How to Choose a Custom Jewelry Designer

The first step to designing your own custom jewelry piece is to find a designer who can help bring your vision to life. But with a wide variety of options out there, how do you choose the right one for your project?

Here are some things to keep in mind when looking for a custom jewelry designer:

Determine Their Capabilities

Many jewelry stores claim they offer custom design services, but when it comes to executing your design, things fall flat. In many of these cases, rather than hand-crafting a piece from scratch, these “custom designs” are simply assembling a bunch of manufactured components into a finished piece. 

If this is what you want, there’s nothing wrong with engaging a designer to create a piece in this manner. However, if you’re looking for a truly unique custom piece, you need to assess whether the designer has the skills necessary to bring it to life.

Some ways you can figure out if you’re working with someone who will truly create a custom piece of jewelry include:

• Can they cast or hand fabricate your piece? Most custom jewelers can cast pieces, but fewer can hand fabricate as this is a much more difficult set of skills. If you’re looking for a piece that’s going to require hand fabrication, you need to find a designer who can do this.
• Do they do their own CAD work? Computer-aided design (CAD) is using software to create drawings of 3D objects. When it comes to designing a piece of jewelry, the ability to visualize all areas of the piece is key to making sure you’re getting the design you want. Some jewelers outsource their CAD drawing, which makes it more difficult to make small adjustments to the design.
• Are they a master stone setter? If your piece is going to include stones, finding someone who can expertly set them so they’ll be durable and beautiful is key. A great custom jewelry designer will be able to set stones in almost any available setting, including bead setting, cut-away styles, channel, pave, fishtail, and more.
• Can they hand engrave? Hand engraving is one of the key skills necessary for a beautiful, unique piece of jewelry. 

Look at Their Prior Work

One of the best indicators of a custom jewelry designer’s skill is to take a look at their prior work. 

Scroll through their social media and website to find examples of pieces in similar styles and item types to what you’re wanting to make. If you like what you see, then chances are you’ve chosen someone who will give you the custom piece you’re looking for.

Also, check to see if the jeweler has online reviews from prior customers. These can give you valuable information about what it’s like to work with that specific artist and if the process will be easy or difficult.

Verify They Understand Your Vision

Once you’ve narrowed your choices down to the top one or two custom designers, set up some consultations to talk over your design. 

A great jeweler will be able to take your vision and any inspiration pictures you have and begin to bring your idea to life. And if they’re able to show you some inspirations or make suggestions that would make your piece better, you’re on the right track.

Custom Jewelry Designers in Frederick, MD

Your custom jewelry design deserves all the knowledge and skill you can find. At Gold Thumb Jewelry, our team of artists can help bring your idea to life, creating a piece you’ll treasure for years to come. Contact us to set up a consultation!