How much does it Cost?
A Guide to Bespoke Jewellery Pricing
Bespoke jewellery varies in price depending on the design, materials and gemstones chosen. Our guide explains what influences the cost, helping you understand your options and plan with confidence.
Key Factors Influencing the Cost of Bespoke Jewellery
1. Diamond or Gemstone
The diamond or gemstone is typically one of the largest components of the overall cost, although this can vary depending on the piece. The stone you choose, and its individual characteristics, can have a significant influence on the final price.
Types of Diamond or Gemstone
Diamonds and gemstones each have their own pricing structures. For diamonds, choosing between natural and lab-grown can make a significant difference to price, while factors such as size and quality will also influence the cost. Gemstones are valued differently, with factors such as colour, clarity, rarity, origin and treatment all playing a role. Exceptional stones, such as fine emeralds or rare pigeon blood rubies, can command particularly high prices due to their rarity and quality. We’ll help you understand the options available and find a stone that works for both your design and budget.
Size & Carat Weight
The size of a diamond or gemstone can have a significant impact on its cost. Measured in carats, larger stones are generally more valuable due to their rarity, with popular “magic” weights such as 0.50ct, 0.75ct and 1ct often carrying a premium.
However, carat weight is only one part of the equation. A smaller, well-cut stone with strong colour and clarity can offer greater brilliance and value than a larger stone with lower-quality characteristics. We’ll help you find the right balance between size, quality and budget for your piece.
Quality and Grading
A diamond or gemstone’s value isn’t solely determined by its size. Its overall quality is equally important and can have a significant impact on both its appearance and price. Diamonds are evaluated using the Four Cs, clarity, colour, cut and carat weight, which together help determine their quality 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, with rarity also influencing their value. Generally, higher quality stones command higher prices. We’re here to help you understand these factors and choose the right stone for your bespoke piece.
Understanding Diamond Shape & Pricing
When choosing a diamond, the shape you select can have a significant impact on both its appearance and price. Round brilliant diamonds are often the most sought after and typically carry a premium, while choosing a fancy shape can offer an opportunity to make your budget go further without compromising on beauty.
Shapes such as cushion, oval, princess and pear can offer excellent brilliance at different price points. Elongated shapes such as marquise, oval and pear can also appear larger for their carat weight, giving you a more substantial look without necessarily increasing the size of the stone.
The price difference between shapes is influenced largely by demand and how efficiently the rough diamond can be cut. Some shapes retain more of the original rough, while others result in greater material loss during cutting. We’ll help you compare the options so you can choose a shape that suits both your design and budget.
Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamond Costs
Whether you choose a lab-grown or mined diamond can make a significant difference to the overall cost. Both are real diamonds with the same chemical, physical and optical properties, but their different origins and availability result in different pricing.
Mined diamonds form naturally deep within the earth over billions of years and are recovered through mining. Their price is influenced by factors such as rarity, availability, market demand and the costs involved in recovering and processing them. For many people, the natural origin and geological history of a mined diamond are an important part of its appeal.
Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment using advanced technology. As they are not subject to the same geological rarity as mined diamonds, they are typically available at a lower price than comparable mined diamonds. This can provide greater flexibility when considering the size or specification of your stone within a particular budget.
Both options are graded using the same key characteristics, including cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. The choice ultimately comes down to your personal preferences, with the main difference being the diamond’s origin and how this is reflected in its price.
Starting Costs for Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamonds by Size
The prices below provide a guide to starting costs for diamonds in different carat weights, based on D to F colour, eye-clean VS to SI clarity, and excellent cut, polish and symmetry. These figures are intended as a starting point, as the price of an individual diamond can vary depending on its specific characteristics. We can source diamonds to suit your preferred colour, clarity, cut and budget, helping you find the right stone for your bespoke piece.
Excellent 5 out of 5 based on Trustpilot Reviews
2. Preferred Metal
Once you’ve considered the diamond or gemstone, the metal you choose is another factor that contributes to the overall cost of your bespoke piece. Platinum and gold each have different characteristics and price points, with the amount of metal and the design itself also influencing the final cost.
Platinum
Platinum is a popular premium choice, known for its naturally bright white appearance, strength and durability. Its density means more metal is required to create the same piece, which can contribute to a higher cost. It is also naturally resistant to tarnishing and does not require rhodium plating, making it a low maintenance choice that can retain its appearance for years to come.
Gold
Gold offers flexibility in both colour and purity, making it a versatile choice for bespoke jewellery. Available in 18K, 14K and 9K, the karat refers to the proportion of pure gold in the alloy. 18K gold contains 75% pure gold, 14K contains 58.5%, and 9K contains 37.5%, with higher karat gold generally costing more due to its greater gold content. Gold is also available in yellow, white and rose, giving you flexibility in the look of your piece. White gold is naturally a warmer colour and is typically finished with rhodium plating to give it a bright white appearance. The karat, colour, weight and design of your jewellery will all contribute to the final cost, allowing gold to suit a range of styles and budgets.
Weight & Design
The weight of your jewellery affects how much metal is required to create it, which in turn influences the final cost. Larger or more substantial designs will generally require more metal, while intricate details and construction can also affect the amount used. The density of the metal is another consideration. Platinum, for example, is denser than gold, so a piece of the same size can weigh more and therefore require more metal. For gold jewellery, the karat, weight and overall design will all contribute to the final cost.
Where Do Bespoke Prices Start?
Every bespoke piece is different, so the final cost will depend on the design, metal and gemstones you choose. The starting prices below provide a helpful guide to the investment required for a bespoke engagement ring or wedding band.
