Consultation/Design Development
Model Creation
End Product
Creating Jewelry Line
Creating custom jewelry is one of my favorite processes. Working with someone to help them turn their thoughts and design ideas into beautiful, unique and interesting jewelry is not only fun, for me, it's a passion.
On this page I will provide you with some basic information
regarding the steps involved in creating custom jewelry, some tips about
what to look for when finding an artist, and a few things some of my clients
have had to say about their experiences working with me creating custom jewelry.
Please always feel free to contact me directly for a free consultation and quote
or just to discuss the possibilities:
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The First Step
The first step in creating your custom jewelry piece is to come
up with a style, stone, or concept you would like expressed in jewelry.
If you don't have anything specific in mind, then finding a jewelry
designer who's art you love is a good place to begin. Even if that artist
is not available to create a custom piece, having pictures on hand of what you
prefer can help to guide the person you are working with.
For example, the 'Infinity Ring' in my collection was originally
created by myself and my client Sandra Markovic. She has given me permission
to offer the ring on the site as a Payson Jewelry Collection piece. When she
originally came to me with the idea, she knew she wanted infinity symbols,
white gold and sapphires. I sketched several designs and she collected
magazine pictures of rings she liked. We sat down together for a couple o
f hours and worked out a design that incorporated the elements she
preferred from several of the designs. I was able to guide her regarding
what would work, and what would not in reference to jewelry. The end
product is this amazing custom gold ring with.
 
Go to the 14K Gold Infinity Ring
Consultation/Design Development
Creating Custom Jewelry
requires the development of a design that meets the desires of the client and well as the
basic requirements of jewelry itself. It can be a complicated process, but my years of
experience and experimentation allow me to guide a design into a beautiful, as well as
functional piece of jewelry.
During the consultation process you can send me a design concept over email
or tell me what elements you would like incorporated. Once I have a basic
idea of what you are looking for I can quote a project price to create
the model. Once we agree on a price, a down payment is made to start the process
and I set to work creating a model that meets the specifications
we determined in our conversations and email communication.
Model Creation
From the specifications we determine, I will create either a 3d Digital Model or begin
sketching to identify as many elements of the design as possible. Working
in the 3d Digital software called Rhino 3d, I am able to create full scale
3D models that can be 'printed' on a 3D wax printer. It is also possible to use
both the 3D digital process and the hand carving process to create a piece that incorporates the
best of both worlds.
Once we have either a 3D image or a sketch that is 'approved' by you, then I begin creating the final
piece of jewelry. If stones are included in the design (anything from multi carat diamonds to small
accent stones) and you are providing them at that point they need to be sent to me to be set in the
final piece of jewelry. I also have extensive connections in the jewelry district here in New York City
and I can find some of the best prices on any kind of stone. I am also able to find so of the most
unusual and beautiful stones - items that are hard to find, if not impossible, in other places.
The final piece of jewelry can be created in various ways and is determined by the requirements of the
final design. If the model was created in the 3D software then it can either be printed to a wax printer
or milled by a wax milling machine. This process produces very precise models that have to be measured
carefully during the development process. If the final design has elements that are better suited to
hand carving or hand manufacturing then a wax is produced by hand or the piece is hand worked by metal
smithing. In some cases a design may be started in the 3D modeling software and then the wax modified
by hand afterward or elements added once the piece has been cast in gold, platinum or palladium.
(I occasionally create custom pieces in silver, please feel free to make a request.)
This is an example of a 3D digital design created with a client who came to me with very specific
ideas of what she wanted. Because she knew she wanted something with text on the back we chose to
create the model on the computer. It was a special man in her life, so it needed to be masculine. We
went back and forth on email finding the right images for the design, then I developed the model
on the computer and was able to send these digital images prior to printing the final model. Through
this process she could verify everything about the design before approving the final version for
production. This first image is directly from the 3D software and is the 'proof' image she approved.
These images are from a few of the emails we sent back and forth working out the details of size,
design, spacing etc.
  
Click for larger view.
These images are of the final necklace just before it was delivered to the customer.
 
Here is what the customer had to say about her experience and the final piece of jewelry.
“After an extensive search for an original and creative-minded custom jewelry designer,
I was fortunately referred to Payson Cooper. From the very beginning she was a true pleasure
to work with and really embraced the vision that I had for a very special piece. Being new to
the world of custom jewelry design, Payson was instrumental in helping me to understand the
different design options, finishes and techniques so that I came away with a much more
thorough understanding of the entire process. She kept me informed and updated every step
of the way and the finished product was absolutely beautiful - just the way I had envisioned it.
If you have a particular design in mind, whether for yourself or perhaps as a gift for a friend
or special occasion, I would highly recommend consulting with Payson. My experience was a very
rewarding and successful one and I plan on working with her again in the future!”
- Claire McHugh, New York, NY
End Product
Once the model is create, cast and/or hand constructed it is finished
to a bright shine and can be textured or given other effects, like enamel or pave. Here is an example
of a custom piece made using the logo of a client, Manny Goldman of www.personalgrowth.com , this piece
has the added finish of enamel to give it color and make it look more like the company logo.
I guarantee the fit, quality and finish of every piece of jewelry I produce.
Creating Your Own Jewelry Line
I also help other companies design and manufacture their own jewelry
lines. I work for some larger companies helping with designs that are then manufactured in their
plants, and I also work with smaller businesses that want to add a piece or a line of jewelry to
what they offer their clients. If you visit www.intentionaltreasures.com you will see the Ho'oponopono
line of jewelry that I created and is exclusively offered for sale there. I have also helped
Suzanne Burns, the owner of that site, create her Chocolate jewelry line. Leslie Henshaw of
www.thebeline.com came to me with a design idea and after several discussions we create a pendant which
will soon be offered on her site. There are many other examples and references I can offer, please
feel free to contact me for more information.
Basically, one of my favorite ways of creating jewelry and art is by collaborating. Amazing things
happen when two people's ideas are brought together - the sum is definitely greater than the part.
Please email (
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) or call (212-479-7942) with your questions, ideas or
thoughts and let me help you create the jewelry you have always wanted.
Thank you!
We also have a few special categories of custom jewelry including:
Custom and Designer Stackable Rings
Custom Wedding Rings
Unique Engagement Rings
Custom Mens Jewelry
Custom Wedding Jewelry
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