How to ensure high quality custom jewellery

Custom made jewellery is a special (and often expensive) purchase. There is nothing quite like knowing the piece of jewellery you're wearing is entirely one of a kind - no one else in WORLD has a piece like yours! Whether it's a gift to celebrate a special milestone, or a way to treasure family heirlooms, custom jewellery is special and should be made with expert care and quality to ensure it lasts a lifetime and can become an heirloom piece for years to come.

There is so much information out there about what to do (and what not to do) when it comes to designing and making your custom jewellery. It can be overwhelming to know where to start! That's why we've collated a few top tips from our jeweller to give you confidence in finding a place to bring your jewellery vision to life.

1. The jeweller you go to MATTERS

This may seem like an obvious one but the outcome of your jewellery (both quality and appearance) is determined by the jeweller you go to. Working with a jeweller who knows their stuff is nonnegotiable. This will ensure settings are secure, polish is consistent, and all soldering or casting is clean and smooth. You want all the finishing details to be completed to a high standard.

Take into consideration reviews of jewellers to hear peoples firsthand experiences working with them. This helps you choose a reputable jeweller. Another important aspect is to consider the type of jewellery a jeweller creates. Take a look at their website or social media pages to see previous custom pieces they've made and see if that aligns with what you're wanting to create.

2. Choose local over larger businesses

If attention to detail and personal service are important to you, choosing a local jewellery business is a great way to go. Have a quick google search for local jewellers near you before jumping to the larger commercial chains. 

At a smaller business, you can talk directly to the jeweller about what you're wanting. This ensures you're all on the same page right from the start. Choosing local also has a personal touch you don't get with large brands and you're more likely to get a final design that is more unique - not just mass produced.

3. Use High Quality Materials 

The jeweller is only half the picture. In creating custom jewellery pieces that are fit to last a lifetime, the quality of the metals and gemstones is also key. 

Superior materials not only enhance the aesthetic finish but also ensure that the jewellery withstands daily wear without tarnishing, bending, or breaking. For example, solid 14k or 18k gold is far more durable and valuable than gold-plated metals, and platinum offers exceptional strength and scratch resistance. In gemstones, high-quality examples include natural, well-cut diamonds with good clarity, or durable stones like sapphires and rubies that resist scratching and chipping. Choosing ethically sourced and properly graded materials also adds trust and integrity to your designs, making them truly lasting investments.

4. Choose durable styles

Though some designs are trendy and eye-catching, they may not be the most durable for jewellery you want to keep for years to come. As a general guide, here's some important things for consider that will ensure your jewellery looks just as good as the day you bought it:

• Sturdy and even band thickness for rings: Minimum 1.5 mm (2 mm+ for longevity and to avoid thin spots that can weaken over time
• Stone setting security: Use bezel, flush, or well-constructed prong settings. V-prongs are ideal for pointed stones.
• Secure necklace clasps: Lobster and spring-ring clasps are more durable than barrel or magnetic ones.
• Weight balance: Heavier pendants should not be on delicate chains.
• No sharp corners: Prevent snagging or catching.

4. Talk through your vision with an expert

With all the details to consider, it's important to talk with a jewellery expert to ensure your design will fulfill the purpose you want. Talking to an expert means you won't have to remember as many details and you can ask all your design questions.

Be open and listen to suggestions from expert jewellers' - they know what works best and may even have design ideas you didn't think of!

 

You can have a free consult with our expert jeweller today! No strings attached or pushy sales pitches, just talking all things jewellery with a guy who knows his stuff.