Bespoke jewellery at DeBrett’s of UK
Research
No matter how you plan to purchase an engagement ring or any other piece of jewellery, be it bespoke jewellery or something spied in an advert or shop window, it is always best to research the matter as fully as possible. Prices of precious metals, gem stones and the labour to blend the two into a beautiful piece are constantly fluctuating and prices may vary very widely even in a relatively small geographic area depending on the particular jeweller’s contacts and even how long he has had certain pieces in stock. How well your vision is realized also depends on the skills of your chosen designer. The potential purchaser should have an idea about all aspects of the purchase, from materials used to budget and accordingly have a look at five or six different companies to see if his or her plans and hopes are achievable.
Why Go Bespoke?
There are so many reasons why to ask for a bespoke jewellery item to be crafted; for example making good use of family heirlooms: great-grandma’s hideous diamond brooch in the shape of an ugly toad can be carefully dismantled and find new sparkling life as a wonderful sunburst pendant. This can ensure a feeling of continuity as the jewel can be passed from generation to generation while staying fresh and relevant. Engagement rings symbolize the hopes and dreams of a young couple and they may wish for something as unique as their relationship with which to display their love. With the marvellous variety of stones in rainbows hues, cut into a wide range of shapes, different metals ranging from purest platinum to traditional gold to unique alloys in unusual shades, jewellery designers can bring a design to life.
Budget
Bespoke does not have to be expensive. If the customer is having an existing piece reshaped, costs should be relatively modest; some labour and maybe the addition of extra fittings or a few grams of metal if the current piece does not quite contain enough. If creating a piece from scratch with expensive components, white gold, platinum or pure gold as the metal and big, clear diamonds, then the budget must be suitably increased to match. However if, as for most consumers (particularly these days) the sky is not the limit and bespoke jewellery, be it engagement ring or something else, must fall within a certain financial range, do not despair. The huge array of gemstones, both precious and semi-precious that are readily available are sure to have a perfect stone for the ring or piece of your dreams at an affordable price. Precious metals can be alloyed with cheaper and stronger metals, creating a durable and still beautiful item at a lower price.
Online Jewellers or High Street?
Online shopping is trampling on the high street and in the jewellery trade this is no different. Die-hard jewellery lovers are still going into high street shops, enjoying the sight and feel of the items about to be purchased, but canny and foresighted jewellers are going online too. Obviously if purchasing jewellery online, do be sure you are dealing with a real company, not a con artist who will send dross, or simply take your money and vanish – take precautions as you would with any online company that you are trusting with your hard-earned cash. There are some decided advantages to shopping online; many jewellers have facilities on their website which allow you to ‘build your bespoke jewellery’ item, starting with a choice of metals, stones in various cuts and sizes and any finishing flourishes that may be required. This may not be suitable for a very symbolic piece which incorporates much detail and lots of unique features; but they are remarkably adaptable and allow a good level of creativity. One perfect example of online customized jewellery is the Pandora collection, which allows for very pricy variations from gold and diamonds to stone and wood pieces for remarkably reasonable prices all tailored to suit and proclaim the woman they are designed for.
Satisfaction
Some jewellers use 3D rendering programs to produce 3D models of what the finished product will look like, while others like to rely on pencil sketches and photographs initially, but whichever work style your chosen jeweller follows to bring your imagination to life, you can be sure that you will walk away with a piece of jewellery, be it a brooch, necklace pendant or engagement ring, that is perfect for your purposes.
Ross Davies writing for DeBretts Online Jewellery the experts in bespoke jewellery for wedding and engagement rings.
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