Bespoke jewelry sounds almost classy just as it is expensive–and rightly so! Even with the wide array of fine and fashion jewelry available out there, owning a bespoke piece or two seems to be the next level for any enthusiast.
Knowing More About Bespoke Jewelry
If you feel like you’re already on the level of owning something one-of-a-kind, you may want to start considering custom-made jewelry. Now it’s a matter of knowing the basics of it as well as what to expect in your first bespoke ring, necklace, bracelet or even brooch.
Learning The Basics: Understanding Bespoke Jewelry
Most people decide on bespoke jewelry when they can’t seem to find “the one.” It can be that one engagement ring for your forever relationship, or that heirloom you want to pass down to your child.
Before you go to your favorite jeweler to buy bespoke jewelry, it’s a good idea to start understanding the basics of what bespoke jewelry is so you can also decide the next purchase you’ll do is to get a piece that’s meant for you alone. Check out this guide, which asks pertinent questions like “What is a bespoke piece of jewelry?” to help you get the one jewelry piece you will treasure the most.
What Does Bespoke Jewellery Mean?
The word “bespoke” may be a hot word for those who have long been collecting jewelry. Bespoke simply means that it’s a product that has been specially made for a client with a specific ask. In jewelry terms, this includes the gemstone, the precious metal, the purpose, and even the design itself. Most people would not go to the big brands to get bespoke jewelry—unless of course, you want to tap that brand for a specially-made ring, necklace, or bracelet as a gift.
In fact, even jewelry brands that offer a mix-and-match of certain elements—such as in charm bracelets, may not be considered bespoke. When you go the bespoke jewelry route, you’re more likely to work with an expert jeweler to get the design straight from your imagination onto your ring finger or wrist.
Is Bespoke Jewelry More Expensive?
Some jewelry enthusiasts tend to shy away from going bespoke because of the threat of a heftier price tag. When you get to have a ring or a pendant that has been tailored to your taste completely, it’s expected that you need to pay more than what market value dictates. And that’s because the item is not even available on the market, but only to you.
All of these do not necessarily make for a more expensive jewelry piece. If anything, it still boils down to two questions: What are you looking for? Is there a jewelry designer who can deliver?
A jewelry piece’s design factors in quite heavily, as it will dictate everything, from the material down to the labor. You also need to consider if there are any jewelry designers who are willing to take on your personal project. This can highly depend on the jeweler’s capability as well as style sense. Having a match in both of these can be the defining difference between a good jewelry piece and an unnecessarily expensive one. This is when the custom vs bespoke jewelry debate comes into play.
What Makes a Ring Bespoke?
Almost all jewelry can be treated as “bespoke” the moment they are made for the client’s own needs. It’s near impossible to find bespoke jewelry off the rack. After all, their main selling point is that they are one-of-a-kind. Even the design that you and the jeweler come up with should not be made into a piece that won’t go to you. This assures that the jewelry you have is the only one out there in the world.
What Styles Can I Have for Bespoke Jewelry?
As they say, the sky’s the limit–and in this case, design can only be limited by your imagination. However, if you collaborate with a talented jeweler, it’s possible to go beyond that. Some jewelers exercise their creativity and challenge themselves with unique designs for bespoke commissions.
For example, if you come to them asking “What is a bespoke diamond ring?” they may offer different ways and styles to accomplish what you need. Thus, it may be wise to go with a jeweler who has had a lot of experience creating various jewelry. They may already have a wide working range of styles that they can suggest to you.
Why am I Buying This Bespoke Jewelry?
This may seem like a very personal question, but it’s actually one of the more important ones. The idea of customized jewelry has become a hit with many enthusiasts, but some may fail to grasp just how much work and effort goes into it.
You can make anything bespoke, but it’s much better when they have a lot of meaning for you. Bespoke jewelry can signify the most significant milestones of your life. Most jewelry enthusiasts avoid bespoke impulse buys as it takes time, budget, and effort.
To think about it more simply, ask yourself these questions. What am I trying to celebrate or acknowledge with this bespoke jewelry? Is it possible that I won’t find the same look off-the-rack? Am I willing to spend more than the usual if it means encapsulating what I want in this jewelry piece?
How To Buy Bespoke: What Do I Do?
Just like every important decision, going for bespoke jewelry entails a lot of decision-making and research. Remember, you are creating something special—so it’s only natural to spend some time and effort in matching the sources and the talent you need to finish your piece.
Confused where you need to start your search? Here are a few key things you need to get you started on your way to landing that perfect custom-made jewelry.
