The Custom Design Process (It’s Easier than You Think)
I get a lot of questions about how the custom design process works since it’s a very unfamiliar process for most people. In a world where you’re used to just going to a store and buying a pre-made item — whether it’s a shirt, a piece of jewelry, or your lunch — “custom design” is a novelty. At our shop, we try to keep the process as easy going and approachable as possible, but we cater to a clientele that expects only the finest quality craftsmanship. Low-key, but high-achieving.
If you’re considering custom design (or are just curious about the process), I’ve laid out the basic elements of the process here.
This 14-karat rose gold “honeycomb” ring was a creative idea from a client that we brought to life.
At left is our rendering; right, the finished ring. It’s set with tsavorite garnets, white diamonds, and cognac diamonds.
Gather your resources
Before initiating a design you’ll want to get your brain wrapped around what you have on hand and what you want to make. Do you have stones already and you want to use them? Put them into a sealed bag and bring them to your initial consult. Do you have old jewelry or silver that you don’t use? Consider bringing them in and seeing what the trade value would be. We can credit your design for the value of the metal which can be a good way to defray the cost. With that in mind, you’ll want to think about your budget. It can be as precise or imprecise as you want, but it’s helpful for the first meeting to know general numbers so that we can frame the design accordingly. Also, if this is a ring design for someone else, try to covertly get his or her ring size.
Make a mood board
Pinterest can be your best friend or your worst enemy here. I find it really helpful for collecting and organizing images since it’s so visual, but it can also lead you down a rabbit hole of pinning into the wee hours. Consider collecting a “top 5” board of pieces you like and want to reference in your design. Can’t get that specific? No worries. We’ve worked with starter images of oceans, paintings, a poetic description of grandmother’s long-lost-ring…you name it. We’re artists, we get it.
This was a custom designed two-tone platinum and yellow gold engagement ring, with the setting designed using different sea-inspired elements combined with an antique-style setting for the diamond. We added the engraving by hand. (Rendering, left; actual, right.)
Make an appointment
We try to keep all custom design consultations by appointment so that we can ensure that we won’t be interrupted during our conversation with you. Depending on how precise your plans for your design are you’ll want to budget between thirty minutes to an hour for the initial consult. If you have gemstones, let us know and bring them with you so that we can take measurements. If you need us to source stones, tell us in advance so that we can have some ready for the appointment. You won’t need to commit to anything, it’s just helpful to see them in person so that you start getting a sense of size and shape.
The Initial Consult
At the initial consult we’ll likely take measurements, talk about design aesthetics, get a sense of a budget, and talk about timelines. Do you have a specific deadline we’ll need to meet? Now’s the time to tell us so that we can plan accordingly. Sometimes the first meeting is all we need — we either approve renderings and get the casting started, or we have enough so that emails are sufficient for direction. Sometimes, we meet with a client many times before settling on a stone or design. It just depends on the client and what the project calls for. While there is never a limit to when you can voice your thoughts, this is a great time for us to get a sense of what you want so don’t hold back!
This is a custom designed bezel for a silver coin, created as apart of a series of coin settings for a client’s gold and silver coin collection. The bezel flips so that you can see both sides of the coin. Again, the rendering is in the left, the finished bezel on the right.
Approve the Design
Once you’re comfortable with what we’ve proposed, let us know and we’ll initiate making the piece. We always provide a price to you before hitting “go” so there won’t be any unpleasant surprises along the way. If we’re sourcing a stone for you we may need a deposit on it to secure the stone, but otherwise we only charge you once you have the final product in hand. From here, the project either goes to casting or is created by hand. We try to provide updates along the way but you should always feel free to check in on the status. Typically, from approval to final product, the “manufacturing” process takes about three weeks, give or take.
Pick Up Your Custom Design!
(Or have us ship it to you.) Once your design is ready we’ll send you an email or give you a call. We’ll have it ready for you to pick up, or we can ship it to you. If you need it in discreet packaging, we can do that. I have to admit that the pick-up is one of my favorite parts of my job. Our clients are always so pleased and it’s such a treat to see everything come together.
Visit Us Again
This is the real benefit of working with us. There are other custom “jewelers” who just make your piece and leave it to you to maintain it. This honestly blows my mind; how can you create a piece of jewelry and not take care of it? As a full-service jeweler we’re here for your lifelong repair and design needs. Our clients become real friends. We encourage you to visit us at least once a year so that we can check your piece, clean it, and make sure everything is secure. If you created an engagement ring and need wedding bands, we’ll make those, too. We guarantee custom pieces for life for normal wear-and-tear so if you lose a melee diamond along the way, we’ll take care of it.
That’s it!
Easy, right? Now, go make your Pinterest board!
- About the company
Alexandria & Company is an Old Town-based workshop and design studio specializing in creating and restoring fine jewelry and silver hollowware. They are the in-the-know jewelers of Alexandria and have been serving clients out of their small workshop for decades. Tucked in their historic building on South Royal Street, the team at Alx&Co. brings a personalized, modern approach to their craft – this is not your average stodgy jeweler or antique shop. Visit them during their walk-in hours or online to view their collection of handmade fine jewelry or to drop off a repair project; or, if you’re feeling creative, make an appointment to talk about that custom design project you’ve been imagining.
inquiries@alxandcompany.com | alxandcompany.com
121-B South Royal Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
703.548.0659
Design Studio Walk-In Hours (all jewelry services): Wednesday – Saturday 12-6pm
Silver Workshop Walk-In Hours (all silver repair and restoration services): Wednesday or Friday 12-6pm, or by appointment
Appointments encouraged for custom design.
