How to Get Custom Jewelry: 4 Options to Consider

When it comes to unique designs, knowing how to get custom jewelry is the first step towards making the idea in your head a reality. It doesn’t matter if you’re designing a one-of-a-kind piece for yourself or a gift that someone will treasure forever.

Here are four options to consider when ordering custom jewelry, as well as their pros and cons.

Option #1: Work with a Local Jeweler

Working with a local jeweler is an obvious option to get custom jewelry. If you decide to go this route, make sure you verify certifications and read reviews.

Pros of Working with a Local Jeweler:

• Personalized Service: Local jewelers often provide face-to-face consultations, leading to better communication and a more tailored experience.
• Support Local Businesses: By working with a local jeweler, you contribute to your community’s economy and help sustain small businesses.
• Quality Craftsmanship: Many local jewelers take pride in their work and may offer higher quality materials and craftsmanship compared to mass-produced pieces. You’ll also likely get to approve of a wax model of your jewelry pieces!
• Ease of Communication: Discuss changes, ask questions, or see progress in person, reducing the risk of miscommunication. You’ll also likely get to approve of a wax model of your jewelry pieces!

Cons of Working with a Local Jeweler:

• Limited Selection: Smaller businesses may not have as many design options, materials, or gemstones compared to larger or online retailers.
• Higher Costs: Custom work from local jewelers can be more expensive due to the craftsmanship and attention to detail.
• Time-Consuming: The process of creating a custom piece may take longer than purchasing pre-made jewelry, especially if the jeweler has a waitlist.
• Geographic Limitations: If you don’t live near a reputable jeweler, finding one may involve extra travel or effort.

If you do decide to work with a jeweler, typically there is an initial consultation, feedback on the design, approval, and then the jeweler sends you the final product.

Waystone's in-house jeweler, Beverly Morlock, polishes a stone in her Denver studio.

Option #2: Use Online Custom Jewelry Services

Online jewelers make it easy to create custom jewelry from your home. Many of these artisans and businesses use 3D tools to bring your design to life via virtual consultations.

Pros of Using an Online Jewelry Service

• Convenience: Browse, design, and order jewelry from the comfort of your home at any time.
• Wide Range of Options: Online services often offer extensive customization tools, including virtual design software and a broader selection of materials and styles.
• Competitive Pricing: Online platforms typically have lower overhead costs, which may translate into more affordable pricing compared to brick-and-mortar jewelers.
• Access to Reviews and Ratings: Most online services provide customer reviews and ratings, giving you insight into the quality and reliability of the service before committing.

Cons of Using an Online Jewelry Service

• Limited Physical Interaction: You can't see, touch, or try on the piece before purchasing, which can make assessing quality and fit challenging.
• Communication Challenges: Without face-to-face interactions, explaining intricate design ideas or changes may be more difficult and prone to misunderstandings.
• Shipping and Return Issues: Custom pieces may take longer to ship, and some services may have strict return policies, making it harder to address issues with the final product.
• Potential for Lower Quality: Some online services might cut corners with materials or craftsmanship. It’s crucial to research and choose a reputable platform.

If you do decide to go this route, be sure to consider limitations in shipping times and return policies. Otherwise, you maybe left disappointed with your customized jewelry design and final product.

Waystone gives you 80+ options to add personalized engraving to your jewelry in the online jewelry customizer.

Option #3: DIY Custom Jewelry Kits

If you’re someone who’s either crafty or handy, you may consider DIYing your own jewelry. It’s an affordable way to create unique pieces, and there are a lot of kits available to guide you through the process of creating a meaningful piece.

Methods include everything from wire wrapping a stone to a lapidary class. That said, not every idea is suitable for a beginner. Here are some other pros and cons to consider.

Pros of DIY Custom Jewelry

• Cost-Effective: DIY jewelry can be significantly cheaper than purchasing custom pieces, as you avoid labor costs.
• Creative Expression: Designing and making your own jewelry allows you to bring your unique vision to life without having to communicate it to anyone else.
• Sense of Accomplishment: Completing a DIY project can be rewarding and gives the piece a personal, handmade touch.
• Flexible Timing: Work on your project at your own pace without being constrained by a jeweler’s schedule.

Cons of DIY Custom Jewelry

• Skill and Tools Required: Without proper tools or experience, achieving a professional look can be challenging.
• Material Costs Can Add Up: Quality materials and tools may be expensive, especially if you’re just starting and lack a basic toolkit. Also, you may have to purchase extra materials if you make mistakes!
• Time-Consuming: Learning techniques, sourcing materials, and creating the jewelry can take a lot of time.
• Quality Limitations: DIY jewelry may not have the same level of durability, craftsmanship, or professional finish as pieces made by a skilled jeweler.

DIY-ing a custom piece of jewelry may be right in some situations – but definitely not all.

A matching set of stone pendant necklaces from the Bring Your Own Stone line, designed by a customer who sent in their own stone.

Option #4: Work with Waystone to Create a One-of-a-Kind Piece

Historically, working with a professional jeweler to create a custom piece of jewelry was expensive. Luckily, that isn’t the case anymore.

If you’re someone who collects meaningful stones, or if you’re looking for a custom engraving, consider designing a piece with Waystone.

Pros of Designing with Waystone

• Cost-friendly: While some jewelers may charge you premium costs to create a custom piece, Waystone makes designing your own jewelry affordable.
• One-of-a-Kind Process: No one else is able to cut, polish, and set stones like we are, including untraditional materials like concrete and brick.
• Sentimental: Our pieces are made with stones you’ve collected. Whether you found the stone on your honeymoon or a walk in the forest, you can wear your memory.
• Fast and Reliable: With many five-star reviews and happy customers, we can provide you with the custom jewelry you’re expecting.

Cons of Designing with Waystone

• Design Limitations: If you’re looking to create a piece that requires a lot of customization, Waystone may lack the level of detail you’re looking for with our Bring Your Own Stone line. That said, we have an in-house jeweler who can accommodate special requests if you’re looking for further customization.
• Need Your Own Stone: You do need to have a stone, or have some type of material to use in the piece to get the full savings benefits on a custom design. However, we also have a line of ready-made stone jewelry that you can customize with your choice of personal engraving.  

As long as your stone is large enough, you can create multiple matching pieces with the rock that you send to Waystone for your custom jewelry. 

Now You Know How to Get Custom Jewelry

There are many routes to design your own jewelry. Your personal preference and budget can likely get you moving in the right direction. Whether you’re hoping to work with a jeweler one on one, DIY, or are ready to send your stone to Waystone, we’re sure whatever you create will be stunning!

Have a stone you’d like to make into a beautiful wearable piece? Ready to work with Waystone?

Explore all the ways Waystone can bring your custom jewelry ideas to life.