Just wondering if anyone’s had any experience getting a ring custom made, who to talk to, how much it should be costing etc. I’m looking to get my girlfriend a Claddagh (sp?) ring for her birthday as she’s always wanted one but never found one in the shops which is decent quality and of the right proportions.
The ring would be in silver with no stones or anything set in it as this isn’t part of the design of a Claddagh ring. A lot of high street shops sell them but they’re very tacky; seems the only way to go about getting a decent one is to have it made specially, a quick google search hasn’t turned up anything too promising though.
ladybug and I are doing this right now for our wedding next month.
If you want a ring made from silver, then you’re probably going to pay more in labor than you will for materials. Be prepared.
The first step is to find a reputable jewler that does their own work. Look for small jewelry stores in places like university towns, urban jewlry districts, artists’ communities, or funky little retail areas that have a lot of independant establishments. Stay away from malls and high-priced fashion districts…
You will need to have an idea of the finished item, and an accurate ring size for the recipient. Borrow one of their rings, if necessary, and take it with you.
Go and talk to the jewler. Ask if he/she makes their own rings, or hires out. You really want to talk to the person who will be making the ring, and exchange ideas with them, not a salesperson or manager.
They will probably want a deposit before starting. They will first carve a wax model that you get to approve or suggest changes to. When you like it, then they will use that to make a mold and cast your ring, and then do the necessary final detail work and polishing. Don’t give them the balance of the agreed price until they give you the ring.
It should take about two weeks from the time you place the order. It could be as short as two or three days for a super fast turnaround, or if they are overwhelmed, many more weeks. (In the latter case, I would search out another jeweler.)
I recently had an engagement ring custom made, and the labor costs will far outweigh your materials unless you’re working in something like white gold or platinum. bughunter’s explanation of the particulars is dead-on except for one thing: during the holiday season, the lag time could be over a month.
You might be better off talking to a jeweler (a small store, not a mall store) about what Claddagh designs they can order before settling on a custom design–there are so many Claddaghs out there that someone has almost certainly done one in the shape, size, and quality you want. The hunt for the right shop might be arduous… your best bet might be to chat up anyone you see wearing a nice ring (with or without a stone–doesn’t have to look like the one you want, just has to look nice!) and ask where they got it, what they thought of the service.