Thinking Custom? Here’s What to Expect from Start to Finish
At Koehn & Koehn, custom jewelry isn’t just what we do—it’s what we love.
With our talented Goldsmith, Ali, leading the way, we take pride in transforming ideas, heirlooms, and well-loved pieces into something truly personal.
Whether you’re designing an engagement ring from the ground up, breathing new life into a sentimental piece, or reimagining jewelry that’s no longer worn, we’re here for it all. Behind every custom piece is a thoughtful process, important steps, and a carefully planned timeline.
Before you step into our store, we want to walk you through exactly how custom jewelry comes to life—from the first spark of inspiration to the final, unforgettable piece.
Define your vision
Every custom piece starts with an idea—and that idea can be as fully formed or as loose as you’d like. Maybe you know exactly what you or your significant other wants, or maybe you have a few inspiration photos saved on your phone. Either way, that’s the perfect place to start.
We encourage exploring inspiration wherever it feels right to you—online, in-store, or from pieces you already love. If you’ve seen a ring or design that caught your eye, send it our way. We’re happy to run with it. From there, communication is key. Sharing what you love (and what you don’t) helps us understand your vision and bring it to life.
This is where our Goldsmith, Ali, truly shines. She’s artistic, detail-driven, and full of creative ideas. Even if your concept needs refining, she’ll help guide it into something wearable, meaningful, and beautifully made.
find the right jeweler (reputation matters)
Choosing the right jeweler for custom work is one of the most important steps in the process. Custom jewelry requires experience, skill, and a deep understanding of materials and design—which is why working with an independent jeweler makes all the difference.
Independent jewelers specialize in craftsmanship and custom design. Whether you choose Koehn & Koehn or another reputable independent jeweler, you’ll be working with professionals who know how to create a piece that’s both stunning and built to last. Always check reviews, ask questions, and make sure custom work is truly their specialty.
Another key part of this step is having a clear budget in mind. The last thing we ever want is to surprise you with a final cost that feels overwhelming. Our goal is to design something incredible within your comfort zone, so being upfront about budget helps us create the best possible piece for you.
the customization process
Once you’re ready, we’ll schedule an initial consultation to dive into your ideas. Don’t be alarmed if this appointment takes anywhere from 30 minutes to two hours—that’s intentional. We want to gather every detail, preference, and thought so nothing is overlooked.
From there, the design phase begins. Most custom pieces start with a CAD image, which is a 3D, virtual rendering of your jewelry. This image shows you exactly what the piece will look like before it’s ever made. You’ll have the opportunity to approve the design or request changes. If adjustments are needed, the CAD is refined and presented again—nothing moves forward until you’re completely confident and happy.
In some cases, depending on the complexity of the piece or your personal preference, a wax model may also be created. This allows you to physically see and feel the design in your hand before it’s cast in metal. While this step isn’t always necessary, it’s a very effective (and honestly, pretty cool) way to visualize the final result.
Throughout the entire process, we encourage you to be open to expert advice. Jewelers and goldsmiths think about wearability, durability, and long-term beauty every day. Trusting Ali to do her thing often leads to details and design elements you may not have even considered—but will absolutely love.
timeline for custom pieces
Custom jewelry is not a rush process—and that’s a good thing. The timeline can vary based on several factors, including design complexity, material availability, diamond type, cut, and setting style.
Because the CAD design must be created and approved before any physical work begins, that phase alone can take up to two weeks. And just to reassure you again—nothing moves forward without your approval. You are always the top priority, and every step is done with your vision in mind.
As a general guideline, we recommend allowing four to eight weeks for the entire custom process. Honestly? Giving yourself even more cushion—eight weeks or more—is ideal. Planning ahead allows you to enjoy the experience, stay stress-free, and fully appreciate the journey of creating something truly one of a kind.
Starting early and leaving room for flexibility ensures the final piece is everything you hoped for—and more.
ready to go?
Creating custom jewelry is more than a process—it’s a collaboration, a story, and an experience you’ll never forget. At Koehn & Koehn, we believe your jewelry should be as meaningful and one-of-a-kind as the moments it represents. With Ali’s craftsmanship, creativity, and attention to every last detail, your vision is in expert hands from start to finish. Whether you’re starting with a spark of an idea or a piece filled with history, we’re here to turn it into something unforgettable. When you’re ready to design something truly yours, we’d love to welcome you in, dream it up together, and create a piece you’ll cherish for a lifetime.