How much does it Cost?
A Guide to Bespoke Jewellery Pricing
At Durham Rose, we understand that pricing can be a key factor when creating bespoke jewellery. We are dedicated to providing transparent and detailed information to help you navigate the costs involved.
Each piece is crafted with artistry and precision, reflecting your unique vision. The final cost depends on various factors, including material choices, design complexity, and the level of craftsmanship. We aim to offer exceptional value, ensuring your piece not only meets but exceeds your expectations.
We believe that the cost should align with what you are comfortable with and what holds personal significance. There are no rigid rules; it’s about finding a balance between your budget and your values.
On this page, you will find a comprehensive breakdown of pricing factors, typical cost examples, and guidance on obtaining a personalised quote. We are here to assist you in bringing your vision to life within your desired price range.
Our goal is to ensure a transparent and enjoyable bespoke jewellery experience, from the initial design consultation to the final creation.
Key Factors Influencing the Cost of Bespoke Jewellery
1. Diamond or Gemstone
Choosing the right diamond or gemstone is an exciting part of designing your bespoke jewellery. Every stone has unique qualities that influence its beauty and value, allowing you to personalise your piece to reflect your preferences. Here’s a guide to help you understand the key factors that will shape your perfect creation:
Types of Diamond or Gemstone
Whether you prefer the timeless elegance of diamonds or are drawn to the rich, vibrant hues of a Gemstone, each stone type has its unique pricing structure. Diamonds tend to be more expensive due to their widespread demand and detailed grading process. However, certain coloured gemstones, especially those with vivid hues or exceptional clarity—such as fine emeralds or rare pigeon red rubies—can also command high prices due to their rarity and unique beauty. Ultimately, the choice of stone comes down to your style and what resonates with you. At Durham Rose, we’ll work closely with you to select a stone that not only fits your vision but also aligns with your budge.
Size & Carat Weight
When it comes to diamonds or gemstones, size significantly impacts cost. Measured in carats, larger stones generally command higher prices due to their rarity. In the diamond world, “magic” carat weights—such as 0.50ct, 0.75ct, and 1ct—carry a premium for their popularity. However, size isn’t everything. You must balance carat weight with quality, as a smaller stone with superior cut, clarity, and colour may offer better brilliance. It’s also worth noting that a well-cut diamond can maximise its brilliance and even appear larger than a poorly cut one of the same weight. We can guide you to choose the perfect stone that fits your taste and budget.
Quality and Grading
A diamond or gemstone’s value isn’t solely determined by its size—its overall quality is equally critical. Diamonds are evaluated based on the “Four Cs”: clarity, colour, cut, and carat weight. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in the stone’s overall appearance and value. Gemstones, on the other hand, do not have a universal grading system. They are typically assessed based on the depth and intensity of their colour, clarity, and cut. Generally, the higher the quality, the more the stone will cost. Whether you’re choosing a diamond or a coloured gemstone, we are here to help you understand these factors and choose the best stone for your bespoke piece.
How Different Shapes Influence the Cost
When it comes to selecting your perfect diamond, the shape plays a crucial role—not only in aesthetics but also in cost. While round diamonds are often the most sought-after and typically carry a premium, opting for a fancy shape can provide you with exceptional value.
Shapes like cushion, oval, or princess cuts can deliver the same brilliance at a lower price point. For instance, elongated shapes such as marquise, oval, or emerald cuts may even create the illusion of a larger stone, allowing you to make a striking statement without the added expense.
To illustrate, a 1-carat F colour VS2 round diamond may retail for around £7,000, whereas a similarly graded 1-carat pear-shaped diamond can be priced at approximately £5,800. This highlights the significant savings and the allure of a unique diamond that sets your engagement ring apart.
