Jewellery design and manufacturing have been greatly impacted by the continuous advances in technology in this field. New techniques and modern creative approaches allow for the design and customisation of both new and existing jewellery through highly intricate digital designs which can then be (pre)tested in the physical realm through 3D printing. For economic – and sentimental – reasons, it is also becoming more popular to recycle gold and silver, amongst other metals, rather than creating new pieces from scratch.
New techniques allow for new design options
Innovative techniques such as fibre laser engraving allow for finely crafted surface designs, enabling shallow cuts into the piece to a depth of 0.05mm. Wedding rings, which become dulled and scratched over many years of wear, may be patterned with laser engraving to disguise such wear and tear, whether at the outset when the rings are new, or when they are scratched through years of wear and tear. All of these advancements are making the jewellery design and manufacturing process more efficient and cost-effective, therefore placing authentic and unique jewellery within the reach of everyone, whilst also making use of antique or broken pieces which would otherwise remain in the ever-useful but largely forgotten ‘junk drawer’.
Go bespoke and don’t stick to standard designs
Working with a professional jewellery designer/manufacturer can be beneficial in many ways. For one, they can help you create a unique piece that meets your exact requirements. Professional designers also have experience in various production techniques and materials. Additionally, they can provide advice on the best way to create and market the jewellery, if you are planning to sell it. Finally, an experienced designer can provide insight into the latest trends and styles.
Investigate before you commit…
When designing custom jewellery, certain factors must be taken into consideration. It is important to ensure that the final pieces are both unique and of high quality. Ensure that the jewellery is made with durable materials and has a professional finish. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask about the process involved in making the piece and what techniques the designer will be using. This also invests your emotional input into the work being carried out. Finally, make sure that the piece matches your vision and that it was made with care. If you are incorporating existing gemstones, check that the cut of the original gemstones will be a good fit for the new piece. Since the shape of precious gemstones has undergone many changes over the years, with new styles of jewellery being vastly different to traditional – and sometimes overly ‘fussy’ – designs, you might find yourself faced with many different shapes. If you don’t want to reshape the gemstone, you need to find a design which will incorporate it seamlessly into the new piece, rather than it standing out and attracting attention for the wrong reasons.
Look for experience and a similar design ethic
When it comes to working with a jewellery manufacturer, whether designing a new piece, adapting an existing piece, or incorporating existing gemstones into a new design, there are several questions you should ask, particularly if the gemstones and materials to be used are valuable for other than sentimental reasons. The design and wearing of jewellery is a highly personal choice, so be sure to check their track record, experience with similar projects and what services they offer. A reputable and experienced jewellery designer/manufacturer will have a catalogue of previous designs which will provide a good idea of their capabilities and style. Since many designers/manufacturers work with PC programs that allow for a full 3D view of the proposed piece, you will be able to see the design from all angles in the early design stages and discuss any aspects which you wish to change. As with any designer, you need to be sure that your ideas are understood clearly, and that positive suggestions to circumvent flaws or weaknesses in the design accord with your own views. Such suggestions, together with examples of their previous work, will give you a better understanding of the manufacturer and their capabilities. Working with an experienced manufacturer who understands your vision is essential for creating the perfect piece.
Time, Experience, and Technology are all factors to be considered
Finally, agree on a budget, as this will affect the intricacy and overall quality of the final product – it comes down to the cost of materials, time, experience, and effort. In other words, shop around before committing to the first designer/manufacturer you find. This will ensure that you find a jewellery designer who meets your requirements.