Research designers and their styles
Having a design in mind is one thing—and it definitely gives you an endgame to work with. However, having a designer who can actually pull it off can be a different story. Translating designs from your vision to reality can be a very challenging step, so it may entail finding the right designer who’s talent fits best.
Some may prefer to have a certified jeweler create their bespoke jewelry. This gives them the added assurance of both expertise and credibility. Keep an eye out for independent jewelry brands with certifications from organizations like Jewelers of America, American Gem Society, and the Gemological Institute of America.
Know your budget
There’s no denying that budget can be quite an issue for bespoke jewelry. Some people assume that it’s hard to own custom-made pieces because of the price. But this can depend on so many other factors.
Before deciding on the kind of ring you would want, it’s good to start with knowing what this jewelry piece would mean to you in the first place. Some people may consider getting a bespoke piece, such as an oval cut engagement ring because it signifies your relationship. You may also want to have a bespoke heirloom, like a locket for your mother or daughter, to keep the memories.
Whatever jewelry you decide to make into a one-of-a-kind piece, choose one for which you would not mind adding a few more to your original budget. At the same time, however, keep a budget in mind. This makes adjustments easier to work into your equation.
Map out your timeline
Unlike other mass-produced jewelry, custom-made ones tend to take more time to create. This may depend on the complexity of design, sourcing of materials, and the jeweler’s skills. Before you even decide to get bespoke jewelry, make sure you give your jewelry enough time in the first place.
Try to get a consultation date with your chosen jeweler way ahead of time. You may take it to another direction once you get input from a jewelry expert. Book in advance, meet your jeweler with an open mind, and collaborate for an even better bespoke piece. Just remember: great ideas can also take time, so give yourself and your jeweler ample time for this.
Set everything on a contract
When you choose a jeweler, you have to consider a lot of factors, including trust in the jeweler’s craftsmanship. However, regardless of this and even with your experience with a particular jeweler, it pays to be extra meticulous in putting down these details in writing.
Just like any other transaction, it’s important to note down details like the price, delivery date, and other agreed-upon details in creating your bespoke jewelry piece. While it’s better that this transaction pushes through, it pays to have a guarantee and a safety net, and the contract serves this purpose, for both you and your jeweler.
Be aware of aftercare
Since bespoke jewelry is specific to a design, it means its repair follows a special protocol. There’s a big chance that you will have to tap the jeweler who made the jewelry when time comes for repair. Between the materials used and the technique in creating the piece, it’s better to go back to your chosen jeweler to handle any aftercare.
Remember to save the warranty and the receipt for your jewelry piece. Take a photo to avoid faded receipts or lost warranty cards. Inquire if your jeweler has a system for tracking customers and their products. Bespoke jewelry holds a lot of sentiment to last a lifetime. You’d want to have all the documents you need to ensure aftercare.
How To Further Set Your Bespoke Jewelry Apart
Collecting bespoke jewelry has become a common practice for many enthusiasts. Some even go so far as to prefer bespoke to achieve a quality and look that is different from more modern jewelry, like the one in this Vintage Pearl review. But there are some ways to level up this approach even more.
Guided DIY
Some jewelry enthusiasts may want to have a hand in the overall creation process of their bespoke piece—literally! But you also have to note that jewelry making, especially for fine jewelry, requires a lot of skill and expertise. So how do you strike a balance?
Find a jeweler who is willing to let you share in the process beyond just the planning stage. Some jewelry makers may open the floor to possible collaborations, such as having you experience a part of the creation process. Think of it as a deeper experience and understanding of jewelry making, to give your bespoke jewelry even more meaning and fondness.
Upcycle
Nowadays, more jewelry enthusiasts prefer a more ethical approach to how they choose what to add to their collection. Between dwindling resources and more possibilities for awareness, upcycling makes it easier to have more options without the added guilt.
Upcycling uses recycled materials, be they sourced from another jewelry piece. If you are the sentimental type who wants an heirloom that still has a good twist in its design, the second set-up may be better.
Suppose you have a family heirloom you want to enhance or modify. You can use the precious metal or the gemstones of that piece. Make sure that the jeweler you choose allows for this extra step in the process. It may require some more additional steps to incorporate existing jewelry into the mix.
Modified ready-made
To strike a balance between custom-made and off-the-shelf, you may also choose to shop from a designer’s specific collection. Having a one-of-a-kind jewelry piece does not always mean you need to start from scratch.
You can choose from a jeweler’s collection and make some modifications. They may offer this option, which can be a more affordable way of having a customized jewelry piece.
Read more about some of the hot UK jewelry designers that you can tap for possible bespoke jewelry options: “Top Jewelry Brands In the UK You Should Know.”
