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.  As a jewelry designer with over twenty years experience in design and manufacturing I am 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 want in your new jewelry?

 
           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?  I will ask you some
          questions to learn 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 learning 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 the
           combinations I 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
                        accommodate your gemstone(s).
                  c.   Or I can design a completely new one-of-a-kind setting that

                        will be created, from scratch, by our talented goldsmith.

    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.  I will prepare an appraisal for your completed project.  However,
         this may not include details about your gems you have provided    

         unless you bring in your original receipts or previous appraisals.  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 appointment 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!