The Custom Design Process

Designing and crafting one of a kind jewelry is where our passion lies.  Helping you create a unique piece to cherish for a lifetime is what motivates us to come to the studio each day.


You might wonder if custom made will work for you. At Douglas Fine Jewelry we strive to engage and educate you throughout the process making it the best jewelry buying experience you can possibly have.
The custom design process generally goes like this:


Initial Consultation:


The goal of the initial consultation, which is always free, is to determine the general direction of the design. Whether you have very specific ideas about what you want or just a general feeling about the look you are after, with quick sketches and a walk through our portfolio we quickly zero in on what works for you.


We don’t just talk about design here. We respectfully take into consideration all aspects of lifestyle and budget. Nurses for example shouldn’t wear tall prong rings and softer gems aren’t appropriate in rings for people that work with their hands.

a

-

Gemstones:


Will we be looking for a gem for you? Will you be selecting a stone from our extensive inventory? Will we be using a gem you purchased or inherited prior to coming to see us? What works for you works for us.

Finalize design and begin the manufacturing process:

Now we make more detailed scale drawings or render the design in 3-D CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to help you visualize the end product.


Once the final design is approved we take a 50% deposit on the estimated cost of the project and move on to the final CAD rendering or move your project into the studio.

CAD approval:

More complex projects often require more detailed CAD work. We can email renderings for comment or approval to out of town customers or those with busy schedules.

Wax model approval:

Whether carved by hand or on the CNC mill, if we are casting your piece vs. fabricating it, you now have the chance to see, handle and even try on the model, often with the actual gems to be set in place. Minor changes can be made at this point to ensure that the final product is exactly what you expect.

Final Step:

Fabricate, cast, assemble, set stones and finish. Time to wear your new treasure!