Custom Jewelry Dos and Don’ts

Custom jewelry is on the rise and a great creative outlet. In fact, custom experiences, in general, are popular among younger demographics. Custom jewelry is a way to express yourself and your unique style while creating something you won’t see anywhere else.

However, when it comes to anything custom, you’re pretty much stuck with it if you don’t like it. Luckily, if you strategize well, that’s not something you have to worry about!

Do: Spend Responsibly

Yes, custom jewelry is awesome, and you’re getting something that’s special to you. However, jewelry is often a big investment in yourself, so be careful not to go overboard. Of course, it’s great to treat yourself to nice things here and there, but don’t go overboard even if you’re looking for custom wedding rings.

There are plenty of affordable custom options out there, so don’t break the bank when you don’t have to.

Don’t: Rush in

Like Elvis reminded us, only fools rush in. Granted, he then proceeded to serenade that he’s rushing in, but you get the point. This is something special, so take your time crafting it and making it exactly what you want.

Custom options often have a no return policy (would you want a ring engraved with someone else’s initials, ya know?) so consider your final decision. While that may sound scary, it shouldn’t be. It just means you should take this seriously and really put some time and thought into it!

Do: Double-Check Your Sizes

While not as big of a deal, something like a necklace, rings or other size-specific pieces of jewelry need to be bought carefully. If you’re buying tungsten wedding bands, for instance, double-check your size. Certain materials like tungsten, while they look awesome, can’t be resized.

This isn’t an earth-shattering thing, though. Get a ring sizer or measure your wrist and note your size. These things tend to have universal sizing, so you don’t have to worry about relative sizing differences between companies.

Don’t: Go for Trendy Designs (Mostly)

This is a tough one because there’s a decent argument against it. If you don’t mind the risk that your custom jewelry may fall out of fashion in a few years, you can ignore this tip. However, if you’re looking for something like a wedding ring instead of a necklace, this holds more weight.

If this is something you’re committed to wearing often and for the long term, classic stylings are always the way to go. If it’s something you’re okay with leaving in the jewelry box (or you don’t concern yourself with trends), then go for it.

Do: Follow the Manufacturer’s Recommendations

You want to clean your custom jewelry as often as the manufacturer recommends. You really want to follow the letter of the law here. If you’ve invested in a custom piece, you want it to stand the test of time. Want to take all the guesswork out of it? Take it to a professional and have them clean it for you. While pricier, it may be worth it.

Don’t: Get Overwhelmed

This process is supposed to be fun! If at any point this starts to feel like a chore, stop. Take a break for a while and come back to it with fresh eyes. You want to create something you love at the end of all of this, not feel like you just finished a marathon.

Do: Ask Lots of Questions

If this is your first time going custom or your first time working with a specific custom jeweler, ask questions. Get all the information you can! They’ve probably heard whatever you have to ask before, so don’t feel embarrassed, even if you think you’re asking a stupid question.

This is a process to create something, but it’s also a learning process for you! Plus, it’s just fun to learn new things. They may even come in handy one day.

Don’t: Make a Big Purchase Without Consulting Your Significant Other

This one mainly applies to custom wedding rings but could also be relevant for other jewelry. Yes, you don’t want to spoil the surprise. That’s perfectly fair. However, you also don’t want there to be two surprises: the ring and the bill.

This goes back to our earlier tip about spending a responsible amount of money, but “rings” doubly true if you’re buying this as a gift.

Do: Have Fun

This is supposed to be an exciting journey, so let yourself enjoy it! You’re taking an idea that you came up with and making it real. How cool is that? It may take a while and some work, but you’ll have something with sentimental value for the rest of its natural life. Hopefully, at the end of it all, you can pass it on as an heirloom and keep it alive even longer!