Clients come to me with stories a grandmother’s locket, a rough sketch on a café napkin, an engagement idea whispered in a late-night text. I begin by listening not just to the design they want, but to the memory, the feeling, and the intention behind it then transform that into a piece that wears like a lived story.
The Creative Journey Overview
• Consultation and storytelling — uncover the emotional and practical brief.
• Concept and design — sketches, moodboards, and technical plans.
• Material selection — choosing metals, gemstones, and sustainable options.
• Handcrafted fabrication — traditional bench skills married with modern precision.
• Finishing, fitting, and presentation — polish, provenance, and care instructions.
This is the workflow I follow at Custom Jewellery Designs in Hillarys, Perth, WA, ensuring every bespoke piece is beautiful, wearable, and meaningful.
Consultation and Design Development
• Deep listening session
I ask focused questions about how the piece will be worn, any sentimental elements to include, preferred styles, budget, and timeline. I translate emotions and memories into tangible constraints and possibilities.
• Inspiration and references
I collect images, textures, colour cues, and sometimes physical objects clients bring. I create a concise moodboard that balances aspiration with practicality.
• Sketches and technical drawings
I produce initial sketches and one or two refined technical drawings showing proportions, stone settings, and mechanisms. These drawings show exactly how the piece will function and look from all angles.
• Collaborative refinement
Clients choose a direction I refine details like shank thickness, prong style, or clasp type. Decisions at this stage prevent surprises later and ensure the piece will last.
Materials, Sourcing, and Ethical Choices
• Metal selection
I recommend metals based on wear, colour, and longevity 18K yellow or white gold for heirloom warmth, platinum for durability, or sterling silver for lighter budgets. I explain tradeoffs clearly so clients can make an informed choice.
• Gemstones and provenance
I present gemstones with clear notes on origin, treatment, and care. When requested, I source ethically mined or lab-grown stones and document provenance for client confidence.
• Practical considerations
I advise on hardness, daily wear, and maintenance. For high-wear pieces I prioritize stronger settings and more robust metal gauges.
Hands-On Fabrication Techniques
• Model making and patterns
For complex forms I hand-carve wax models or build master prototypes in metal. This tactile step reveals ergonomic and visual issues before final fabrication.
• Precision cutting and setting
I cut seats for gemstones with hand files and burs, setting stones by eye and feel. For pavé and micro settings I use loupe work and fine gravers to seat each stone securely.
• Soldering and assembly
I use controlled flame work to join components, ensuring joints are structurally sound and visually seamless. I test bends, stresses, and moving parts repeatedly.
• Texturing and surface work
I apply finishes by hand: mirror polish, satin, hammered textures, or custom surface treatments. These finishes are chosen to suit the piece’s character and the client’s lifestyle.
• Hand engraving and personalization
When clients request initials, dates, or motifs, I engrave directly by hand or use subtle relief carving to integrate meaning without compromising durability.
Quality Control, Fitting, and Presentation
• Fit and comfort checks
Before final polish I test rings, clasps, and articulations for comfort and function, adjusting as needed to ensure everyday wearability.
• Durability testing
I inspect prongs, solder joints, and hinges under magnification and simulate common stresses to anticipate future maintenance needs.
• Final finish and hallmarks
I apply the chosen finish, stamp metal purity and maker’s mark, and prepare a small certificate that notes materials, gemstone details, and care advice.
• Presentation and provenance
I deliver the piece in custom packaging with a care card and a short narrative describing the concept and special choices made during creation.
Aftercare and Long-Term Relationship
• Care instructions and routine checks
I provide simple care steps and recommend periodic checks for prong security and polishing to keep the piece looking its best.
• Repairs and remodelling
I welcome clients back for resizing, refurbishing, or completely reimagining an older piece, keeping its story alive while adapting to new needs.
• Documentation for legacy
I can provide more detailed provenance or photographic records for insurance and heritage purposes.
Closing Statement and Invitation
I craft jewellery that balances emotion, function, and longevity. Each piece from Custom Jewellery Designs in Hillarys, Perth, WA is the result of deliberate choices, careful handwork, and a collaborative process that honours the client’s story. If you have a memory you want to turn into a wearable piece, bring it to me and I will translate it into a lasting object of meaning and beauty.
