Design appointments process online and in our gallery explained by Rebecca Smith, Creative Director of Pruden & Smith.
The design appointment process for jewellery is easy to understand in this informative video below. The film explains how to buy a piece of jewellery for yourself, as a gift or commissioning a bespoke design.
Christmas jewellery commissions reusing gemstones are an exciting and ethical way to treat a loved one to a beautiful new piece of bespoke jewellery. Do you have old jewellery at home containing small diamonds and semi-precious stones? Or perhaps a collection of small, mismatched stones leftover from a previous commission that used up the larger stones? These small gemstones might not look like much individually but with a little creativity they can be used to create something spectacular.
We often find that people have a series of small diamonds leftover after redesigning old jewellery. At first you might not know what to do with them. They may be very small or perhaps all different mismatched sizes. These types of stones can be perfect for creating a diamond scatter pattern or for use in an organic jewellery design that has a rough hammered texture, or natural flowing lines. Many of our designs can be adapted to take any number of stones so you don’t have to worry about wasting any.
You may notice that some old gemstones are cut differently to modern gemstones. Old cut diamonds, or old mine cut diamonds, were individually cut by hand and so each one is unique. This means that they are not always suitable for a very regular, symmetrical design but are perfect for a beautiful organic jewellery design that utilises their individuality.
Does your collection include unusual gemstone cuts, such as emerald cut gemstones, pear-shaped gemstones, or princess cut gemstones? These gemstone shapes stand out as very different amongst a collection of small round diamonds. A great way to incorporate these unusual gemstones is to make them the centre piece of the design. Using what makes them different to your advantage can result in a truly striking take on a more classic design.
A common question when redesigning old jewellery is which stones to put together and what to leave out. There are a number of ways to approach colour. One approach is to go for a monochrome look. Keeping a design to just one colour, such as all diamond, can put the focus of the design on the metalwork or the pattern of the stones. Another option is to keep your colour palette to similar tones or shades of the same colour, for example putting blues and greens together. Contrasting colours also work really well together, and bright primary colours can be used to create a truly striking effect. One final thing to remember is that diamonds go with everything! So, if in doubt, mix some diamonds with one other colour and the results are guaranteed to be fabulous.
The first place to start is the jewellery box, safe or boxes under the bed. Take a look through your existing jewellery collection and think about what you wear and don’t wear. Which stones do you love on their own, and which small stones would you like to use up somehow but need ideas for? The second question to ask yourself is what you want to achieve, are you looking for something for yourself, your partner, a friend or your children. Perhaps you want to commission a matching set, or a set of rings that with eventually be handed down to the next generation. Once you’ve had a think about what you want, check out our handy design ideas pages for inspiration:
Design ideas by colours you have
Then all you need to do is book an appointment with one of our designers…
Our online jewellery design consultations are the perfect way to plan a new bespoke jewellery commission or redesign your old jewellery, all from the comfort of your own home. Our virtual design consultations are also useful if you have seen something on our website you would like to order but have questions and details you would like to finalise before placing your order. During these difficult times, virtual jewellery design offers all benefits of speaking to an experienced designer whilst reducing the risks we are currently facing.
Commissioning a piece of unusual bespoke jewellery is an exciting and rewarding process. When you commission something new, you get to be a part of the creative process and can order exactly what you envision. Not only is this a fun, personalised process, but it also means that the outcome will be totally unique. Furthermore, our expert designers can help you select the perfect gemstones to make your new jewellery stand out. All of our unusual, contemporary jewellery is handmade in platinum, 18ct gold or silver in our Workshop in Ditchling, near Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath and Brighton.
Whether it is for yourself or a special gift for a loved one, Pruden and Smith can create the right piece of jewellery tailor-made just for you. We are finding that more and more people are using lockdown as an opportunity pick up the projects that we often do not find time for. Whatever your project, be it a set of bespoke stacking rings with your children’s birthstones, or a unique platinum and diamond engagement ring for your special someone, our bespoke new jewellery service is the perfect way to commemorate or celebrate a significant occasion in your life.
Bring your ideas to us and see them transformed into unique handmade jewellery.
Why redesign your old jewellery? If you look in your jewellery box or safe, they are likely to contain many treasured pieces of jewellery that hold special significance. Perhaps they remind you of a special memory so you wouldn’t dream of parting with them, but they are broken, don’t fit or are not your taste so they remain unworn. If this sounds familiar, redesigning your old jewellery is a fun and creative process that could be perfect for you. Recycling your old gemstones or precious metals can also be more economical and ethical because we don’t have to source new materials.
In a process we’ve named “A precious legacy”, we offer you the opportunity to review your entire jewellery collection. Firstly, we offer a free overview of all your items where we discuss each item’s sentimental value, financial value and whether you like to wear it as it is. Next, we assess the items that you do not wear by testing the metal they are made from, then we catalogue the sizes and shapes of any stones you may want to reuse.
Once this inventory is complete, we can begin to discuss what you would like to achieve from the process. If you have a number of items, we may present you with a series of designs that we can make in one go or over a longer period of time to help spread the cost (and the excitement!). Any precious metals (but not stones) that are leftover, can’t be used or hold no sentimental value can be scrapped with us and offset against the cost of the new item.
We offer both online and phone consultations. Our online design consultations are held via video chat where you have the opportunity to discuss your ideas and requirements. Your design appointment will be with Rebecca Smith our Creative Director. She will produce sketches and costings after the appointment. If you are providing some of your own materials to be incorporated, an inventory along with an estimated value will be worked out – subject to future testing. Once this information has been compiled you will be provided with a Quote containing your designs, inventory, and pricing options. When you are ready to proceed with your chosen design(s), your bespoke jewellery will be handmade in-house by our skilled team in our Ditchling Workshops.
Book your online design appointment here.
