The major advantage of the custom made process is the ability to personalise designs. Personal details can make or break a design. They really set the tone for your design. They can represent the wearers personality or project the wearers aspirations. They can capture an important memory, convey a significant feeling or act as a marker for change in some ones life. The details make it personal, relevant and possible to tell a story through the finished piece.

"The details are not the details. they make the design" Charles Eames.

Here are some techniques/ manufacturing elements that I explore to help communicate personal details through the design and deliver something unique for my clients.

Using metal or a gemstone that has origin or traceability relevant to the wearer is a great way to personalise a design. Using specific materials to tell a story connects the client to the design process. It can also satisfy any ethical or environmental concerns by providing some transparency of the material supply chains within the jewellery industry, which may also further deepen the connection to the design.

Engraving is a versatile technique that provides a variety of options to cement the special meaning of a custom piece. Engraving of a special date, a name, a place or even a fingerprint of someone special. A beautifully engraved pattern on the band of a ring representing a cultural family origin, or a family crest engraved into a signet ring that will be used to leave an impression in wax.

A hidden stone that only the client knows about. A small stone inside or on the side of the band may not affect the overall tone of a design but adds the perfect personal detail.

Using a gemstone with significant meaning. A design including a birthstone for example, or a coloured gemstone communicating or representing meaning through the choice or use of colour.

A symbolic motif featured or repeated in the design. a detail like this could be featured in the gallery/basket that lifts or holds the precious gemstone or used as a focal design detail in place of a gemstone.

Using these details to create something completely personal makes an item of jewellery timeless, relevant and prized. The details give joy that the wearer can relive every time they wear the item.

Its not just one thing or one course or one techinique .... its lots of little things. While the first thing that might come to mind when you think of a good designer is "drawing skills", I don’t think this is true. A good designer solves problems and communicates those solutions in a creative manner. How they communicate is up to them.

So with no set expectations in regards to drawing I believe a good jewellery designer .....

Has willingness to listen to what the client actually wants and needs - read between the lines and ask questions. get to know your client so you can provide suitable solutions

Can think creatively to solve problems - flexibility sometimes leads to better solutions. Always be open to inspiration and ideas and always have a back up plan that you can pivot to if your first idea doesn't work.
Understanding concept design - an openness to see the beautiful details in absolutely everything around you and to find inspiration in those details. (Check out my concept design prompt sheet here if you are looking for some inspiration)
Having an understanding of the design principals and how to use them to your advantage. (Find a copy of my favourite design elements and principals here)
Presentation and story telling - in any format but find a format that suits your style.
Has the courage to communicate their ideas - getting your ideas out is always the first step but understanding that they may come with criticism
Has an understanding of manufacturing and materials - knowing how something is made and how it will behave is a massive requirement when it comes to providing the best solution. Understanding the steps before and after you are important to creating a lasting design.
A willingness to have fun and not take themselves to seriously.

Its not always about drawing a picture, drawing is just one tool of a good designer.