Custom Jewelry

Our vision is to adorn those seeking extraordinary and timelessly designed, heirloom jewelry, each piece capturing a story.

Allow us to create pieces that will last generations.

Attention custom jewelry rookies!

At our first meeting, we will work together to establish the parameters of the project. We will discuss your thoughts, taste and vision for the piece. I want to know the background story to the gift or purchase; the meaning behind the jewelry is very important to the creative process. For questions that you do not know the answer to, I can help guide you in the right direction.

• Story ~ is there a memory or event you want to remember when you wear this piece of jewelry?
• What is the style of the wearer? Traditional versus modern? Delicate versus bold?
• What is the preferred metal type? Platinum, gold, 14k/18k/22k, rose gold, green gold...
• If applicable, what is the ring size or chain/type length?
• What is the timeframe for finalizing this project?
• What is the budget range? This is a very important element.

After a budget is established, we start the gem search (if that is part of the project). We have excellent Diamond & Gemstone resources, and Jennifer is a Certified Gemologist iwth the Gemological Institute of America. Once we have the gem(s) and the parameters set, I usually provide a couple of rough sketches to get things moving. We review them and hone in on the final specifications. As an example, below are the steps of a custom diamond ring commissioned by a good friend and client that had plans to propose to his girlfriend. The first images show the sketches that were provided:


These are posted to a personalized Postwire page just for your project. Think of it as similar to having your own Pinterest board to track the progression, changes and comments pertaining to your project. It makes it much easier to have all the information in one spot!

Once the sketches are narrowed down to one or two, an estimate is provided and a 50% deposit is required. At this stage we begin utilizing CAD (Computer Aided Design) to create digital renderings of the chosen design (posted to your page in image above). This step allows you to see almost exactly what the jewelry will look like in real life. It is much clearer than trying to interpret a sketch! Several CAD renderings are then posted to your page for you to review and comment on.

Two rounds of changes from this stage are included in the quote. Once the CAD is approved, production of the piece begins. Any changes beyond this point can cause additional costs to be incurred.

Presenting the final piece…

The master craftsmen that make our jewelry are outstanding. It takes a little extra time, but the result is jewelry with the highest level of craftsmanship.

Finally, I package the finished piece in a beautiful jewelry box and bag; it is then available for pick up or shipped via Fedex.

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Why is it so helpful that you provide me with a budget?

This is often a small bit of information that is is very illusive! As you know, jewelry prices range dramatically. Let's use a diamond ring as an example. The price range of a diamond ring can start at $1,500 and go up to the sky, making it much more difficult for me to design a custom piece of jewelry or source a gemstone without a general budget to reference. My estimates are rock solid, even if I go over the estimate provided on the final design, you still pay the amount quoted!

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Is custom more expensive?

Yes, because I am creating something exclusively for you, the cost will be higher for that. This is because bulk jewelry has many of the same mounting stamped out, amortizing costs in order to reduce the price tag of each piece. There are also different levels of quality. The materials I use at J Briggs & Co are of premiere quality, which my clients always appreciate. Custom jewelry requires a great deal of time and attention to detail for each piece. The results are well worth it! At the same time, my prices are very fair and competitive for custom jewelry. I have been able to accommodate most budgets, and a custom piece typically starts at $1,900.

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I want it to be a surprise gift, but I am not confident in what she/he wants. What to do?

There are two avenues that I encourage you to consider at this crossroad. One option would be to purchase a beautiful J Briggs & Co gift certificate with a personalized note explaining your thoughtfulness and heartfelt intention to give your loved one the ultimate jewelry experience of working with their own designer. The lucky recipient can then work directly with me (with a predetermined budget) to create exactly what they want!

The second option works perfectly if you have a general idea of what you want to give. For example, if your wife really wants to change her engagement ring from a solitaire to a three stone diamond ring. Christmas morning she can open a small gemstone display box with two 3/4 carat diamonds sparkling with the tree lights. In the card, there is a personalized note from you explaining that these diamonds are the first of a two part gift to work with her very own personal jewelry designer and gemologist to design her new ring. You look like a rock star and she is thrilled with her gift - all with the element of surprise still intact!

We start with establishing a budget, preferences regarding the shape, color and clarity of the diamond or gemstone, and a time frame for delivery. If any one of these aspects is in question, we can certainly help you understand all your wonderful options. We then source 2-3 gemstones based on your specifications and have them delivered to our studio. If you are local, the next step is to schedule a private meeting at our Northborough studio to closely review the stones. If you are not local, we utilize several great technology resources to present the stones and all the details of each option. Once the diamond or gemstone is chosen, payment is due at that time. Next step is to begin deigning your custom jewelry for your new gem!

What forms of payment are available?

J Briggs & Co accepts cash, check and Visa, MC, & Amex. A 50% deposit is due at the designing stage and the balance due at delivery.

Thank you for taking a few moments to learn the details of the custom process. Please contact me at anytime to answer questions or get started on that project you have been considering!

Phone: 508-466-8465

Email: [email protected]