Hey, it’s Jenessa.

In today’s issue:

• Deep Dive: The Secrets to Successfully Custom Jewelry Design

• Production Tip: My Favorite Jewelry Tool That Costs Practically Nothing 

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•DEEP DIVE

The Secrets to a Successful Custom Engagement Ring Design

That will streamline your design process and set you up for success.

Over twenty years ago, I landed my very first jewelry job.

​I was in my early twenties and had just moved from the Midwest to the West Coast to study industrial design.

​I was a broke artist and needed work to help pay for school.

​Somehow, I got a job at the largest custom jewelry design house in America, where everything was made in-house, from sketch to finished ring, and bespoke for each client.

The studio was a huge, renovated former restaurant featuring hand-painted floors and walls of large windows.

More than fifty jewelry artists worked behind glass partitions, allowing clients to observe the jewelry-making process.

The founder was a trailblazer who kept all production in-house and launched the "Artists At Work" branding on a large scale—an innovative model now widely adopted by custom jewelry shops nationwide.

From the moment you walked in, the dynamic, creative energy was palpable, and clients instantly knew they were working with true professional jewelry artists.

What started as an accidental job became my passion. I worked my way up from jewelry photographer to designer, 3D modeler, and fine jeweler, enjoying every step along the way.

Although I've moved away from the West Coast, a company-sponsored relocation package brought me back to my Midwest roots, sparking a new chapter in my jewelry career.

Since then, I've managed and mentored designers, freelanced for businesses, and worked on my client commissions.

After seeing it all (knock on wood), I'm finally sharing what I've learned.

20 Years in Custom Jewelry: Four Must-Know Client Secrets to Streamline Your Design Process

Here are the insider tips that will transform your approach to custom design, saving time and creating unforgettable pieces for your clients.

When a client brings a photo of another designer's work and asks for an exact replica, don't be disappointed—it's your chance to win them over. Copying isn't just unethical- it's a missed opportunity to create something original.

Create sentiment by personalizing your client's story into the ring.

It could be a hand-carved detail inspired by a meaningful location, engraving tied to their history, a detail from an heirloom passed down, or secret elements like the three pinecones I added for my nature-loving clients.

The result? A one-of-a-kind piece your client will tell others about—and a portfolio of designs you're proud to call your own.

Never copy—always create. It's better for your client, your creativity, and your reputation.

Most designers only focus on the engagement ring during the first consultation.

Here's the catch: if the wedding band needs to sit flush, you must design the engagement ring to accommodate it.

Discussing the entire wedding set in your first consultation is essential.

Good design is problem-solving, and adding design constraints from day one elevates your credibility as a professional.

Bonus? You're more likely to secure the wedding band sale, and your clients will thank you for your attention to detail!

Early in my career, I spent countless hours creating custom sketches and multiple design options, only to have clients disappear or use my work to get quotes elsewhere.

It was frustrating to feel undervalued!

That all changed when I began requiring non-refundable sketching deposits. Not only did this protect my time, but it also helped me attract serious, committed clients.

Requiring a non-refundable sketching deposit reinforces the value of your time, encourages a respectful partnership, and filters out those only seeking free design work.

It’s a game changer.

During the early days, I overwhelmed clients with countless pencil sketches, thinking the more options, the better.

But it only made their decision harder.

The real breakthrough came when I presented just one carefully curated design I knew was perfect. Without hesitation, the client agreed and made full payment on the spot.

The lesson?

More options aren't always better—thoughtful curation makes the process easier for everyone.

• PRODUCTION TIP

My Favorite Jewelry Tool I use daily…

Because furnishing a professional studio is expensive, but this tool is not. It’s an essential for side face work and very easy to make. Let me know if you try it!

@thejewelryobsessed

#creatorsearchinsights The easiest jewelry making tool to make. I use it all the time for engraving and stone setting and so should you. ... See more

THAT’S A WRAP

Before you go please tell me 👇🏼

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.