Getting in touch with a subject matter expert before making
any major purchase in your life is a practice very underrated. Knowing who to
turn to in order to make an informed decision is a divine gift. When you’re
opting for custom designed jewelry, it is easy to go wrong.
Where to Start
Start researching at
least four months before your wedding date, so you won't be rushed. As soon as
you have found your wedding dress you are ready to find your jewelry. When
choosing a jewelry designer, make sure you are familiar with their style and
price range. Start with a little research on jewelers in your area, ask your
friends for recommendations, and clip photos in magazines of attractive styles.
I particularly like Lucky and InStyle magazines for their variety and price
range. If you want something very specific, it is always best to find a jeweler
nearby that you can meet with face to face. Otherwise, email makes it pretty
easy to refine your search and communicate with your designer of choice.
Websites are a great
resource. Spend some time online where you can browse and educate yourself at
your leisure. The more specific your search keywords, the more refined your
results will be. Use keywords like "bridal jewelry" or "wedding
jewelry" along with "freshwater pearl", "semi-precious
gemstones", "affordable handmade jewelry", "handmade
designer jewelry", "sterling silver", and "gold." It
is helpful to narrow the field of choices by searching for specific gemstones
or materials you like (like moonstone, topaz, amethyst, or pink freshwater
pearls) or styles that attract you (like "Victorian",
"Edwardian" or "Antique"). One useful website is
http://www.thefind.com. It is basically a shopping search engine that organizes
your results by price or search-term relevance, and best of all, it has little
thumbnail photos of each piece so you can see if you like the item before you
click through to the specific website.
Once you have a few
good design candidates, make an appointment to speak with each jeweler on your
list in person, by phone or via email. Bring in or email photos of your dress
(preferably with you in it), have a clear budget and time frame, and be sure to
communicate any other important details that will give the designer a good idea
of your desires and expectations.
Buyer Beware
Steer clear of any
jeweler who pushes you towards a design that is not your taste or is too
expensive. It is one thing for a designer to educate you about the jewelry they
create, but don't let someone sweet-talk you into a design that you don't
really love or can't afford. This is a big red flag, and the best course of
action is to go somewhere else. Also, don't let your sister's best friend guilt
you into wearing a necklace she "designed" just because she can
string beads in a row. This is your day, and you should have it your way! You
deserve to work with a professional who takes their craft, reputation, and
customer service seriously. With a little effort you can find a talented
designer who creates jewelry you love, listens to your needs, caters to your
budget, and treats you with the respect and honesty you deserve.
Budget Minded
Once you have found
your jeweler of choice, you can trim your expenses by purchasing a design that
is currently available for sale in their line, or by asking the designer to
repeat or make small changes to a style they have created previously. This will
help save money since the artist will not have to create something from scratch
especially for you, and the price should be more reasonable. If you do want
something made specifically for you, expect to pay more, and in some cases the
increased expense can be significant. This is because the designer will have to
take much more time and care to create a look that is exactly what you want,
and may have to create and re-create the piece several times to get it just
right. Always get an estimate first before any work has started to avoid any
nasty surprises! Its best to be upfront with your budget, most jewelry
designers will appreciate your candor and be able to guide you to your ideal
look and price range.
I hope you have
enjoyed these tips! Best wishes on finding the perfect jewelry designer to suit
your specific style, budget, and desires for your special day.
Harmony Scott has been
designing handmade jewelry since 1996. She specializes in creating adornments
to celebrate "the Goddess within" every woman, and to compliment her
natural beauty and personal style. Harmony has two retail stores in Aspen and
Carbondale, Colorado and her fabulous designs can be found in unique galleries
and boutiques around the country. Please view her website Colorado Bridal
Jewelry or contact her at info@harmonyscott.com for more information. Read
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