry to use for materials or
           design credit. 

    6.   Your jewelry design can be executed in several ways:
                  a.  We can remount your gems into new components or settings 
                        from one of our many suppliers.  These parts can be combined
                        in unique ways to make your restyle special.  This is often the 
                        most cost-effective approach. 
                  b.  One of our many talented jewelry designers, whose work we
                        have here in the gallery, can modify one of their creations to
                        accomodate your gemstone(s).
                  c.   Or a completely new one-of-a-kind setting can be designed by
                        Star and created by one of our talented goldsmiths.

    7.  If you are bringing in your own diamonds or significant jewelry to be
         restyled, please plan to bring along a copy of your most recent
         appraisal in order to document the value for insurance purposes.

    8.  Star will prepare an appraisal for your completed project.  However,
         this will not include details about your gems you have provided.  If you
         don't have a recent appraisal of your diamonds or gemstones, we can
         arrange for one by a graduate gemologist for a reasonable fee.  We 
         can also arrange to have your gemstones re-cut to remove wear
         damage or improve their sparkle.

    9.  Delivery and payment details:
                  a.   Typically a custom jewelry design appointement takes 30
                        minutes to one hour.  Sometimes a follow-up appointment 
                        will be necessary.  
                  b.   Once a design and price is agreed upon the creation of your
                         should take about four to six weeks to complete depending
                         on it's complexity.
                  c.   All custom jewelry projects are considered a final sale.  They 
                        may not be returned or exchanged.  Design fees if charged are
                        non-refundable.

  10.   Finally, be prepared to be creative and have fun!