Bespoke Jewellery: Process & Timeline

A stone you keep coming back to. A shape you can picture. A piece to mark a chapter, give to someone you know well, or choose simply because it feels like you.

I’m Brit, the maker behind Summit Jewellery. I’ll work with you to explore the design, stones and materials for your piece. You don’t need a finished idea to begin.

Planning for a particular date? Please enquire 10–12 weeks ahead. This allows time for our conversation, design decisions, sourcing from suppliers and making. Your schedule is confirmed individually; unusual stones, special-order materials or a more involved design may need longer. Delivery time also needs to be allowed for.

Email me about a bespoke piece

From your first idea to your finished piece

1. Tell me what you have in mind

Start with the kind of jewellery you’d like, a shape or colour you’re drawn to, or a detail you’d love to include. Tell me your budget, any sizing information and your preferred date. Reference images can help explain what catches your eye. If it’s a gift, the jewellery they already wear is a useful starting point.

We’ll discuss what’s possible and whether the likely timing works for you before taking the next step.

2. Explore the design and agree the direction

We’ll consider the shape, proportions, metal and any stones, alongside how the piece will be worn. I’ll explain the proposed design, pricing and expected timing so you can make an informed decision.

If a stone or material needs to come from a supplier, availability and lead times will help shape the options. A particular stone may not always be available; we can discuss alternatives that suit the design and your budget.

3. Pay your deposit and allow time for sourcing

A 50% deposit is required before I source stones or materials or start work. Once we’ve agreed the direction and your deposit is paid, I can arrange what’s needed for your piece.

This stage includes time for suppliers to confirm availability, prepare orders and send stones and materials to me. Sourcing is part of the bespoke timeline, rather than something to leave until the making stage. I’ll confirm the expected schedule for your commission and discuss any changes that affect it.

4. Confirm the details, then I make your piece

Before making begins, we’ll confirm the design details, materials, sizing and agreed price. I then make and finish your piece. The time needed depends on the design and the work involved.

If you’d like to change something after agreeing the details, please ask before work progresses. We’ll discuss what’s possible and any effect on price or timing.

5. Review your finished piece

I’ll send you photos or videos of the finished piece so you can review it and let me know you’re happy before shipping. This is also a chance to ask any final questions.

The remaining 50% is due before shipping, after you’ve reviewed the photos or videos.

6. Arrange delivery

Once the balance is paid and the piece is ready to send, I’ll confirm the shipping arrangements with you. The dispatch date is the day it leaves me; the delivery date depends on its journey to you. If you need it for an occasion, we’ll consider that from the first enquiry.

How long should I allow?

  • Enquire 10–12 weeks before your preferred date. This is a planning guide, rather than a guaranteed completion time or an automatic booking.
  • Your own schedule is confirmed individually. It depends on the design, my current availability, supplier lead times and delivery requirements.
  • Allow extra time for a specific or unusual stone. Finding a suitable option and bringing materials in from suppliers can take longer.
  • Keep time for decisions and approvals. Changes to the brief or delays in confirming details can move the schedule.
  • Tell me about a fixed date at the start. Please check with me before relying on a date for a proposal, anniversary or gift.

The two-week dispatch guidance on some collection products applies to those made-to-order designs. A bespoke commission has its own design, sourcing and making schedule.

A few useful things to know

Do I need to know exactly what I want?

No. A colour, shape, stone or feeling about how you want to wear the piece is enough to start a conversation. We can work through the practical details together.

How much will it cost?

Each bespoke piece is priced individually for its design, stones, materials and making. Share a budget you’re comfortable with so I can discuss suitable options. We’ll agree the price before you commit to the commission.

Can I commission a gift?

Yes. Tell me about their style, what they already wear and the occasion. Ring size and other measurements are helpful where relevant; if you’re unsure, ask me before choosing a size.

Is a wooden presentation box included?

Wooden presentation boxes are optional and sold separately. Let me know if you’d like one so we can include the appropriate box in your order.

Let’s start with your idea

Email hello@summitjewellery.com or use the contact form. Include:

  • The type of piece and any ideas or reference images
  • Stones, colours or metals you like
  • Your budget
  • Any known sizing details
  • Your preferred date and delivery destination

You can ask questions before deciding. I’d love to hear what you have in mind.