Bespoke Design
Bringing your design to life

Bespoke Design

Following an initial consultation, Chris or Sam will pull together a series of rough sketches to provide information for the next steps in the design process.

The sketches are then refined into far more detailed, accurate drawings giving consideration to different aspects of the design like dimensions, stone shape and size, and the type of setting.

Whilst we favour traditional technique, we also utilise the latest in modern technology.  To make designs come to life as perfectly as possible we use Computer Aided Design.

It allows us to work wonders with your ideas and to agree a perfect design before the metal and gemstones have even been purchased.

When details are finalised a prototype is created. This allows you to get a proper feel for the piece and allows us to further adjust and modify the look in three dimensional form.

Once the prototype has passed our strict quality guidelines, the design is brought to life in your chosen material. The stones are set and the piece is polished.

Jewellery Remodellning Consultation
Jewellery Remodellning Consultation
cad renders
wax-model

HOW IT WORKS

Step 1 - Discovery & Inspiration

  1. Discovery & Inspiration Consultation – we’ll help you explore the options and discover styles, materials and ideas that you’ll love. We love to do this at our St Albans showroom and workshop where we can meet you face to face and show you examples of our designs and stones – and you may even have your own jewellery, pictures or sketches that you want to share with us. Don’t worry if you can’t make it to our showroom - we can always carry out the initial consultation over the phone or on a video call.
  2. Making it Personal – jewellery is such a personal thing, so it’s no surprise that many of our bespoke pieces have a story behind them. It might be a personalized engagement ring that reminds you of your first holiday as a couple; a bespoke wedding ring design that reflects a shared passion; or a bespoke eternity ring piece that repurposes a family heirloom. Whatever your story we’d love to hear it, and it will give us the background and inspiration to create a ring that’s unique and personalized to you.
  3. Bringing it all together – it all has to be right: the materials; the concept; the budget – at this stage we’ll agree a brief to make sure we fully understand what you want from your bespoke ring, and we’ll give you all the help and expert advice you need to make sure it is perfect for you.
  4. Design Deposit – at this stage we will take a deposit (normally £100) to cover the cost and time involved in the next step – the Design Process. This deposit is taken off the total final cost of your bespoke piece should you choose to go ahead.

Step 2 – The Design Process

  1. Creating the CAD design  – our Master Jewellery Designers Christopher & Sam Wharton will produce a preliminary sketch, incorporating your input from the discovery stage, your personal preferences, and of course your budget. We’ll then email the design to you along with a quote to make and arrange a time to discuss it with you.
  2. Refine the design – at this stage you get a further opportunity for feedback or to consider alternative options, and we’ll discuss and agree any refinements with you. Once you’re happy with the design we move on to the final stage of the design process…
  3. The Wax model – From the CAD design a wax model will be created – the blueprint which our craftsmen will use to bring your piece to life. At this stage we’ll also confirm the total cost of the piece and ask you for a further down-payment to start work on the actual piece.

Step 3 – The Creation/Making Process

  1. Material Selection & Provenance – depending on what materials and gemstones you have selected we will either select materials from our stocks or – if required - go and source the materials specifically for your piece.
  2. Bringing it to life – our master craftsmen make your design a reality in our St Albans workshop.

Step 4 – The Finished Ring

  1. Presentation – we can either send you the final piece, beautifully gift-wrapped, of course, or you can collect it (with or without the intended recipient) and see it for the first time in our showroom and celebrate your unique ring with a glass of Champagne.

Bespoke Rings are Forever

Our service doesn’t end there for our bespoke customers. You are welcome to drop your ring back to us for a free professional clean. We also know that fingers change size and shape over time - we can adjust your ring band size if you need us to.

ring
customers

WHY OUR CUSTOMERS
TRAVEL TO US

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"I have received excellent customer service from Wharton Goldsmith after having three pieces of jewellery commissioned. My ideas for a ring, earrings and pendant designs were extremely well interpreted. All valuations were received in a timely manner and I would recommend Wharton to friends and colleagues."

Mrs. Karen Lewis

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"I was so pleased when Wharton goldsmith said they could replicate my wedding ring from silver to platinum.
Wharton's service was so professional. They are so polite and very patient.

My platinum wedding ring is spectacular and very, very well made. I am so pleased I chose Whartons."

Mr. Manuel Gomez

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"I was recommended Wharton Goldsmith through a good friend who has used them multiple times over the years. I would not hesitate to do the same. I designed an engagement ring from scratch with Sam’s help, the service was outstanding from day 1 and the ring was perfect! We then got 2 wedding rings made, again extremely pleased! The entire process was flawless and I couldn’t be happier! I look forward to using them in the future! Highly recommend!"

Mr. Tom Bristow

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"Professional and friendly service and outstanding workmanship. You get what you pay for."

Sam Carr

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"The staff are very helpful and the jewellery is well crafted. I am very pleased with the service and my jewellery."

Mrs. S Leeming

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"Wharton Goldsmith are an excellent family business. I have bought many items from them over the years and had several bespoke pieces made. On every occasion I have been delighted with both the quality of the workmanship and the service I received."

Anonymous

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"Excellent. Went in to have my wedding ring checked as diamond was loose. Friendly and helpful, lovely repair and clean...and a new box! A reasonable charge as well.

I completely adore my Christopher Wharton rings, I have an engagement and diamond wedding band. Perfect. Thank you x"

Anonymous

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"We have used Wharton three times recently for repairs and resizing of rings. Each time the service has been impeccable and the standard of repair faultless. The shop staff are very patient and very knowledgeable, explaining the pros and cons of different options, and the prices have been reasonable. The workshop staff produce a faultless product, on one occasion meeting a tight time request."

Mr. R Bolt

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"I can wholeheartedly recommend Whartons for extra personal customer service, extensive product knowledge and care with a wonderful on-site workshop."

Mrs. Sacha Cole

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"It is always a pleasure to deal with Wharton Goldsmith. The staff are very welcoming, always professional and the quality of their work outstanding. I have had jewellery made, purchased jewellery, had rings sized and items valued. On each occasion I have been extremely happy with the service and quality of work received."

Mrs. N Johnstone