Where Can I Get Custom Jewelry Made?
We LOVE custom jewelry. We believe it can be so much more meaningful than something mass produced and chosen from a case. It can be daunting, however, to find a custom jeweler to make that special piece of custom jewelry. Here are some options to consider:
In Person
This is the most traditional way to get your custom jewelry made. Many jewelry stores offer this service, even if they don’t openly advertise it. Depending on the level of custom design you are looking for, you can check out your local jewelry stores to see if this is a service they offer and to what extent they can custom design the piece of jewelry you have in mind.
Pros:
- Locally made – Having your custom jewelry made locally means you can walk right into the store or studio, whenever you would like, with any questions, concerns, or problems. This also means the jewelry might be made and kept on site (always double check with the jewelry store, however, if this is important to you. Some stores will ship or bring their jobs to another jeweler to have the custom jewelry made).
- Live examples – If you are the type of person who MUST see the diamond or gemstone you are buying in person, this is the option for you. Many jewelry stores will bring in diamonds or gemstones for you to look at before purchasing.
- In person experience – Your local jewelry store will be the only option if you prefer in person consultations (as opposed to video or phone consultations).
Cons:
- Geographical location – There are only so many jewelry stores in any given geographical location. This may not necessarily a problem if you live in a large, metropolitan area, but could seriously limit your options if you’re in a more rural location.
- Overhead – There is a reason online jewelry can be less expensive than what you see in the local jewelry store. Online custom jewelers can, potentially, have less overhead than a custom jeweler operating in a physical location where they must pay rent (usually in a desirable location) and utilize more employees.
- Time restrictive – It will take you time to drive to and from a physical jewelry store location AND you will, most likely, have to meet during store hours.
Online
This is the most traditional way to get your custom jewelry made. Many jewelry stores offer this service, even if they don’t openly advertise it. Depending on the level of custom design you are looking for, you can check out your local jewelry stores to see if this is a service they offer and to what extent they can custom design the piece of jewelry you have in mind.
Pros:
- Convenience – You have the capability to do all the consultations from the comfort of your home, office, or wherever you choose. You can fit your design consultation into your lunch break or in-between appointments.
- Time – Custom jewelry online can save you TIME. Many clients can get custom jewelry made entirely through email, text, or video conferences. No need to drive to and from a physical location.
- Options – By going online, you have access to MANY more options when it comes to deciding which custom jeweler you would like to work with. Are you looking for someone who specializes in vintage styles? Or maybe you want to use a unique sapphire in your design? By going online, you can find custom jewelers who fit your style.
Cons:
- Overwhelming – There are thousands of options when deciding what custom jeweler to work with and not all of them are created equal. It can be time consuming to find the perfect online custom jeweler that best fits your needs.
- Shipping – Since you aren’t working with someone locally, you may have to pay for shipping. Many online custom jewelers offer free shipping for your new piece of custom jewelry, but you will (most likely) pay any shipping costs when you need your jewelry serviced or repaired by the same online business. If you would like to work with gemstones, diamonds, or metal you already own, you will have to be comfortable shipping those as well.
Pro tip: Google is your friend when looking for a custom jeweler. Reviews can tell you a lot about a business (online or in person) and are especially helpful in the custom jewelry world. People LOVE talking about their experiences, both good and bad. OR you can check out Virginia Ann Designs! We work directly with you to design the perfect piece of custom jewelry. The first design consultation is free, so if you have any questions about us or about custom jewelry in general, book a consultation. We look forward to meeting you!
