The Custom Jewelry Design Process at Relic Fine Jewelry

From Vision to Heirloom: The Custom Jewelry Design Process at Relic Fine Jewelry

At Relic Fine Jewelry, we believe the most meaningful pieces are the ones that tell your story. Whether you’re marking a milestone, celebrating love, or preserving a legacy, our custom design process is built to honor your vision—every step of the way. This guide walks you through how we work, what to expect, and the policies that ensure a smooth and thoughtful experience from start to finish.

❖ Step One: The Initial Consultation

Your journey begins with a conversation. We offer complimentary in-person consultations to get to know you and understand what you're envisioning. If you're located outside our area or prefer a remote option, we’re happy to schedule a phone consultation. This first step is all about listening—to your ideas, inspirations, preferences, and goals.

❖ Step Two: Design Exploration

After your consultation, we begin translating your vision into possible designs. A $250 nonrefundable design fee initiates this phase and covers the creative work involved in preparing several custom concepts tailored specifically to your vision. You’ll be able to review, refine, and ultimately select the design that feels right for you.

❖ Step Three: Estimate & Approval

Once the design is finalized, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate for the finished piece. While we do our best to keep costs within range, final pricing may fluctuate slightly based on the availability and market cost of materials.

❖ Step Four: Down Payment

To move forward with construction, we require a 50% down payment based on your approved estimate. This payment secures your place in our schedule and allows us to begin sourcing the materials needed to bring your RELIC to life.

❖ Step Five: Creation Timeline

From the moment materials are in hand, you can expect your custom piece to be completed in 4–6 weeks. Every step—from forging to stone setting—is completed in-house with intention and care, ensuring heirloom-level quality at every stage.

❖ Step Six: Completion & Final Payment

You’ll receive a notification when your piece is about a week from completion. The final 50% balance is due within 30 days of this notice.

Please note: If the final balance is not paid within that timeframe—and no alternate arrangement has been made—the piece will be made available for public sale, and the down payment will be forfeited.

Why Choose Custom?

Custom jewelry isn’t just about having something one-of-a-kind—it’s about the experience of creating something that’s truly yours. At Relic Fine Jewelry, we treat custom design as a collaborative, artistic process. Each piece is hand-forged using classical techniques, high-end gemstones, and abstract design influences to ensure your piece is both personal and enduring.

Ready to Begin Your Custom Design?
We’d be honored to work with you. To begin the process, fill out our short Custom Design Application. We’ll be in touch to schedule your consultation and start dreaming up your one-of-a-kind RELIC.