The Custom Design Journey
Why Choose Custom?
Create something truly meaningful and personal:
- Unique design that no one else will have
- Perfect fit for your style and preferences
- Meaningful details that tell your story
- Exactly what you envision without compromise
- Heirloom quality crafted for generations
Our Design Process
1. Initial Consultation (Complimentary)
Duration: 1-2 hours
We begin by understanding your vision:
- Style preferences - Share inspiration photos, sketches, or ideas
- Lifestyle needs - How you'll wear the ring daily
- Budget discussion - Honest conversation about investment
- Diamond education - Learn about options and choices
- Timeline planning - When you need the ring
What to bring: Inspiration photos, existing jewelry you love, your partner (if applicable)
2. Design Development
Duration: 1-2 weeks
Our designers translate your vision into reality:
- Sketch concepts - Hand-drawn preliminary designs
- CAD rendering - Detailed 3D computer models
- Multiple options - Usually 2-3 design variations
- Diamond selection - Choose from curated options
- Refinements - Adjust until perfect
Your involvement: Review, provide feedback, approve final design
3. Diamond Selection
Duration: 1 week
If you haven't selected a diamond yet:
- Curated selection based on your criteria and budget
- In-person viewing with expert guidance
- Certificate review - Understand every detail
- Comparison - Side-by-side evaluation
- Final selection - Choose the perfect stone
4. Fabrication
Duration: 4-6 weeks
Master craftsmanship brings your design to life:
- Wax or 3D model creation for approval
- Precious metal casting - Platinum or gold
- Hand finishing - Expert filing and polishing
- Stone setting - Precision diamond mounting
- Quality inspection - Rigorous standards
- Final polish - Museum-quality finish
5. Presentation & Delivery
Duration: 1 appointment
The moment you've been waiting for:
- Private unveiling in our atelier
- Detailed walkthrough of craftsmanship
- Care instructions and documentation
- Certification and appraisal
- Photography of your custom creation
- Lifetime care program enrollment
Customization Options
Design Elements
Setting Style:
- Solitaire, halo, three-stone, vintage, modern
- Mix elements from different styles
- Completely original design
Metal Choice:
- Platinum, 18K or 14K gold
- White, yellow, or rose gold
- Mixed metal combinations
Accent Stones:
- Diamond accents or colored gemstones
- Placement and quantity
- Size and quality grade
Band Design:
- Width and thickness
- Profile (comfort fit, knife edge, etc.)
- Texture and finish
- Engraving and details
Personal Touches
Engraving:
- Inside band messages
- Dates, initials, coordinates
- Symbols or small designs
- Multiple languages
Hidden Details:
- Secret stones inside the band
- Fingerprint engraving
- Birthstones
- Personal symbols
Inspiration:
- Family heirloom elements
- Cultural symbols
- Meaningful locations
- Shared interests or hobbies
Investment & Timeline
Typical Investment
Custom design often costs similar to or less than comparable ready-made rings:
- Simple designs: $3,000 - $8,000 (including diamond)
- Moderate complexity: $8,000 - $15,000
- Intricate designs: $15,000 - $30,000+
- Exceptional pieces: $30,000+
Final cost depends on diamond size/quality, metal choice, and design complexity
Timeline
Standard custom ring: 8-10 weeks total
- Design phase: 1-2 weeks
- Diamond selection: 1 week
- Fabrication: 4-6 weeks
- Delivery: Flexible scheduling
Rush service available: 4-6 weeks (additional fee)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my own design?
Yes! Bring sketches, photos, or detailed descriptions. We'll refine and improve the design with our expertise.
What if I don't know what I want?
That's perfect - we guide you through the entire process. Many clients start with general preferences and discover their ideal design through our collaborative process.
Can I use a family diamond?
Absolutely. We can incorporate heirloom diamonds or gemstones into a new, modern setting.
How much input do I have?
As much or as little as you want. Some clients are involved in every decision; others trust our expertise and prefer fewer checkpoints.
What if I don't like the final result?
This has never happened. Our approval process ensures you love the design before fabrication begins. If adjustments are needed, we'll make them right.
Can I see examples of past custom work?
Yes! We maintain a portfolio of past custom creations (with client permission) to inspire and guide you.
What Makes Berchevelle Custom Design Different?
Uncompromising Quality
- Master jewelers with decades of experience
- Museum-quality craftsmanship
- Only finest materials
- Rigorous quality standards
True Collaboration
- Your vision guides every decision
- Expert advice when needed
- No pressure, no rush
- Unlimited revisions to design
Transparent Process
- Clear timeline and milestones
- Honest budget discussions
- Regular updates
- See work in progress
Lifetime Relationship
- Complimentary annual maintenance
- Sizing and adjustments
- Restoration services
- Family heirloom services