Every customer that wants a custom design comes in with an idea of what they are trying to accomplish—from the simplest hint like, “I want it to look like something my Grandma would wear,” to elaborate and detailed descriptions of exactly what they envision. Sometimes, customers see something they like in a magazine and want Roman Jewelers to recreate it with different touches or different stones. In the end, they choose custom because only a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry will do.
“Custom design starts with the customer,” says Allyson Quaglia, jewelry design expert and Director of Sales at Roman Jewelers. Allyson, along with co-owner and 4th generation jewelry designer Lucy Zimmerman, carry on the tradition of custom design at Roman Jewelers in Bridgewater and Flemington, NJ.
Allyson describes a recent situation where a customer wanted to use colored stones from several family heirlooms and also wanted to match an existing pair of earrings. It may sound challenging, but the customer worked with Allyson from start to finish, and together they brought the idea to life.
Allyson starts the process by getting an idea of the customer’s style. She walks with the customer around Roman Jewelers, looks at pieces in the cases, and gathers information on preferences—traditional or modern looks, or even something a bit art deco. Often, they discuss techniques incorporated into certain jewelry pieces, like engraving versus millgrain, and the type of finish or polish they prefer.
The next step is a quick sketch. The designers at Roman Jewelers are experts at putting pencil to paper right in front of the customer and showing concepts within minutes. Once the customer approves the look, the sketch is created as a 3D CAD drawing and reviewed again.
After approval of the CAD drawing, an actual wax model is made, and the customer comes in to see it. Time and care are given at every step so there are no surprises—only amazement.
Once the wax is approved, a mold is created and the jewelry is cast. After casting, the final finishing touches are done by an in-house bench jeweler. The piece is cleaned, pre-polished, and stones are set if applicable. Fine detail finishing then continues depending on the complexity of the design.
Customers often enjoy returning to see the final setting or polishing of their custom-designed work of art.
“That is precisely what it is: a work of art,” adds Allyson. “It is something cherished, memorable, and personal—a piece that can be worn and enjoyed for a lifetime, and beyond.”
More information about custom design at Roman Jewelers can be found at https://www.romanjewelers.com/page/custom-jewelry.html