Does Bespoke Jewellery Mean Unique ?

Historically, jewellery has been custom-made for each individual. When you go to museums and see Roman, Egyptian, or Viking jewellery – or even jewellery manufactured just 100 or 200 years ago – it was fashioned specifically for each unique wearer. At the time, this was the only technique to produce jewellery, and jewellers would receive instructions from their affluent clientele and make things for them appropriately.

When it comes to the price or worth of customisable jewellery, it might vary greatly. I’ve seen the customised option provided with poorly constructed thin mass-produced cufflinks, however we offer superior quality handmade ones. It is a “entry level” sort of job for us that is quite economical. When we customise these items in our studios, we have a predetermined fee for engraving or placing a small stone into basic pieces with a base price. For example, we sell some excellent heavy plain silver cufflinks for £220, and depending on the specifications, they can be custom inscribed or have a small stone placed into them for around £90 and above.

Bespoke is a unique method of communicating and expressing one’s style. With so many firms competing for difference, the phrase “bespoke” may be used somewhat loosely these days – whether it’s offering services to ensure a better fit, personalization to add a one-of-a-kind touch to an accessory, or some exquisite craftsmanship to distinguish a purchase. Many jewellers use the term “bespoke” improperly, believing it to signify “unique,” “up-market,” or “hand-made.” For example, in the statement “this jewellery collection is truly bespoke,” both the word insertion and the phrase are erroneous and useless!

So, what exactly does the term “bespoke” mean? Because it is an adjective describing something commissioned to a specific specification, it simply means the same as made-to-order. The object in question may be adjusted or customised to the customer’s specifications, or it may be entirely custom-made for the wearer.

For many centuries, the term “bespoke” was only used in the tailoring profession. I stole the name from a small dark Saville Row gentleman’s tailors 19 years ago to use for the type of jewellery that I wanted to design and manufacture – I recall worried that the word could be too pretentious or old fashioned, but I liked it and joyfully used it.

The term “bespoke” was foreign to me at the time, but I recognised it from the garment sector because my grandmother worked as a tailor during WWII. So, when I created what I believe was the first jewellery website in 1996, I coined the word “Bespoke Jewellery.” Later, in 2005, when I opened our Studio and Shop, I introduced the concept of attainable bespoke jewellery to the main street. My business philosophy has always been to offer individual consumers jewellery that has been developed and made from scratch for each customer, yet in a ‘down to earth’ and approachable manner.

This is where a jeweller may give a series of set jewellery elements that can be assembled by a goldsmith like pre-formed building blocks to fit a specific consumer. For example, there could be multiple different ring shank (band) styles, several different collet (setting) styles, and several various stone sizes, shapes, and/or types. The customer can select a combination of these, and the jeweller will create the final piece just for them. Some of these businesses offer great web tools that allow users to explore alternative combinations and compare photographs of their choices.

Some businesses will take commissions for totally handcrafted items of jewellery that will be created from scratch by a trained goldsmith at a workstation. Handmade products are often “hand forged” from little nuggets of precious metal known as “grain” that are melted down at the bench in a small crucible and then gradually moulded into jewellery. Handmade products may begin as “bullion” (precious metal sheet and wire) that is then worked on by hand to create the jewellery pieces. Alternatively, sculptures can begin by being hand carved in special wax and then cast in a one-of-a-kind mould.

Any jeweller who provides this service should only hire or contract a skilled and experienced jewellery designer who will meet with each customer to discuss ideas for their personalised piece of jewellery. There is a significant distinction between delivering a bespoke service in which a goldsmith can make anything for you (even if it is only meccano) and offering a bespoke design service. When a customer works directly with a designer (rather than a shop clerk or a goldsmith), the pieces are usually sketched up and the designer injects creativity, skill, and experience into the process to get a better product.

Bespoke jewellery is frequently produced from vintage jewellery, and in certain cases, from off-the-shelf jewellery. Outdated or common pieces are made to look current, distinctive, or simply more to the wearer’s style by melting and refabricating the metal and adding shape or stones.

With bespoke jewellery, the buyer is an active participant in the jewellery design process. Their jewellery designer works with them to select the ideal gemstone and cut, as well as a setting that reflects the customer’s personal style. Many customers choose to bring their own designs with them.

Choosing the appropriate goldsmith to create the perfect piece of personalised jewellery is just as crucial as selecting the right material and style. Inquire with each jeweller about their experience designing and manufacturing unique jewellery. They should ideally have many years of experience and dozens of satisfied client testimonies.

Off-the-shelf jewellery is not the ideal solution for individuals seeking for something completely unique. Pieces may appear simple or cookie cutter. Chain jewellery stores may sell lower-quality gemstones and may lack the skills and instruments needed to create a really personalised design from their existing inventory.