A Simple Guide to Buying Custom Jewelry
If you have a passion for jewelry, then you will no doubt have your own tastes. We all have a style that we like, and finding that style in the big, mainstream jewelry stores can be a pain. For that reason, more and more people are turning to bespoke, custom jewelry sold online.
However, the challenge with using an independent jewelry designer is the quality of the end product. The best custom jewelry can be hard to locate, and you can, more often than not, find yourself left with an amateur piece that you dislike. To help make sure you buy quality custom jewelry, keep the following in mind.
The things to consider when buying custom jewelry
Know exactly what you want
The first thing you need to have in your mind is absolute clarity on the idea you have in mind. What is the purpose of this custom jewelry? Who is it for? Is it something that has to be made from scratch?
Having a clear idea is important because it reduces the risk of you being left with a rough approximation of your bespoke jewelry dream. So, be sure to look very closely so that you know 100% what you are having created.
Research the crafter closely
One of the most common mistakes that people buying bespoke accessories make is to buy from the first vendor they like. You might think their portfolio looks good, but you may be able to get a better deal or a better end product if you shop around a little bit beforehand.
Researching this as closely as you can is very important. This will make sure that you can get the right individual involved. They should be experienced and, where possible, certified by their national jeweler’s association. This proves they can do the job as expected.
Set a budget – and stick to it
Among the deciding factors of any custom jewelry is the price. You should do yourself a favor and stick to a strict budget. Once you loosen the purse strings for one accessory, it is hard to tighten said strings again. So, you should ensure that you stick a clear price in place so that you do not overpay.
A good jeweler should be able to give you a clear idea of the price or at least some kind of ballpark based on the (detailed) idea you have shown them.
Work out the timeline involved
Typically, any custom jewelry will have a timeline of weeks. If they are completing the entire project in days, they are too fast and are probably not as talented and/or as detail-oriented as you would like them to be. Typically, two to three weeks is good for a fast jeweler; most of the time, though, expective up to six weeks of waiting time to get what you have paid for.
So, please make sure you have plenty of time before you need this custom jewelry. If it is for a specific event or purpose, give yourself at least two months of preparation time. This helps to make space for potential delays and any corrections/improvements needed during the post-creation process.
Plan ahead when it comes to getting custom jewelry made; if you have to ask a jeweler to rush, it will almost certainly compromise the quality. Plan accordingly and avoid any disappointments along the way.
Buying custom jewelry from the right places
Now that you can use the above to help focus your shopping efforts, you should find it easier to locate worthwhile bespoke jewelry. If you'd like to simplify the process further, please be sure to look at buying from reputable custom jewelry designers. For example, platforms like Everett Fine Jewelry provide easy access to high-end custom accessories.
This will make it easier to stick to the rules above while ensuring you get exactly what you were looking for. Good luck with your design; the above rules should help you get what you originally wanted.