How to Prepare for a Custom Jewelry Design Consultation
Creating a piece of custom jewelry is incredibly special. Whether it be a custom engagement ring, or a gift for an anniversary, birthday, or retirement, a custom piece of jewelry is something that’ll be cherished for a lifetime. Once you’ve made the decision to create a custom piece of jewelry, it’s time to start planning! The custom jewelry design process typically begins with a consultation. This helps the jeweler to understand what the client has in mind, and how they can bring their visions to life. While it’s certainly a time for collaboration, it’s also important that the client comes prepared, to ensure they get the most out of the consultation time and can effectively communicate what they’re looking for. If this is your first time purchasing a custom piece of jewelry, we understand that it can be overwhelming, especially if you don’t know the first thing about precious metals or gemstones. We’ve put together this guide to help you better prepare for your design consultation!
Do Some Research
The first thing you’ll want to do to prepare for your consultation is to do some preliminary research. A quick search on Google will be able to help you start sorting through what you like and what you don’t like. For example, if you’re designing an engagement ring, a good place to start would be with the diamond cut. Research the different cuts and write down the names of any specific ones that catch your eye. You’ll also want to consider the metals, and any detailing you desire. The more specific you can be, the clearer you’ll be able to communicate it to the jeweler, and the consultation will go even more smoothly.
Collect Visual Inspiration
In your research, you’ll want to collect some inspirational images that you can show the jewelers. This way, if you can’t communicate the exact details using metal or gemstone names, the jeweler can get a feel for your taste and what you want by the images. Google or social media is a great way to find inspiration images. If you’re searching on Instagram, try using different hashtags to find what you’re looking for, such as “#customengagementring” or “#princesscutdiamond.” Again, the more specific you get with your searches, the better the chances you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for. Conversely, if you don’t have an exact image in your head of what you want, this is where the jewelry designers come in! They’ll certainly be able to present ideas and guide you through the process. In this case, you could just bring in a few images that loosely represent the overall look and feel that you like.
Set a Budget
Before heading in for your appointment, you’ll also want to set a budget for yourself. This will help both you and the designer to narrow down the options available to you and create a piece that you love while being practical. Determining your budget beforehand is especially helpful if more than one person will be attending the consultation, so there’s no confusion or back and forth once you get there.
Prepare to Collaborate
As we mentioned above, doing your research beforehand is important, but it’s also a time for collaboration! The jewelers you’ll be meeting with have ample experience creating custom pieces, and will be able to recommend metals or gemstones that may better suit your piece, even if it’s not what you initially had pictured. Come in with an open mind and ready to listen to what the designers have to offer!
Schedule a Consultation With Bostonian Jewelers
Creating custom jewelry is incredibly exciting. We love being a part of these special milestones in our clients’ lives. If you’re looking to create a custom piece of jewelry, the expert craftsman and designers at Bostonian Jewelers are here to help! Contact us today to set up a consultation and get started!