Choosing the Perfect Diamond Size and Ring Style
Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamond Costs
When comparing the costs of lab-grown and mined diamonds, the differences stem from their origin and production processes. Mined diamonds, formed naturally over billions of years, are typically more expensive due to the extensive efforts required to extract and process them. Factors such as the rarity of high-quality stones, market demand, and the environmental impact of mining also contribute to their higher cost. For many, mined diamonds hold an intrinsic value because of their natural origin, history, and uniqueness, which some buyers consider a symbol of prestige and timelessness.
On the other hand, lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology that mimics the natural conditions under which diamonds form. These diamonds offer an identical chemical, physical, and optical composition to mined diamonds. However, the production of lab-grown diamonds is more efficient and requires fewer resources, resulting in a lower cost. This makes lab-grown diamonds a more budget-friendly option while still providing the same brilliance, durability, and beauty as their natural counterparts.
Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are graded and certified using the same criteria—clarity, cut, colour, and carat weight—ensuring transparency and quality no matter which option you choose. Lab-grown diamonds are gaining popularity due to their accessibility, affordability, and the growing demand for more sustainable and eco-conscious choices. Whether you choose a mined diamond for its natural origins or a lab-grown diamond for its value and environmental benefits, both are excellent choices for creating a stunning, meaningful piece of jewellery.
Starting Costs for Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamonds by Size
The prices listed below are for diamonds of D-F colour, eye-clean clarity (VS/SI), and excellent cut, polish, and symmetry. These factors ensure optimal brilliance and quality. While these prices serve as a guideline, we can source diamonds tailored to your specific preferences in terms of colour, clarity, cut, and budget, ensuring your bespoke piece meets your exact vision.
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2. Preferred Metal: Understanding Metal Costs
The metal you choose is a key factor in the cost of your bespoke jewellery, but it also offers an opportunity to personalise your piece based on style, durability, and budget. Each metal has its unique qualities, allowing you to find the perfect match for your vision. Here’s what to consider:
Platinum
Known for its exceptional strength and brilliant white sheen, platinum is a popular premium choice. Its density adds weight and durability, which often increases its cost, but it also means your piece will stand the test of time with minimal upkeep. Platinum’s natural resistance to tarnish ensures it retains its beautiful appearance without the need for additional plating or regular maintenance.
Gold
Gold offers versatility in both colour and purity, making it an excellent choice for bespoke jewellery. Available in 18K, 14K, and 9K, higher karat gold contains a greater percentage of pure gold, which typically increases its value. You can also choose from different colours—white, yellow, or rose gold—allowing you to create a piece that reflects your taste. Whether you’re seeking luxury or affordability, gold provides the flexibility to suit various preferences and price points.
Weight & Design
The weight of your jewellery impacts the amount of metal used, influencing the final cost. Heavier designs, especially those made from dense metals like platinum, will weigh more. For gold pieces, both the karat and the overall design size contribute to the price, offering a balance between substance and style.
Overview of Starting Costs for your Bespoke Piece
We are committed to collaborating with you to bring your vision for a bespoke piece to life. Below is an overview of our starting prices for custom engagement rings and wedding bands. The final cost will be influenced by your selected design and materials, ensuring that your piece is truly unique. Additionally, for simple Wedding bands, we can source lathe-made designs if you’re looking for a pre-designed option which is not custom-made.
The costs include Labour and VAT.
3. Accent and Side Stones: Enhancing Your Design
Accent stones play a significant role in determining the overall cost of your bespoke ring. Factors such as the type, size, quality, quantity, complexity of the setting, and design style all contribute to the final price. By incorporating accent and side stones, you can elevate the brilliance and personal significance of your ring. Whether you choose a classic trilogy setting, elegant side stones, or a stunning halo, these features enhance your centre stone and create a truly unique design.
Trilogy & Side Stone
A trilogy setting or side stones brings a stunning balance and adds sparkle to your centre stone. These additional stones can symbolise meaningful concepts, such as past, present, and future, while also enhancing the overall elegance of your ring. Each stone is carefully set to ensure a flawless finish, and their size and quality can influence the overall cost. However, we can tailor the design to achieve the perfect balance between aesthetics and budget, allowing you to create a piece that resonates with your style without sacrificing quality.
