The first question many clients ask about a custom design is, “How does one design a piece of jewelry with Exceptional Gems? What does it entail?” We hope the following information will serve as a rough guide. No two custom design situations are exactly the same, but this will help you understand the general process. Read through the Custom Design Process steps below to gain a better understanding of what really happens.

The second question is, “Is it expensive?” The custom design process is affordable. The cost of a custom design piece varies with each design due to material and labor costs. Ask us for a price quote and have your dream piece of jewelry made personally for you today!

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Exceptional Gems. We would be happy to answer any and all questions you may have regarding the custom design process.

How it all works: The Custom Design Process

Step One: Contact Exceptional Gems

Email Info@ExceptionalGems.com
Phone 972-851-5778
Toll Free 877-851-5778

Set-up a date and time for your design consultation.

Never fear if you do not live in the Dallas Fort Worth Metroplex. We work with clients worldwide.

Step Two: Design Consultation with Jewelry Designer and Client

At the initial meeting, a client arrives at the Exceptional Gems Showroom to meet with a jewelry designer, or discusses the project over the telephone or email.

Client brings in any or all of the following:
• Stones to be used in the piece
• Pictures or sketch of design idea
• Old jewelry to be sold or melted for scrap metal

After talking and listening to the client, a rough sketch is created on paper. Prices are discussed. And the next meeting time is scheduled.
A deposit if required of all clients before any CAD work can be started.

Step Three: Designer creates CAD model

The Exceptional Gems jewelry designer then uses Matrix 3D CAD software to build your model. The computer helps the designer to effectively put together various ideas to form a solid 3D computer generated model.

Once the structural and technical pieces of the design are finalized, the item is rendered for your customer approval. These images, known as renders, are photo-realistic and give you, the client, and an exact image of what your new piece of jewelry will look like.

Step Four: Second Design Consultation Meeting With Client

The client is shown the CAD rendered image for final approval. At this meeting, changes might be made to the design. Some design charges might apply if the rendered design is changed greatly. This is determined on a case by case basis with the full knowledge of the client.

Step Five: Production

Once a design concept is finalized and approved by the client, it is made into a three-dimensional piece using a Perfactory RP printer. The Perfactory is a rapid prototyping “Personal Factory” that creates three-dimensional models in resin or paraffin from existing computer designs and models. The Perfactory RP creates models in two types of materials: Resin (red in color) and Paraffin (yellow in color). Resin is a strong, durable material that is excellent for making molds. Paraffin is a softer and more pliable material which is well suited for casting straight from the model.

Next the model is cast in the desired metal. To make the model into a raw casting, we cast the model using a lost wax casting process.

Next, the stones are set. We can also act as your supplier of loose diamonds and colored stones.

Finally, the new piece of jewelry is finished out and polished to our exact specifications.

Step Six: The client picks up the piece and makes final payment.

Important Note: Your designs are never shared with anyone. Exceptional Gems treats you and your intellectual property with great care and the utmost respect.