How Our Bespoke Design Process Works
One of the questions I'm asked most often is how the bespoke design process actually works. Whether you're commissioning an engagement ring, a sentimental keepsake or a completely custom piece, I wanted to break down each stage of the journey so you know exactly what to expect before we begin.
Every bespoke commission is different, but the process is always collaborative, transparent and designed to ensure you end up with something that's uniquely yours.
Deciding if We're the Right Fit
Before submitting a bespoke enquiry, I always recommend spending some time exploring my previous work.
Browse the bespoke gallery, take a look through Instagram and explore the current collection on the website. This will give you a feel for my design style, craftsmanship and the types of projects I specialise in. It can also help you understand how different metals and gemstones influence the overall cost of a piece.
Once you have a good idea of what you're looking for, simply submit your project through the Custom Request page with as much detail as possible.
Budgets: Expectation vs Reality
One of the things I ask for on my request form is your budget.
This isn't to limit your creativity, it's to help me advise you on what's realistically achievable, ensure I recommend materials that make the best use of your investment but that also fit the purpose of the design. A good example is something like an engagement ring, they will require materials that are hard wearing and suitable for everyday wear.
Not all metals are created equally. A piece crafted in sterling silver or 9ct gold will have a very different price point to one made in 18ct gold, platinum or 22ct gold, simply because of the cost of the raw materials.
The same applies to gemstones.
A common misconception is that gemstones are available in any size, colour and quality at a fixed price. While that's often true for laboratory-grown or synthetic gemstones, natural gemstones are entirely different. Each stone is unique, with its own characteristics and variations. Factors such as colour, cut, clarity and rarity all influence a gemstone's value, meaning two natural stones of the same size can differ dramatically in price.
Then there's the craftsmanship itself.
Every bespoke piece is made individually, and additional details such as hand engraving, stone setting, sculptural elements or complex construction all add time to the making process. The more intricate the design, the more hours are required to bring it to life.
Having a realistic budget from the beginning allows me to design something that delivers the greatest impact without compromising quality.
Sourcing & Designing
The bespoke process is highly collaborative.
Once I understand your vision, I'll begin researching suitable gemstones and materials, developing design concepts and refining them with your feedback until everything feels just right.
Throughout this stage, we'll:
- Explore different design options.
- Source suitable gemstones and materials.
- Refine and tweak the design together.
- Finalise costs.
- Plan a production schedule that works around your required completion date.
One thing many people are surprised to learn is that I don't charge for the design and research stage.
I only take payment once you're completely happy with the design and decide you'd like to move forward with production. If you decide not to proceed, that's absolutely okay. Choosing a bespoke jeweller is a personal decision, and I want you to feel confident you've found the right person to bring your vision to life.
Likewise, if I don't feel I'm the right fit for your project, I'll always be honest about it. Rather than taking on a commission that isn't right for either of us, I'll happily recommend other jewellers who I believe may be better suited to bring your vision to life.
One thing to note: gemstones cannot be reserved while designs are being developed. Most suppliers won't hold stones indefinitely, so materials are only secured once your design has been approved and your invoice has been paid. At that point, I purchase everything required and your commission officially enters the production queue.
Due to the fluctuating price of precious metals, all quotations and invoices are price locked for 30 days from the date they are issued. If payment isn't received within this period, your quotation may need to be recalculated to reflect current metal prices and the availability of any gemstones included in your design.
Bespoke Commissions Are Built on Mutual Respect
Bespoke jewellery is a partnership, and successful projects rely on clear communication and respect for each other's time.
Life happens, and sometimes circumstances change. If you decide you can no longer proceed with your commission, I simply ask that you let me know at least one week before your scheduled production slot begins.
You'll then have the option to:
- Reschedule your commission for a later date.
- Release your production slot for another client.
If your confirmed project is postponed, your original quotation will be cancelled and recalculated when you're ready to continue. This is because precious metal prices fluctuate daily, and any gemstones originally sourced may no longer be available, meaning suitable alternatives may need to be found.
Once you've approved your design and confirmed a production slot, that time is reserved exclusively for your commission. If your invoice remains unpaid and I don't hear from you despite my attempts to get in touch, your production slot will be released so that it can be offered to another client.
In these circumstances, I reserve the right to decline future bespoke enquiries. I appreciate this may seem like a strict policy, but it's ultimately about fairness.
As an independent jeweller, every commission is planned carefully throughout the year. Unlike larger workshops, I don't have a team of designers or makers behind the scenes, it's just me. Keeping a well-managed production schedule allows me to offer fair pricing while giving every client and every piece the time, care and attention it deserves.
When a confirmed production slot is left empty because communication has stopped, it doesn't simply create a gap in my diary. It often means another client has been turned away or has had to wait longer to begin their own project.
Fortunately, this is incredibly rare, and the vast majority of bespoke commissions run smoothly from start to finish. Mutual respect and open communication allow me to continue creating thoughtful, handcrafted jewellery while giving every client the attention their commission deserves.
The Production Process
Once your design has been approved, your invoice has been paid and your materials have been secured, your commission officially enters production.
Every piece is made by hand in my Yorkshire studio, depending on the design, this may involve hand fabrication, wax carving for casting, engraving, stone setting, polishing and final finishing. Every stage is completed with care to ensure the finished piece not only looks beautiful but is made to last a lifetime.
Throughout production, I’ll often share progress videos on my social channels so you can follow your piece as it comes to life. Seeing a bespoke commission evolve from an initial idea into a finished heirloom is one of the most exciting parts of the journey, and I love bringing my clients along for the process.
Production times vary depending on the complexity of the design and my current workload, but I'll always provide an estimated completion date before work begins. If there are any changes along the way, I'll keep you updated.
Before your jewellery leaves the studio, it undergoes a final quality inspection. Every engraving, setting and finish is checked to ensure it meets my standards before being carefully packaged for fully insured express delivery. Shipping is included in the price for UK customers and free for international customers for projects over £400.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a bespoke commission take?
Every project is different, but most bespoke commissions take between 6–12 weeks from approval to completion. More complex commissions, projects requiring specialist gemstones or work during busy periods may take longer. If your piece is needed for a specific date, such as a proposal or wedding, please mention this when you enquire.
Do I need to know exactly what I want?
Not at all. Some clients come with sketches and reference images, while others simply have an idea or sentiment they'd like to capture. The design process is collaborative, and together we'll develop a design that feels right for you.
Can you use my own gemstones or heirloom jewellery?
In many cases, yes. Existing gemstones can often be reused, and heirloom jewellery can sometimes be remodelled into a new piece. Before making any recommendations, I'll assess the condition of the materials and discuss the best options with you.
Can I make changes during the design process?
Absolutely. Refining the design is part of the bespoke experience. I'll work with you to make adjustments until you're completely happy before we move into production.
Once materials have been purchased and production has begun, however, changes may not always be possible, or they may incur additional costs depending on the work involved.
What happens if I need to postpone my commission?
If your circumstances change before production begins, just let me know as soon as possible. I'll always do my best to accommodate a new timeframe where possible. Please bear in mind that quotations may need to be updated to reflect current precious metal prices and gemstone availability.
Ready to Begin?
If you've been thinking about creating something completely unique, I'd love to hear your ideas.
Whether you have a fully formed vision or just the beginnings of one, every bespoke commission starts with a conversation. Together, we'll create a piece that's designed around your story and crafted to be treasured for generations.
