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How to Custom Design Your Jewelry At Bob Richards Jewelers

June 15th, 2025

A top-down view of a jeweler sketching out jewelry designs on a large piece of paper.

Designing a unique piece of jewelry is a deeply personal journey that transforms your ideas, memories, and emotions into something beautiful you can wear and cherish forever. Whether you’re reimagining a family heirloom or starting from scratch, the process is filled with meaning and unparalleled care. At Bob Richards Jewelers, we are proud to offer expert custom design services at our jewelry store in Germantown, Tennessee, guiding you from concept to creation. Each piece is crafted with utmost attention to detail, resulting in something that’s not only stunning but rich with sentimental value. Custom jewelry is more than an accessory— it’s a part of your story, made to be cherished for a lifetime.

Start with the Occasion and Jewelry Type

Before diving into design details, you should always consider the reason behind the piece. Engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings each carry different symbolism and functional needs. A ring meant to be worn daily will need to prioritize durability, while a custom necklace can focus more on artistry. Understanding the purpose of each piece helps guide your design decisions that ensure the final piece is meaningful as well as practical for everyday wear and special occasions.

A close-up of seven diamonds with different cuts on a pale surface

Choose the Right Stones

Whether you prefer a center diamond or colorful accents, the stones set the tone for your custom design. Selecting the right diamonds or gemstones is key to crafting a piece that truly reflects your taste and story. Beyond their aesthetic value, different gems hold unique emotional meaning for many people, as well as unique symbolism. For example, sapphires are widely known to symbolize loyalty, while emeralds evoke renewal. As well, birthstones including the latter two examples add personal significance to any piece of jewelry. Consider the cut, clarity, color, and carat of each stone, along with their durability— especially for rings or bracelets.

Make It Personal with Engraving

Engraving also adds an intimate layer to any custom jewelry piece. Consider things like a wedding date inside a band, a child’s initials on a charm, or a private phrase only you and that special someone understand. These personal touches create a deep emotional connection to your custom piece, ensuring it remains cherished for a lifetime. It’s a simple detail that turns beautiful jewelry into something truly irreplaceable. Engravings work wonderfully on rings, lockets, pendants, and even the clasp of a bracelet, subtly hiding meaningful messages within the design.

A close-up of a yellow gold fashion ring with a princess cut emerald.

Think About Metal Choices

The metal you choose for your custom jewelry plays a major role in determining the entire look and feel of the accessory. Yellow gold offers a warm, traditional glow, while white gold and platinum give a cool, modern finish. Meanwhile, rose gold brings a romantic, soft blush to any piece. Some prefer the richness of mixed metals for a distinctive and dynamic contrast. No matter what you choose, your preferred metal should complement your lifestyle, preferences, and skin tone as well as the stones you’ve chosen. This extra care and consideration ensures longevity, beauty, and a finish that aligns with your style.

Prioritize Comfort and Wearability

Designing jewelry for daily wear means thinking beyond its beauty and aesthetic allure. A stunning ring that constantly catches on clothing or earrings that feel too heavy can quickly lose their charm. Comfort-fit bands and thoughtful profiles matter especially for engagement rings and wedding bands. With bracelets and necklaces, flexible links and smooth finishes make a big difference in wearability as well as beauty. Custom jewelry should feel as good as it looks, with a fit and finish that’s effortless and comfortable to wear every day.

A close-up of a jeweler working on a pear shape halo pendant with a green center stone.

Don’t Forget the Details

Even the most minute details can elevate your design from lovely to unforgettable. Among them, halo settings can add sparkle without overpowering your piece while milgrain edging lends a vintage vibe, while filigree or hand-carved accents create a touch of old-world artistry that is certain to turn heads. Whether you want something with flawless symmetry or something more organic and abstract, these custom details let your personality truly shine. Thoughtfully chosen flourishes will give your jewelry a distinct, tailored feel that’s uniquely yours.

A close-up of a matching diamond necklace and earring set in a white jewelry box.

Create Custom Designed Jewelry at Bob Richards Jewelers

From delicate earrings to expressive engagement rings, bring your vision to life by designing your dream jewelry piece at Bob Richards Jewelers. From our jewelry store in Germantown, Tennessee, we’re immensely proud to offer our cherished clientele a full selection of fine jewelry and expert design services that allow you to create something truly personal. Our team is here to help you in every jewelry endeavor, from creating a piece from scratch to updating a beloved heirloom. We also offer professional jewelry repair to keep your favorites shining as brightly as when you first received them. Visit our showroom or contact us today to learn more about our services and offerings.