Jewellery is imbued with distinct meaning and memories.
Maybe one day your child will own the ring you wear every day, or you’ll be reminded of a loved one or fond memory every time you wear a special piece. With this in mind, creating a truly unique, customised piece of jewellery is all the more meaningful.
As the demand for personalisation continues to surge, so has the interest in bespoke and handmade jewellery. People increasingly want to be involved in the ideation and construction of the pieces in their jewellery box. Whatever your style—elegance or edge—if you’re aesthetic isn’t on the shelf, that’s where bespoke jewellery comes in. Turning your vision into a reality.
What is bespoke jewellery?
Bespoke jewellery, also referred to as custom, refers to pieces that are completely unique.
It’s jewellery no one else has owned or worn before. Even if it’s just a little different than a ring you’ve seen before, it has your creative input and story weaved into it. It’s designed by you, from end to end.
The honour of capturing sentiment, love and connection within a bespoke piece of jewellery is one of the most rewarding parts of the business for LOVE IN A JEWEL’s Master Jeweller Joachim van Oostrum.
Whether you want to change or build on one of our existing pieces or create something entirely unique, our bespoke service caters to both.
Bringing European influences and decades of experience in jewellery design, goldsmithing and gem setting, Joachim van Oostrum is passionate about helping others tell their love story.
A renowned goldsmith, he has garnered a reputation for creating beautifully crafted pieces that stand the test of time. Specialising in engagement rings and wedding bands, he takes inspiration from the beauty of the stones and the client’s personal style, transforming exceptional diamonds and gemstones into legendary jewels.
From necklaces to bracelets, engagement rings to anniversary gifts, to milestone birthdays, we pride ourself on a welcoming and personalised service.
The bespoke process
For those with a unique vision, a custom engagement ring gives you the ability to design the ring of your dreams from start to finish.
We recommend looking online for inspiration. As you see different styles,
gemstones, and settings, you will gravitate to certain elements.
The bespoke process starts with a design consultation with our Master Jeweller. In this, we gain an understanding of your style and unique vision. Joachim will look at stones and style elements, metals and budgets.
Craftsmanship and originality are at the forefront of our design ethos, with all pieces handcrafted with love and skill to stand the test of time.
Bespoke jewellery tips
1. Have an idea of what you want
Our role isn’t to convince you to go with a particular style but to make your custom ring design come true. We recommend creating a mood board with some inspiration for your bespoke jewellery. This helps guide us to bring your dream to life.
2. Don’t be afraid to be direct
The purpose of bespoke jewellery is to design a piece that’s exactly what you envision. The more detail and direction you can provide the better.
3. Open dialogue
From concept to execution, one thing is certain (aside from a beautiful ring of course), you will spend time with your jeweller. It’s important to find a designer and artisan you trust. As an independent jeweller, relationships with clients are what we value most. We appreciate the jewellery landscape can be overwhelming – but will ensure it is enjoyable from start to finish. Befitting of the
memorable occasion, designing your perfect ring should be a fun and interactive process, where you feel comfortable sharing your thoughts.
4. Get involved
Our Master Jeweller works one-on-one with clients tailoring to your personal style and budget, with communication every step of the way. If you’re local, we also invite you to work side-by-side with our Master Jeweller in his workshop. An added bonus: you’ll learn the ancient art of melting, pouring and rolling gold.
About LOVE IN A JEWEL diamonds
Our diamonds are all ethically sourced, GIA Certified Diamonds. We proudly support local, sourcing and hand selecting premium quality diamonds from one of New Zealand's top diamond merchants. At the heart of every piece we create is thought and sentiment.