Telling a story with small details that matter

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.