INDUSTRY INSIGHT
CUSTOM DESIGNED JEWELRY
SPONSORED CONTENT
“ Join us from the days of old, when jewelry was made for you— not just sold.”
Curious about designing a piece of jewelry? Some clients jump right into it as if they’ ve been designing for years, while others can feel intimidated by the process. Here are our top four tips for creating a custom-designed piece of jewelry with confidence.
1. Vision: Have a rough idea of what you would like to create.
Having vision doesn’ t mean that you should have every detail planned out for the piece you are going to help design, but a general idea is helpful. Most clients rely on Google, Instagram and Pinterest to look for style inspiration. If you can’ t find images of what you’ re envisioning in your mind, search for details and general shapes to be modified later. The more images, the easier it is for your designer to understand the general aesthetic you are going for.
2. Design Tools: Consider the design tools available through your designer.
Technology such as CAD, 3D Imaging and 3D printing has made the final product of custom design less of a mystery and has made the process more interactive. CAD and 3D imaging has taken a lot of the guesswork out of custom design. Years ago the shape and layout of a design would be a mystery to the client until a hand-carved wax was produced. Any changes required the designer to carve a new wax from scratch. Now your designer can send you a computer-animated image of what the final product will look like once it is cast and set. From this image the client has more control to make changes without starting over. 3D printers give clients the opportunity to have a wax model printed to see in person before the design is sent off to be cast and set.
3. Time: Rome wasn’ t built in a day, and neither is jewelry.
A common misconception is that once a design is solidified, the production process will take days – or that you can sit and wait while it’ s being set. There are many, many steps that are taken from casting to completing a piece. A good rule of thumb is to expect most designs to take from 4 to 6 weeks. It’ s always a good idea to leave wiggle room in your timeline in case of casting problems.
4. The Designer: Choosing the right designer to work with.
Seeing a portfolio of work is a good way to see if your designer is going to be the right fit for you. Aside from a portfolio, make sure to inquire about service and upkeep options for your designs. Choosing a local designer versus online is usually better because of these issues. You want to make sure that you can take your piece to your local designer to fully communicate your needs and concerns.
This Industry Insight was written by the family at Diamond Designs.
Over the past 37 years of business Diamond Design Jewelers of Wexford has specialized is in custom design and in dealing loose diamonds and gemstones. Our family has served as Wexford’ s longest standing jewelry store. To learn more about who we are and what we do please visit our social media pages to see our designs and to read customer reviews. If you Want to learn more about creating your own custom design or are starting the jewelry shopping process visit our showroom or call us to set up a consultation appointment today.
Facebook. com / diamonddesignjewelersofwexford Instagram. com / diadesjwls /
North Allegheny | Spring 2017 | icmags. com 15