4 Tips for Creating Your Own Custom Jewelry

Do you know the best way to find the jewelry you love? Create it yourself! You don’t have to be a designer or aspiring entrepreneur to develop your own beautiful custom jewelry; all you need is an idea. Bespoke jewelry is a really effective (and fun) way to find exactly what you’re looking for, whether that’s a new staple piece for your own jewelry collection or a gift for someone you love. Here are some tips to help you get started creating your own custom jewelry.

Tip #1: Research Jewelry Styles

The first step of creating custom-made jewelry is conducting research. Here’s how to get started on the right foot:

Get inspired

Find some style inspiration on Pinterest, Instagram, or Etsy. Start by searching for the type of piece you’re dreaming of — like a gold locket — and look around to see what’s out there. How have other people imagined gold lockets? Identify some styles that you love and note what you like best about them; maybe you appreciate a unique crescent shape, or a specific type of brushed gold metal finish, or an ornate engraving. Jot everything down, and continue narrowing your search as you learn what you love. 

Check your collection

Next, take a look at the jewelry that you wear most often or that the person you’re gifting tends to choose. What’s already in the collection? What styles themes emerge? And more importantly, what’s missing? This will help you decide how to focus your custom jewelry design. 

Determine your direction

Use all this information to define your vision. Select the type of jewelry, choose what vibe or style you’re going for, and define your overall goal. For example, your goal might be to create a capsule piece you can wear everyday, a statement piece for special occasions, or a romantic gift for someone you love.

Put your own spin on it

What will make this item unique and differentiate it from the jewelry you can find ready-made in stores? This is an opportunity to get really personal and creative, so lean into the experience and let your own flair shine through.

Tip #2: Determine Your Budget

The price range for jewelry is wide. A lot of factors will affect the cost of a piece, like different materials, types of jewelry, and expected timeframes. Be realistic with your expectations in light of your financial situation, and think about how much you are willing to spend. Setting a budget ahead of time will help you make the best decisions and can help you narrow down your options.

Tip #3: Consider Materials 

Materials are a really important part of your design; the price, the style, and the overall look of the piece can change dramatically depending on just one material choice. (No pressure!) Here are some things to consider when choosing materials:

Metal type

Many people tend to stick to either all silver or all gold jewelry, but using mixed metals is a trendy option, too. It really comes down to preference; consider the look you want, how much durability matters to you, and what your budget allows. Precious metals (gold, silver, platinum, and rhodium) will cost more than brass or nickel, but because they’re higher quality they’re also more durable and less likely to tarnish. There are some in-between options like gold-plating; applying a thin layer of gold to a more affordable metal makes it less expensive than solid gold but more durable than brass or copper. 

Gemstone type

There are plenty of gemstone types to choose from, from diamonds to sapphires to rubies and beyond. One way to narrow down your options is to choose a color you love, as most types come in several hues. Then, since most gemstones can be cut multiple ways, choose a cut (or shape) of a gem that you think looks best for your custom jewelry. If you’re searching for a budget-friendly gemstone, you have plenty of options: moissanite and lab-created diamonds are almost identical to naturally-occurring diamonds at a fraction of the cost, and stones with a slightly lower clarity grade can be affordable while still remaining dazzling.

Special customizations

Some materials are more suitable than others for special designs or customizations. A chain bracelet will be difficult to engrave since it doesn’t offer a solid surface, for example, but if the bracelet is a bangle made of precious metal, you’ll have better luck.

Sourcing 

Finally, decide where you’ll source your materials and have your piece made. If you’re working with a custom jewelry designer, see what they have available in-stock and ask them about their sourcing methods. Ask for their sustainability and responsible sourcing policies, which will confirm that they are using the best practices possible to get materials in a safe way for everyone. You can even use your own materials if you’d like; if you have heirloom jewelry with settings, metals, or gemstones that you want to repurpose, feel free to do so. 

Tip #4: Find an Expert Custom Jewelry Consultant

Now that you have all your design ideas, your budget, and your style vision in mind, take your notes to a consultant who can provide you with recommendations, advice, and a specific direction. Ask any questions you have, and rest assured that their in-depth insight into the industry will ensure they double check about any details you might have forgotten. A custom jewelry professional will know what materials will work best, how to develop your design, and how to navigate the entire process.

If you’re interested in creating custom jewelry, our bespoke jewelry concierge experts can guide you through the journey step by step, beginning with a free consultation. They’ll get a sense of your style and vision, ask clarifying questions, and provide insight into what’s realistic and within your budget. Quick Jewelry Repairs can help you turn your idea — whether it’s an engagement ring, pendant, earrings, or anything else you can dream up — into reality. Contact us today to get started on your very own creation!