Bespoke is the order of the day at Roccabella, designing tokens of love and breathing new life into items from the past. Cityscape gleans some gems from designer Vikki George on the process of creating jewellery.

Perhaps you’re after the perfect Hearts on Fire diamond engagement ring that encapsulates your love story. Maybe you’ve got a meaningful brooch you don’t wear, or perhaps you’ve inherited a ring with a beautiful stone, but the design is dated or the metal doesn’t suit you.

Vikki George from Roccabella says whether you’re creating a piece from scratch with new gems and metal, or using elements of an existing item, jewellery design should be friendly and personal, and most importantly it should involve you at every step so you get the perfect piece.

Talk it out First, you meet the designer for a consultation. Vikki sits down to chat and get to know you so she can instil your personality in the jewellery. This meeting is for her to find out about your story, what the piece is for, and where any jewellery that’s being redesigned comes from.

Vikki sketches to see what you like and dislike, and asks questions to get you thinking about what’s important. Some people have a clear vision, and some have no idea – both ways are fine.

She doesn’t like to let price interfere, but it’s important at this stage to talk a little bit about budget. “We’ve all got a resource level and I don’t want to design something people aren’t comfortable paying for.”

Find your form This is the fun part. Vikki models your piece in 3D design software so you can see what it will look like. You’ll work together and refine until it’s absolutely perfect. Vikki custom-designs each piece to suit the person and the stone.

Get your hands on it Next, the design is 3D printed in wax so you can try it on. It’s a great way to alleviate the feeling that says “What if I hate it?” There’s nothing like seeing and touching to set you at ease.

“I like using the old and the new,” Vikki says. “The new technology is precise and allows us to model the jewellery and try it on. Then there’s always an artisan’s hand, finishing the metal, setting the stones.”

Cast, set, and try Eek! We’re nearly there! The metal is cast and your stones are set. Then you get to see it in all its glory, try it on and take it home.

“It’s so important to me that you like it,” Vikki says. “It’s just such a tangible reminder of a life moment. I just have to get it right for my own peace of mind. I pour my integrity into each of these pieces – I don’t just bang them out.”

Vikki’s five golden tips for bespoke design

1: Trust is everything. When commissioning the piece of jewellery, you are saying “I trust you with my money and with being a part of the memory – don’t let me down.”

2: Work with the right designer, one that you can relate to easily. This is a collaborative process – clear communication from both sides allows the creative process to flow seamlessly and honestly.

3: Remember it will take time. Designing bespoke jewellery is like creating tiny sculptures. Every aspect needs to be thought about, from how it looks to how it feels on the body. Make sure you have enough time to make your bespoke design experience fun, not stressful. I would recommend having at least four to six weeks available.

4: It’s a very good idea to have a budget in mind and discuss this with your trusted designer in the early stages. The amount you would like to spend is just another element of the design process.

5: I love it when my clients bring their own ideas and inspirations to the table. You could bring a simple colour palette; pics from your favourite artist, style of architecture, fashion designer or jewellery era; or jewellery designs and ideas you have scrapbooked.

roccabella.co.nz