Custom Design Series || What's it like working with LMJ?

So you’ve made it here. You’ve read all there is to know about how to go about designing a piece, what to expect and design elements to consider. But what does the process truly look like?

FIRST CONTACT

Initial consultations are an opportunity for me to explain the process and formulate a plan with you. At this point, you’ve filled out the online questionnaire, giving me an idea of the scope, timeline, budget, and intention behind the piece we are designing. All initial consults are done virtually.

I always tell clients that this first meeting- whether you have no idea what you’re looking for, or a clear vision of the final piece- should leave you with a bit of homework and maybe a little bit of ‘excited overwhelm’. My goal at this point is to show you everything that’s possible within those set of parameters you laid out in the questionnaire. Its important to note here, that I encourage everyone to tell me your dream piece- with no budget in mind - so that we can get as close to that while maintaining a responsible eye on cost. We’ll go over things like lifestyle - meaning how will this piece be worn and how does it fit into the context of your life? What values are important to you- such as sustainability, or not using certain gemstones, or using a particular material because of its meaning to you. We’ll talk about design elements like composition, color, scale, etc. Thats what I mean by ‘excited overwhelm’!! In the moment it feels like a lot to consider, but there’s method to my madness!

INDEPENDENT STUDY

After the initial consult, you’ve probably got a little bit of homework, and I have some sketching, sourcing, and thinking to do! Typically I tell folks to look online at examples, either on my website, Instagram, or yep Pinterest. It can be a good tool to help you learn the vocabulary of jewelry design, and establish a sense of what you are attracted to. While you’re off day dreaming I’m….well also daydreaming.

I take the conversation we had about what's important to you, what you like, what you don’t like, and turn that into three sketches that we can use as a jumping off point. The sketches are usually very different, and I like to throw curve balls in there, folks are often surprised by what they don’t know they like! Typically I will also include some diamond or gemstone options, which are usually direct links to my vendors websites. They provide videos, photos, and specs on all the gems so you can really dig into what you’re looking at.

You’ll receive an email from me with the sketches, explanations of each idea, as well as examples of any gemstones, metals, and textures pertinent to your design.

DISTILLATION PROCESS

This is my favorite part of the design process. I refer to it as distillation because we take all those big ideas and general concepts and distill it down into the final design. A lot of the initial distilling is done via email. You’ll respond to the sketches with any notes, along with your thoughts on the gemstones, and I’ll send back any revisions necessary. At this point if you’re local I’ll invite you in to go over last details, view any stones in person for selection, and to get an accurate size if we are designing a ring. If you’re remote, don’t fret! This part can also be done virtually, and I have wonderful ring sizers I can mail out to you! I have years of experience working with folks outside of Cleveland, and make the process just as smooth and enjoyable.

I don’t typically price design iterations, because I price very intentionally, and I want to make sure any number I give you is accurate. Rest assured, I never show you anything outside your budget, unless you ask for something a bit aspirational. So at this point we’ve finalized the design, the quote has been approved and the gemstones picked out. From here I will send you a link to your online invoice, and get started on sourcing materials and creating your new piece. The invoices are great- they allow for partial payments, so you can throw down any manner of installments that work with your budget and timeline. I only require that invoices are paid in full before delivery.

I really pride myself on making sure you feel informed and excited throughout the whole process. I encourage questions, and am never upset about a pivot within the design process. I love when the design takes an unexpected turn! My end goal is to make sure you walk away loving your new piece, feeling confident you made the right choices, and comfortable wearing it everyday.

Any questions about the process? Drop them in the comments!! If not, feel free to use the booking portal below to get started on your future heirloom!!