Hey, it’s Jenessa.

In today’s issue:

• Deep Dive: A life-changing approach to jewelry design…

• Let’s Connect: Here’s How I Can Help You...

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•DEEP DIVE

A NEW APPROACH TO JEWELRY DESIGN

A while back, I spilled a few design secrets I learned after working for twenty years in the custom jewelry design industry. If you missed full article, you can check it out here.

This week, I’m giving away even more…

One of the key tips I shared was the power of curation—the idea that presenting fewer options to clients leads to better results. Offering too many choices overwhelms and can reduce their trust in you.

I use this same principle when designing pieces for a permanent core collection.

Instead of creating an overload of options, I focus on a few core designs that can be customized based on style or price point.

This approach offers flexibility while maintaining a curated and cohesive collection.

Let's explore this concept further and use my top-selling Fabian pendant as an example.

Originally designed as a custom commission to honor a loved one, this piece transformed how I think about jewelry design and production.

Inspired by Moorish architecture, the flagship Fabian design features an heirloom diamond set in a custom petal-shaped bezel. The result is an elegant, meaningful piece perfect for everyday wear.

The first order included four of these pendants. Delightfully, the design quickly resonated with others. I sold three more versions, this time customized to feature larger center stones and another version with a personalized birthstone.

This success made me realize that combining a curated, timeless design with flexible customization options is a game-changer.

I wanted to go beyond just customizing the center stone. Could I expand the customization options further by offering a lower price point with the same flagship design?

This question led to developing my 2-tiered design approach, which changed how I design jewelry. Now I'm sharing the secret with you.

The 2-Tiered Design Approach

I designed this approach to make fine jewelry more accessible while allowing clients to add meaningful customizations later as milestones arise.

Tier 1: A Versatile Base Design

Here is the base design of my Fabian pendant, without any customization.

It's simple, elegant, and perfect for everyday wear—an ideal standalone piece that clients can customize later if they choose.

From a production standpoint, I can cast multiple base designs, clean and polish them, and make them ready for purchase.

If a client wants to customize the piece, as in tier two, the upgrade is simple and quick because I use ready-made parts, which shortens the turnaround time.

Tier 2: Add a Customization Upgrade

For clients who want customization, the process is simple.

I drill out the central circle and solder in a ready-made bezel that fits the center stone they love. I shape this bezel into my custom petal style, transforming the look.

This tiered structure creates two price points and design options for clients while keeping the process curated and manageable.

It also allows clients to start with a simpler version and upgrade as milestones arise, giving the design a sense of longevity and evolution. It’s my favorite way to think about jewelry design.

Let me know if you try it in your work!

•THAT’S A WRAP

Before you go: Here is how I can help

See you next Sunday,

-Jenessa Dee

The Jewelry Obsessed, is a supportive network for jewelry professionals. I'm Jenessa, a jewelry designer and fine jeweler with over 20 years of experience working with studios nationwide. Here, we talk design trends, embrace technology and share production techniques and time-saving insights to help you create jewelry people can't live without.