No matter the reason you’re looking to purchase jewelry, there may be times when you can’t seem to find the perfect piece or you have an idea in your head that isn’t captured by anything you’ve come across.  If this is the case, you might want to consider custom design. Custom designing jewelry may seem like an arduous and lengthy process. While it certainly does take more time than simply choosing jewelry from a showroom, our Master Jewelers, winners of San Diego Union Tribune’s 2017 Best Jeweler, make the experience as simple and straightforward as possible. The jewelry you wear is an expression of your personality and lifestyle- it is unique to the wearer as an individual. This is the aim of our custom design process. Our expert jewelers are here to listen to your desires and interests, provide advice, and work one on one with you to create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece. Below is the step-by-step process we take here at Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers for custom designing jewelry to give you more insight on what to expect. Whether you’re looking to custom design the next addition to your collection, a sentimental gift for a loved one, or your future spouse’s engagement ring, we can help bring your exact visions to life.

The Custom Design Process:

1. Consultation- The first step in the custom design process is meeting with one of our award winning Master Jewelers to discuss your ideas and budget. If you have any sketches or images of what you have in mind for your unique creation, it’s helpful to bring these along as a useful visual guide. This is where you’ll discuss the specifics of your piece- diamond or colored gemstone, particular cut, setting style, size, etc. The more information you give our jewelry artisans, the better. Then, you will receive a quote for your piece.

2. Model- Once everything has been thoroughly discussed, the design concept is finalized, and a price has been agreed upon, we’ll create a 3D model of your work of art. Our talented gemologists skillfully unite the best of old-world craftsmanship with state-of-the-art Computer Aided Design (CAD), ensuring your creation is aesthetically stunning and scientifically precise. This wax or computerized model will display multi-angled renderings of your piece so you have a better idea of what exactly the final product will be. At this point, you can request any modifications to your design. We will not move forward with the creation of your jewelry until everything is exactly as you imagined.

3. Your Masterpiece- Upon your final approval, our team will cast your design in the precious metal of your choice. Your carefully chosen gemstones are then meticulously set by our expert jewelers. The flawlessly finished piece is thoroughly inspected, polished and shined, and ready to be one of your lifelong treasures.

Custom designing jewelry is a waiting game that is well worth your time. Depending on the piece, the process can take as little as 2 weeks or as long as a few months. After completion, you’ll be in possession of an incredible piece of jewelry that is uniquely yours- no one else on earth will ever own the same piece. If you’d like to see one of your visions beautifully brought to life by one of San Diego’s best jewelers, contact us or stop by our location on San Diego Avenue to begin the creative process.