Author: Anna DePoyster

Your jewelry is a meaningful symbol and often a significant financial expense. Customizing your dream piece may be easier, more affordable, and quicker than you think. Consider the following benefits and trade-offs when planning your customized jewelry. 

Benefits of Customizing Jewelry

Customized rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces have many benefits. Most importantly, you can wear pieces that are a reflection of your personal style and individuality. A design that emphasizes your unique interests is also truly one-of-a-kind. Customized pieces can also be a great investment or a way to show your loved ones how much you care. 

Things to Consider

While there are many advantages to truly customizing a piece of fine jewelry, there are some things to consider before you begin this process. For starters, custom jewelry might be more expensive than off-the-shelf designs, and prices can vary depending on how elaborate the design is. It also takes time to create (as long as 12 months in some cases), which means you might be waiting longer to pop the question if you’re customizing an engagement ring. A good rule of thumb is to get started on customization as soon as you can. 

How to Prepare to Create Customized Jewelry 

Step 1: Do Your Research

If you’re looking to create your one-of-a-kind piece for you or your special someone, the good news is that you’ve already come to the right place! Our jewelry experts are ready and willing to work with you to create the design of your dreams. 

You can help the process by researching things like gemstone setting, band type, metal, size, etc. You can start by looking up examples of jewelry that speak to you, and use that to draw inspiration. Having photos similar to the jewelry you’re looking to create can help our jewelers get a sense of your style and help guide the design work. 

Step 2: Generate Budget and Timeline

It’s best to have a price range for spending in mind for your custom piece. Our jewelers can offer a ballpark estimate when you bring in your design ideas with details. Your timeline is another factor to consider when going into a consultation. An average timeline for a custom piece may take a few weeks to several months depending on the design and the availability of materials. If this piece is a gift for someone special, consider giving yourself a buffer period of a couple months between when you order and when you expect to have the finished product. Planning ahead will allow you to have the piece just in time for your anniversary, birthday, holiday, or engagement proposal. 

Step 3: Schedule a Consultation at Cecil’s Custom Jewelry 

This is what you’ve been waiting for! At a consultation, you’ll have the chance to present your proposed design, research, budget, and timeline to our experts. We will work with you to create what you’re wanting and can start designing sketches for you to look over. You can also consider bringing a list of things you DO NOT want in your jewelry, so we know what to avoid. After this initial meeting, our experts can give you a more accurate timeline and budget based on your needs.  

Step 4: Receive Your Piece and Celebrate!

Once your jewelry is ready, you can relish this heirloom that will no doubt be a treasure for generations. Congratulations!
We know you’re excited to get started and that’s the easy part. You can learn more about our work and book an appointment at http://cecilsfinejewelry.com/about/ or call us at 501-225-5068.

For most of us, summer marks a clear break and reset period. School is out, so is the sun, and it’s officially time to travel. Whatever your summer season holds, you need to protect yourself and your fine jewelry from harmful rays. Here’s our guide for protecting those priceless gems wherever you find yourself this summer. 

Pools and Hot Tubs

When you inevitably find yourself hanging by the pool or in a friend’s hot tub this summer, beware of the impact that chlorine and sunscreen can have on your jewelry. Chlorine can cause microscopic air bubbles in your gold pieces, causing the metal to become brittle and weak. Exposing your jewelry to chlorinated water for even an hour can do more damage than several years of frequent use. 

Although less severe, sunscreen can cause nasty buildup on your stones, leaving them lackluster. Or worse, if your gems are colored, avoid wearing them in sunlight at all because bright light and high temperatures can fade their hue over time. 

Hiking

When heading outdoors in the humid Arkansas summer, everyone knows that bug spray is practically mandatory for survival. But, do you know what its chemicals can do to your fine jewelry? Buildup from bug spray can quickly transform your sparkling gems into dull and dim pieces. Instead of making this mistake, elect to leave your fine jewelry at home to avoid damaging sprays and creams. Plus, you wouldn’t want a critter to run off with your favorite piece, turning your Marco Bicego into Marco Bice-UH-OH!

Beach Time

While it may seem harmless, sand is made up of finely ground rock and mineral particles – both quite hard materials. Any interaction with sand has the potential to damage metals and gemstones, especially softer ones. The combination of sand and the aforementioned menace sunscreen can send you looking for replacement fine jewelry faster than you can say, “Let’s build a sandcastle!”

Trips Abroad

When you’re packing for that next summer destination, be sure to place your signature summer gems inside your carry-on bag to ensure their safe arrival. After all, checked bags sometimes do get lost and no one is going to treat your luggage with as much care as you will.

Also, resist the temptation to place all of your pieces together. Instead, pack jewelry individually to avoid harder stones like diamonds scratching softer materials like gold, pearls, or opals. 

Our Cleaning and Repair Services

If you do find that your jewelry is damaged or dirty at any point, we can help! Cecil’s experts are able to assist in repairing any damage to your precious pieces. Visit us online at http://cecilsfinejewelry.com/special-services/ to learn more or come see us in store to shop at 10720 N. Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock.