Designing your own engagement ring or other custom design jewellery, is an exciting process. Here is a general guideline of how to create the jewellery of your dreams.
1) Keep a Folder
Keep a folder that contains a collection of engagement rings or other jewellery in which you like a particular aspects of its design. For example, you may put a particular engagement ring into your folder because you like the setting. You may choose another ring because you like the way the claws are shaped. You may see a pendant with a stone that you like. All of these pics will be helpful when designing your own jewellery.
2) Choose a Jeweller You Can Trust
Referrals
Referrals from people who have themselves designed engagement rings, anniversary rings, earrings and other fine jewellery, are really important in finding a jeweler you can trust. Ask your friends and family where they go when they purchase jewellery and what the experience was like. Not only do you want an experienced jeweller when it comes to custom design, you also want great service and attention. Also, remember, when you admire someone’s jewellery, ask them where they got it.
Social Media
Check out the jeweler’s website, face book, twitter, and Instagram pages. Do they have a social media presence? Can you get an essence of who they are, how they treat their customers, and what experience they have in custom designing? Do you like what you see online? Read the testimonials. What are the customers saying about their custom design experience? A social media presence is important. It shows that the jeweller is keeping up to date and is taking advantage of the industry technology in the custom jewellery field to ensure communication with his/her customers and to give them the best online jewellery experience.
3) Book Your Appointment
You can phone or email the jeweler directly, or they may have a “Book Online” button in which you can book directly from the jewellers’ website. Creating the engagement ring of your dreams requires time and thought. If you book an appointment with your jeweller, you will be assured that enough time is put aside for you to design you wedding band, engagement ring, or other jewellery items you wish to design. You can also just drop in to the store, but you may not be assured the time you require for the custom design process.
4) The Appointment
To prepare for you custom jewellery appointment, be sure to bring your files with you (electronic or paper). Any sketches or photos are sure to help give the jeweler an idea of the jewellery you wish to customize. Remember, the jeweler is the expert. It might be wise to ask the jeweller, how he or she works to achieve your custom design, before you start. Each jeweller has their own process to arrive at the custom jewellery design of your dreams. Once you have described to the jeweller the features you wish to appear on your engagement ring for example, then sit back and listen to how your jeweler will move forward to create the jewellery of your dreams. Some of your wishes may not be technologically possible, and yet most ideas will be achievable in some way. Your jeweller will sketch out an item that is closely related to your discussion and the pics you have shared. Once you have confirmed the rough sketch of the jewellery you wish to customize, your jeweller will probably ask for a deposit and provide you with a date in which a CAD (Computer Assisted Drawing) of your ring will be available.
5) The Making of Your Jewellery
The CAD
Your jeweler will call you once the CAD of the ring has been designed or email you a copy to look at. This will be a 3D rendering representing all the features you discussed with your jeweler to design your own engagement ring, anniversary ring or other jewellery items you are making. Remember, with the CAD, all the claws are up, since they are not grasping a stone, so it can look a little funny. It will also have measurements written all over it. But it will definitely give you an idea if the ring is what you had visualized it to be. You will need to give your jeweler the go-ahead to continue the making of your ring.
The Wax
Sometimes, but not always, you will receive a wax mold of the ring that you have designed. This is the first step in getting closer to receiving your custom ring, wedding ring, pendant, etc. Remember, with the wax, all the claws are up, since they are not grasping a stone. So you have to visualize you wax ring as if it had a stone in it and all the claws were formed around the stone. The wax sometimes look a little funny and it takes time to visualize it as if it were cast in metal with the stones inserted. But this will be the closest rendering of your ring until it is actually complete. You will need to approve the wax at this stage for the process to move ahead.
Once the CAD and/or WAX are approved, your ring will be cast in the metal of your choice (white or yellow karat gold, Platinum or Silver), and the setting will be created by a skilled metal smith at his or her jeweller’s bench. These craftsmen and women get their hands dirty and do the hard work that it takes to put the finishing touches on the custom jewellery they are working on so it is just the way you want it. They will file down any sharp parts of the metal, buff and polish you ring, and set the stones. This work is the heart and soul of your custom design. This is where your dreams come true.
6) Picking Up Your Finished Custom Made Jewellery
Finally, your engagement ring or custom diamond wedding band is ready to be picked up. Get excited…this is the moment you have been waiting for. Your jeweler will share in the moment that you try on your new ring. He or she will receive feedback from you and ensure that the fit is accurate.
7) Contratulations!
You have just designed your own precious piece of jewellery! In partnership with your jeweller, you have created a piece of jewellery that you will cherish forever.
Here at Jeff Walters Jewellers, we can assure that your custom design experience will be unforgettable. Just call Jeff at 705-739-RING, email Jeff, set up an appointment going by clicking this button, BOOK NOW, and get ready to embark on a special journey that will always remain precious to you. Jeff is waiting to help you with all your jewellery designs.