Q: Is Custom-Designed Jewelry More Expensive?

Feb 18

There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to jewelry. Get the big picture with our long-form deep dives into the ever-changing, everlasting jewelry biz.

4 jewelers answer this burning question

When months of scouring vintage jewelry to find a one-of-a-kind wedding ring grew tiresome, I decided to design my own with a local jeweler. Throughout my custom ring journey, one thing didn't change: our budget. My man was firm about it, so we had to be firm with the jeweler.

Like many people, I thought for sure we'd end up spending more on a custom ring. But Sofia Kaman, like any reputable jeweler, managed the process, and us, to make my dream ring wish come true (so we could still afford our honeymoon in Tahiti, natch).

I was relieved to have worked with a jeweler who listened and honored our budget, but that's not always the case. There are lots of factors. We asked four jewelers how they answer this common question: Is custom design more expensive than purchasing something straight from the case?

And this leads to more questions like, how do jewelers manage expectations and budgets? Can everyone win? Here's what the jewelers said.

(Photo credit: @forgejewelryworks)

Forge Jewelry Works Provo, UT

Rischelle Mikkelson, co-owner of Forge Jewelry Works, confirms, "Just about every couple asks about pricing, concerned that a custom design ring will be more expensive than a non-custom piece." She continues, "It's our goal to design exactly what you want within your budget. We have worked hard to lower our overhead and pass along the savings to you."

In some cases, custom gives you more wiggle room because of the endless creative possibilities. "Most couples have found that they can make design choices that give them a lot more flexibility in keeping within their budget."

Bruce Owen Jewelry Design Des Moines, IA

Bench jeweler and owner Bruce Owen says, "Clients generally have a preconceived idea of how much they want to spend on the project. In their mind, they've already spent the amount they are willing to invest. The problem is they can't find what they want, or they want something very personal and specific."

It's all about a trusting relationship: "By custom-designing, we can work together, designing your piece to get exactly what is important to you for no more than what you would spend on a mass-produced jewelry item that was simply made to sell."

In addition to the one-of-a-kind allure, Bruce goes on to explain why in some ways custom is better than non-custom. "It opens up the door to gaining ownership of the piece. A custom piece can be tailored to your style and lifestyle."

Taylor Made Jewelry Akron, OH

"Designing a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry does cost more than buying a stock design," says owner, jeweler, and designer, Jim Taylor. "But the benefit is you will have all the elements you love in one piece of jewelry. No one will ever have anything like it. We never duplicate a custom piece that we have created for a customer. You will be creating something that is uniquely yours and can always be treasured."

Kristen Baird Jewelry Savannah, GA

Studio owner and designer, Kristen Baird, attributes a higher price to a higher involvement level: "I work on a select number of commissioned (custom) designs each year. Many of them are 'build from scratch' customs where I design, source materials, create, and deliver a unique design to my client. These pieces are fabulous, and naturally, due to the time and personalized care devoted to the project, they do cost more than a piece from my 'ready to shop' collections."

For many, it's worth the investment because it's a labor of love for the customer's vision. Kristen explains, "It's an experience, and for that reason, it's memorable and special. At the end of the project, my clients receive their masterpiece, and I present them with a flip-book showing the process from start to finish."

A: Sometimes. It depends. Maybe. The key is finding a jeweler you trust and who gets you, and that is totally possible.

Wordsmith: Samantha Durbin

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