It’s officially summer which can only mean one thing - holiday shopping! (Just kidding… but not exactly.) If you’re planning on gifting custom jewelry this holiday season, now is the time to start looking for the right designer. This process can take a lot of research, and you might want to speak with multiple professionals before you decide on the perfect designer for your piece. Even if you love someone’s work and can’t get enough of their Instagram page, you should talk one-on-one before signing a contract. Because there’s one factor that you can’t compromise on when it comes to custom jewelry: trust.
Here’s why it’s so important to work with a jewelry designer you trust:
Transparent Pricing in a Fluctuating Industry
Gold has always been a luxury commodity, but these days it can be really expensive. With the price of gold rising and falling on a seemingly daily basis, it can be difficult to pin down the exact cost of materials for a custom piece. This also makes it possible to take advantage of people, especially if they’re not up-to-date on the gold market.
It’s standard practice in the jewelry industry for a designer to give a “range” of possible prices that will cover the fluctuations in the market. This helps protect both the designer and the customer. A trustworthy designer will be upfront with you about the realities of the industry and give you a reasonable price range estimate, so you know what you should expect to spend. Always ask for a contract and price estimate at the beginning of your project!
Someone to Advocate for You
Jewelry designers know the difference between high-quality materials and shoddy ones, even if you can’t personally see the difference. A good designer will advocate for you to suppliers and gem dealers to make sure you don’t accidentally end up with a stone with inclusions, a sub-par metal alloy, or a thin and breakable chain. Not every fault is visible to the untrained eye, so you need a designer who cares enough about your piece to protect you. Your designer is your best advocate!
Quality Craftsmanship
There are few things more stressful than losing the stone from your ring or having the dangle break off your precious earring. Unfortunately, in the days of mass-produced jewelry and build-it-yourself online sites, this situation is all too common. The best way to avoid spending an evening crawling around looking for a gemstone is to have a well-crafted piece in the first place. Your designer will make sure your piece is strong, well-built, and stunning. (Also, it’s a very good idea to have insurance!)
Quality craftsmanship is important not only because you want a beautiful piece of jewelry, but because you want something that will last a lifetime.
Communication and Listening
Often, a custom design correlates with a major life milestone, such as an engagement, anniversary, or the passing of a loved one. These can be emotional times, and you want to work with someone who understands the importance of this moment. A great designer will understand the story behind your piece and infuse that meaning into the design.
Gone are the days when the local jeweler simply makes the same basic ring for everyone in the family! Now, your piece can be anything you imagine if you work with a designer who shares your vision and respects your requests. A trustworthy designer will be upfront about which of your ideas are feasible, what the price will be, and how best to bring your vision to fruition.
Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, working with a designer you trust allows you to relax and enjoy the process. You have a professional in your corner dedicated to making sure your vision comes to life in the best way possible. The greatest reward will be the look on your loved one’s face (or your own) when they receive their one-of-a-kind treasure!
If you’re interested in working with me on a custom piece for the holidays, now is the time to reach out! Let’s have a conversation!
