Our Custom Design Process
At Alloy Custom, we specialize in creating one-of-a-kind pieces designed around your story. Whether you’re designing an engagement ring, modernizing a family heirloom, or starting fresh, we’ll work with you to create something meaningful.
1. Consultation
We’ll start with a conversation to understand your vision and style. If you have inspiration images or examples of designs you love, bring them along — they help us refine the details and create a piece that reflects your style.
If you’d like to use your own stones or metal, please bring them to the consultation so we can evaluate their quality and determine how they can be incorporated into the design.
To begin the design process, we require a $200 deposit — this helps cover the time and expertise involved in creating a detailed CAD design and sourcing materials. The deposit is applied toward your final piece.
2. Design and CAD Rendering
Once we’ve refined your vision, we’ll create a detailed digital rendering of your design using CAD (Computer-Aided Design) technology.
You’ll be able to see your design from multiple angles and explore how it will look once finished.
We’ll work with you to adjust the design until it’s exactly what you envision.
After finalizing the CAD design, we can create a 3D printed model so you can see and feel the shape and scale of the piece before it goes into production. This ensures that every detail is perfect before we being crafting your piece.
3. Material Selection
We’ll guide you through selecting the best materials for your design:
Metals – Choose from 14k and 18k gold, platinum, and specialty alloys.
Diamonds – We offer natural and lab-grown diamonds in a variety of shapes and qualities.
Gemstones – Explore sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other fine stones.
Using Your Gold or Stones – We’re happy to work with heirloom gold or stones after inspecting them for quality. Any excess gold not used will be credited at current market value.
Once the design and materials are finalized, we’ll provide you with a detailed estimate so you’ll have a clear understanding of the total cost before we begin production.
4. Handcrafting
Once the design is finalized, our expert jewelers will bring it to life with precision and care — all work is done on-site in our workshop.
By handling everything in-house, we maintain full control over the production process, ensuring consistent quality and attention to detail.
Keeping production in-house also allows us to control costs and maintain more competitive pricing without sacrificing quality.
Production typically takes 4–6 weeks, but express service is available for select pieces with a 10–14 day turnaround for an additional fee.
5. Final Delivery
Once your piece is complete, we’ll present it to you in a custom box designed to protect and showcase your jewelry.
We provide detailed documentation, including any diamond or gemstone certificates and a full appraisal for insurance purposes.
We photograph each completed piece in-house to document the final design.
Your CAD file will be securely stored for future reference — if you’d like to create a matching wedding band or coordinating piece later, we’ll have the design on hand to ensure consistency. Our goal is to create a piece that you will treasure for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much does a custom piece cost?
Custom designs typically start at $1,250. Final pricing will depend on the materials and complexity of the design. A $200 deposit is required to begin the design process, which will be applied toward your final piece and we will provide you with a detailed estimate before we begin any work.
Can you use my stones and metal?
We are happy to evaluate customer-supplied gold and stones. We’ll carefully analyze your materials to determine if they can be incorporated into your new piece. Gold will need to be melted and cast separately to maintain consistency and quality. If we can’t use the gold directly, we’ll credit any excess at the current market value. Heirloom stones will be inspected for structural integrity before being reset.
Do you offer express custom services?
Yes, we offer express service on select custom pieces. Express production is available in 10–14 days for an additional premium. Availability depends on the complexity of the design and the materials selected.
Please consult with us to determine if your project qualifies for express service.
How long does it take?
Custom pieces usually take 4–6 weeks from design approval to completion, depending on the complexity of the design and material availability. For those with tighter timelines, we offer express service on select pieces with a turnaround time of 10–14 days for an additional premium.
We’ll provide a more accurate timeline during your consultation.
What’s the difference between custom and modified designs?
A custom piece is designed entirely from scratch, starting with your vision and specifications. We’ll source materials and handcraft a one-of-a-kind design tailored specifically to you.
A modified design involves adjusting one of our existing Alloy designs — such as changing the metal, swapping a gemstone, or adjusting the setting. Modifications allow you to personalize a design with little to no additional cost beyond the standard pricing.
We can help you decide which option works best for your needs.
Ready to start your custom jewelry experience?
Click below to schedule a design consultation or submit an inquiry!