Halo Setting
A halo setting encircles the centre stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, amplifying its brilliance and creating the illusion of a larger centrepiece. This intricate craftsmanship not only highlights the expertise of our artisans but also adds a luxurious touch to your ring. While a halo does contribute to the overall cost, it provides a striking visual impact that can make your ring stand out, perfect for those seeking a more eye-catching design.
4. Design and Craftsmanship: Bringing Your Vision to Life
Creating bespoke jewellery is a journey that starts with your vision, brought to life through a blend of expert design and craftsmanship. By merging modern techniques with traditional skills, we craft unique pieces that are a true reflection of your style. Unlike mass-produced items, bespoke jewellery is meticulously designed with a focus on precision and quality. This level of detail and attention naturally adds to the cost, but it ensures a result that is truly one-of-a-kind and made to the highest standards.
Intricate Designs
One of the greatest benefits of bespoke jewellery is the ability to incorporate intricate and unique details. Whether it’s personalised engravings, custom elements, or complex patterns, each piece is tailored to bring your vision to life. These details, however, require advanced techniques and a meticulous approach, which means our master goldsmiths devote significant time and expertise to perfecting every aspect. The more intricate the design, the more craftsmanship is involved, and this additional labour naturally increases the value of the piece. The result is an artistically exceptional creation that reflects both the care and skill invested in its making.
Craftsmanship & Labour
Each bespoke piece is carefully hand-finished, with hours spent shaping, refining, and perfecting the design. From the initial concept to the final polish, the process involves a deep understanding of specialised techniques and materials. Every step demands precision and attention to detail, ensuring your jewellery meets the highest expectations. This level of craftsmanship not only adds to the overall cost but also enhances the durability and longevity of the piece, making it a worthwhile investment. Your bespoke jewellery is built to last, a timeless creation that stands apart from mass-produced alternatives.
Transparent Pricing: A Detailed Breakdown for Your Bespoke Ring
At Durham Rose, transparency is central to our bespoke process. We provide a fully itemised breakdown of every component of your ring, including the costs for materials like metal, diamonds, and gemstones, as well as any related labour. This ensures you have a clear understanding of where each cost comes from, allowing you to make informed decisions about your design. Our designers guide you through each step, offering a range of options so you can customise your piece with confidence. Your preferences are always our priority, and we’re dedicated to making the experience seamless and personalised.
Your Personalised Consultation
Meet us Virtually
Embark on a commitment-free design session with your designer via Zoom! Whether you're near or far, share your ideas, preferences, and price points in a virtual consultation. See your vision materialise on-screen using our state-of-the-art 3D modelling software, allowing you to explore various concepts. After our initial Zoom meeting, your designer will refine the details and present conceptual renders, showcasing a range of materials and stones for you to choose from. Craft your perfect piece effortlessly and seamlessly, all from the convenience of your screen!
Meet us In-Person
You're welcome to meet us at our London, Stratford studio by appointment. Here, you can discuss your unique jewellery vision, explore design options, and receive expert advice.
Let's transform your ideas into reality.
Optimising your Budget
Designing a bespoke ring is an exciting opportunity to create something one-of-a-kind.
Setting the right budget is essential to getting the most from your design. This guide will help you optimise your spending by focusing on key factors like choosing the right materials, adjusting design complexity, and prioritising the features that matter most to you. By understanding these elements, you can achieve the perfect balance between your vision and cost.
Our Payment Process
We offer easy and secure payment options, including credit/debit cards and bank transfers. Our payment process is structured to ensure clarity and smooth progression throughout the process.
Initial Design Session:
Complimentary
to discuss your initial concept, or your vision before building the design
Design Refinement:
A £180 payment
is required to refine your model based on your specifications
Manufacturing Stage:
50% before production
amount is due to begin your process after design approval
Final Payment:
Remaining 50% after
upon delivery or collection of the completed piece
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