Custom Jewelry Design
Mesa AZ Jewelry Creative Services
Our Custom Design Process
1. Initial Consultation
Your custom jewelry journey begins with a relaxed, no-pressure conversation at our Mesa showroom.
During your free consultation, you’ll meet with David or Aubrey Nelson to share your vision.
Whether you’re transforming a family heirloom, creating an engagement ring, or designing something entirely new, we’ll listen carefully to your ideas.
What to expect during your consultation:
- Browse our collection for inspiration
- Share any pictures or sketches you have
- Discuss your budget openly
- Learn about different metal options
- Explore gemstone choices
We believe in transparent pricing and honest conversations.
You’ll leave your consultation with a clear understanding of what’s possible within your budget and a rough timeline for your project.
Plus, you’ll see examples of similar pieces we’ve created for other clients.
Ready to start your custom jewelry journey?
Visit our jewelry showroom, and let’s create something beautiful together!
2. Design & Sketching
Once we understand your vision, we bring it to life through detailed sketches.
We will work with you to create drawings that capture every angle of your dream piece.
This step helps us refine the design until it’s exactly what you want.
During the design phase, we’ll:
- Create detailed sketches showing multiple views of your piece
- Discuss metal choices (white gold, yellow gold, platinum)
- Select the perfect gemstones for your design
- Review similar pieces from our portfolio
- Make adjustments until the design matches your vision
You’ll stay involved throughout this creative process.
We encourage questions and welcome your input—this is your unique piece!
We’ll explain how different design elements affect your jewelry’s beauty and wearability.
Once you’re completely happy with the design, we’ll provide a detailed quote and timeline for creating your piece.
There are no surprises – just clear communication every step of the way.
3. CAD Rendering
Once you approve the initial design, we transform your sketches into precise 3D computer models.
This technology lets you see your jewelry from every angle before we start crafting.
It’s like having X-ray vision into your future piece!
The CAD rendering process includes:
- Detailed 3D models showing exact proportions
- Views from multiple angles
- Accurate gemstone placement
- Metal thickness specifications
- Final size confirmation
This step is crucial because it allows us to make any adjustments before casting begins.
You’ll receive digital images of your design to review and approve. Want to move a stone slightly?
Adjust the bandwidth?
This is the perfect time to make those refinements.
Once you’re completely satisfied with the CAD rendering, we’ll move forward to creating your piece.
This careful attention to detail ensures your custom jewelry will be exactly as you imagined.
4. Creation & Finishing
This is where your custom jewelry design comes to life!
After you approve the CAD rendering, our skilled craftspeople begin the meticulous process of creating your piece.
The creation process includes:
- Casting your chosen metal to precise specifications
- Setting each gemstone with expert care
- Hand-finishing to achieve the perfect polish
- Multiple quality checks throughout the process
- Final inspection by David or Aubrey Nelson
During this phase, we maintain close communication with you.
We’ll let you know when casting is complete, the stone setting begins, and your piece is ready for final inspection.
This attention to detail ensures your custom jewelry meets both our high standards and your expectations.
Once complete, we’ll invite you to our jewelry showroom to see your custom piece for the first time.
We’ll also provide jewelry care instructions to help maintain its beauty for generations.
Step by Step Custom Ring Build
Check out the process of creating this incredible custom garnet ring!
We took the lugs from an old antique watch to create a “vintage meets modern” inspired design. 5.55ct Garnet and .72ctw diamonds on a 14kt rose gold band.
Finished Custom Designed Jewelry Pieces
Look at some of the creative pieces we have designed for others.
If you can dream it, we can design it!
Custom Engagement Rings
If you have been hunting for the perfect engagement ring, but nothing feels right, you can design your own!
Whether you’re dreaming of your future engagement ring or planning to propose, you can explore different options with our online engagement ring designer.
If you have something even more specific in mind, want some help narrowing down the options, or need help staying within your budget, stop by and see us!
In-person consultations are the best way to work out the details.
Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Jewelry Design
How long does the custom jewelry process take from start to finish?
Most custom pieces take 4-6 weeks from initial consultation to final creation. We keep you involved and updated throughout the process, from initial sketches to final polish. Complex designs or specialty gemstones may require additional time.
Is custom jewelry more expensive than buying from a showcase?
Not necessarily! Custom pieces are often comparable in price to our showcase jewelry. Since we work directly with you on the design, we can adjust elements to match your budget while creating something uniquely yours. Our transparent pricing means no surprises.
Can I use my own stones or gold in a custom piece?
Absolutely! We love working with family heirlooms and meaningful materials. We can incorporate your stones, gold, or other precious metals into a new design. We’ll carefully evaluate your materials and discuss the best ways to showcase them in your custom piece.
What if I don’t know exactly what I want?
That’s perfectly normal! During your consultation with David or Aubrey Nelson, we’ll explore different styles and options together. We can show you similar pieces, discuss your lifestyle and preferences, and help guide you toward a design you’ll love.
Can I make changes once the design process starts?
Yes! That’s why we use detailed sketches and CAD renderings before creating your piece. You can request changes at any point before casting begins. We want you to be completely confident in your design before we start crafting.
Do you offer warranties on custom pieces?
Yes, all our custom jewelry comes with our quality guarantee. We also provide complimentary inspections and cleaning to ensure your piece maintains its beauty for generations.
What if my ring size changes in the future?
Most custom rings can be resized. During the design process, we’ll discuss future sizing possibilities and create your piece with potential adjustments in mind. Some designs may have limited sizing flexibility, which we’ll discuss upfront.
Can you help me surprise someone with custom jewelry?
Of course! We’re experts at helping create surprise gifts. We can guide you through design choices that will delight your recipient while ensuring the piece can be adjusted if needed after the surprise.
