Finding The Perfect Custom Made Jewelry Store

JEWELRY HAS BEEN AROUND FOR MILLENNIA!

It may not require emphasizing, but jewelry has been around for millennia. It has been a way for people in cultures across the globe to express their individuality, creativity and even their beliefs in the wider universe. The oldest piece found to date was unearthed and found in a cave in Croatia and it was designed by a Neanderthal craftsman using eagle claws 135,000 years ago.

We may not be using eagle claws - our chosen materials are precious stones and rare metals - but humankind's love for custom jewelry has not faded over tens of thousands of years. In fact, it has grown stronger as precious metals and stones have become more widely available and the artists who create custom jewelry have honed their skills and methods of creating uniquely beautiful pieces of wearable art.

However, in this day and age, how does the discerning consumer find the right jewelry store and a craftsman who will translate their vision of beauty into the unique, custom piece of true distinction? For those of you who have known us through the store over the past 48 years we’ve been in business, you know how much we love making custom jewelry that is unique and truly created with your personality and style in mind.

As with all purchases of unique products, research is one of the foundations of making the right decision. The skills to craft that special piece of custom jewelry are very different from those required to simply offer advice on the purchase of a piece that is displayed under glass.

IS YOUR JEWELER ACCREDITED?

Master craftsmen are almost always accredited to a governing and certification body. Ensure that the individual who will be crafting your custom piece is certified by a body such as the American Gem Society, Jewelers of America or the Gemological Institute of America. There are others, but talk with the person who will be doing the design work to find out if they have the experience and qualifications.

Next, do not underestimate the power of the Internet. There are numerous review sites that can be found where clients who have received custom made jewelry will share their experiences. If your chosen jeweler has built a reputation for excellence, it is almost inevitable that the quality of their craftsmanship and their attention to the unique requirements of the individual customer will be mentioned. Try and find a site with a forum - and do not be afraid to solicit opinions and advice.

Then it is time to make your personal choice as far as design is concerned, if you have not done so already. The designer will offer you invaluable advice in person. But it is tremendously helpful to know what sort of metals you prefer, the types of stones you would like set, and the type of jewelry you have in mind. If you are repurposing an existing piece then you already have a good idea of what the craftsman will be working with. Spend some time looking at fine jewelry websites and see if any designs catch your eye - they can provide a firm foundation that the master jeweler can use to design your unique piece.

KNOW YOUR JEWELRY BUDGET?

Of course all of us wish that the sky was the limit as far as cost is concerned, but having a budget in mind will not only give you an idea of the parameters to explore but also provide the designer with information that will assist him or her in sculpting that perfect piece. Always keep in mind that you are not purchasing a piece that has been made using a cookie cutter process - custom jewelry is often more expensive because the entire process of crafting that unique piece is time consuming. It takes close consultation between client, designer and craftsman, and the manufacturing process is painstakingly detailed. A skilled and experienced jeweler will be able to provide an estimate, but always leave some wriggle room.

The process of creation takes time. It is absolutely essential that you temper your expectations. Once again, it is worth noting that you are not selecting a standard piece that has been on display. Creating your perfect piece of custom jewelry can take anywhere between two weeks and two months. It may take even longer if raw materials must be sourced from specialized dealers.