We’ll work with you to create a piece around your vision and budget, with every element considered to achieve the right balance of design, materials and craftsmanship. If you’re looking for a simpler wedding band, we can also source pre-designed, lathe-made options as an alternative to a fully bespoke design.
All prices include labour and VAT.
3. Accent and Side Stones
Accent and side stones are another element that can influence the overall cost of your bespoke piece. The type, size, quality and number of stones you choose will all play a part, as will the way they are incorporated into the design.
Whether you opt for a classic trilogy, elegant side stones or a halo surrounding the centre stone, these additional diamonds or gemstones can enhance the brilliance and character of your jewellery. The number of stones and the intricacy of their settings can also affect the craftsmanship involved and, consequently, the final cost.
Trilogy & Side Stone
A trilogy setting or the addition of side stones introduces extra diamonds or gemstones to your design, creating more opportunity to enhance the centre stone and overall look of the ring. The additional stones naturally form part of the overall cost, with their size, quality and number influencing the price. The style you choose also gives you flexibility in how the additional stones are incorporated. A trilogy might feature two larger side stones, while a ring with smaller diamonds set along the shoulders can create a more delicate sparkle. This allows the design and choice of stones to be tailored to your preferred look and budget.
Halo Setting
A halo surrounds the centre stone with a circle of smaller diamonds, creating additional sparkle and giving the centre stone greater visual presence. As the halo is made up of multiple stones, the overall cost will depend largely on the number of diamonds required and the size of the halo. The shape and style of the halo can also influence the amount of craftsmanship involved. A simple, close-fitting halo will differ in cost from a more intricate design with shaped or graduated diamonds, giving you different options depending on the look you want to achieve.
4. Design and Craftsmanship
The design itself can also influence the overall cost of a bespoke piece. Simpler designs typically require less time to produce, while intricate details, complex settings, unusual shapes or multiple elements can require additional expertise and craftsmanship.
Every element is developed specifically for your piece, from the proportions and construction to the way individual stones are set. This level of customisation allows us to create something that works beautifully as a whole, with the final cost reflecting the work involved in bringing your chosen design to life.
Intricate Designs
Bespoke jewellery gives you the freedom to incorporate details that would not be possible with a standard design. Personalised engraving, intricate patterns, fine detailing and unusual structural elements can all add character and meaning to your piece.
These features can require more specialised techniques and careful finishing, depending on how they are incorporated into the design. A simple engraving may have a minimal impact on the cost, while highly detailed patterns or complex three-dimensional elements can require considerably more work. The final price therefore reflects the level of detail and craftsmanship involved in creating your chosen design.
Craftsmanship & Labour
Craftsmanship and labour form an important part of the overall cost of a bespoke piece. From preparing the metal and creating the structure to setting the gemstones, polishing and finishing, each stage requires skilled workmanship and careful attention. The amount of labour involved will vary depending on the design, with more detailed or intricate pieces naturally requiring more time to complete. This is reflected in the final price and ensures that every stage, from the initial construction through to the final finish, is carried out with the care and precision your piece requires.
Transparent Pricing: How Your Quote Is Calculated
When you receive your bespoke quotation, every element is clearly itemised so you can see exactly what is included. This covers the metal, centre and accent stones, design and craftsmanship, along with any additional elements specific to your piece.
This detailed breakdown gives you a clear view of how your design comes together and how each choice contributes to the overall cost. It also means you can easily explore different options, whether that’s adjusting the metal, gemstone or design details, to create a piece that works for you.
Your Personalised Consultation
Connect with us via Zoom
Enjoy your consultation from the comfort of your home or work, using just a laptop or tablet and a stable internet connection. You’ll receive a Zoom link ahead of your appointment, ready to join at your scheduled time. During your session, your designer will share ideas visually using 3D modelling software to help explore and develop your concept together. This allows us to discuss proportions, styles, and design direction, helping to shape your vision with confidence before moving into the next stages of design.
Meet your designer in-house
We offer exclusive, appointment-only consultations for clients who wish to meet us in person. At our creative studio, your dedicated designer will use advanced 3D modelling software to explore and develop your ideas. To ensure you get the most from your visit, we recommend booking in advance so we can prepare your consultation and have a designer ready to guide you through each stage of your design journey.
Optimising your Budget
Designing a bespoke ring gives you the freedom to create something completely personal, while making choices that work within your budget. Small changes to the metal, diamond or gemstone, size and design can make a meaningful difference to the overall cost. By identifying the features that matter most to you and being flexible with the elements that matter less, you can prioritise your budget where it will have the greatest impact on the finished piece.
The aim is not to compromise on your vision, but to find the right combination to create a ring you’ll love within your chosen budget.
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
As seen in
How much does it cost?
The cost of bespoke jewellery depends on the design, materials and gemstones you choose. We’ll work closely with you to create something that reflects your vision while keeping your budget in mind, with clear and transparent pricing throughout. Already have an idea in mind? Get in touch for a tailored quote, or book a design session to start exploring your options.
Knowledge Hub
At Durham Rose, we believe in empowering our clients with the knowledge they need to feel confident throughout their bespoke journey. While our team are always available to answer questions during consultations and throughout the process, we’ve also created a wealth of resources to help you understand every element of your jewellery and make informed decisions with confidence.
Jewellery Services
As a bespoke company, we offer a complete service that supports every stage, providing a seamless and personal experience designed entirely around you. From initial design through to creation and aftercare, every detail is thoughtfully considered to ensure your piece is crafted with complete care.
Explore Our Blog Posts
Curious about the world of bespoke jewellery? Discover the stories behind the process, gain insight into every stage of creating a unique piece, and find answers to your questions along the way. From designing the perfect engagement ring to understanding gemstones and precious metals, our blog is your go-to guide for all things bespoke jewellery