Overview

What Commissioning Bespoke Jewellery Really Involves

Many people who want a custom piece are uncertain about where to start or what to expect. The process can feel intimidating — but Sara's approach is designed to be the opposite: collaborative, transparent, and genuinely enjoyable. You don't need a complete vision to begin. You don't even need to know what you want. You need a starting point: a stone you've always loved, a style you've admired, a feeling you want the piece to carry.

Here's what the bespoke jewellery journey looks like at Sara Handmade Jewellery in Kiama — from the very first contact to the moment you collect your finished piece.

The bespoke journey starts with a conversation. Complimentary consultations available in-studio in Kiama, or via video call anywhere in Australia.

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The Four Stages

From First Conversation to Finished Piece

01

Initial Consultation — Explore Your Ideas

The journey begins with a no-obligation consultation at Sara's Kiama studio, or via video call for clients in Sydney, Canberra, and beyond. Bring inspiration — photos on your phone, a piece you've always admired, heirloom stones, or simply a description of what you're looking for. Sara will listen, ask the right questions, and begin to shape your brief. Budget, timeline, metal preference, and stone ideas are all discussed here. There's no pressure and no commitment at this stage.

02

Design & Stone Sourcing — Creating the Vision

Following the consultation, Sara produces design sketches and begins sourcing gemstones to your specifications. She draws on an extensive network of gem suppliers across Australia and globally — presenting you with a curated selection of stones that match your colour, size, and quality preferences. Design and stone choices are refined collaboratively, with digital renders or physical viewings available before any commitment is made. A transparent cost estimate is provided at this stage, with no surprises later.

03

Expert Craftsmanship — Handmade in Kiama

Once the design is approved and the deposit confirmed, work begins in Sara's Kiama studio. Every piece is handcrafted by Sara herself — shaped, soldered, and set using traditional jewellery techniques alongside modern precision tools. This includes intricate details: textured sheens, sculpted galleries, hand engraving, and bead-set accents that production jewellery cannot replicate. Clients are welcome to visit the studio during the making process.

04

Collection & Delivery — The Finished Piece

When your piece is complete, Sara conducts a thorough quality inspection — examining every setting, checking every join, and polishing to a final finish. Every finished piece is independently valued and comes with its gemstone certificate(s). Clients can collect in-studio or receive their piece via insured, tracked delivery. Sara's ongoing aftercare service covers cleaning, checking, and any future adjustments.

A collection of bespoke custom-made bangles and jewellery from Sara's studio A jeweller assembling a custom-made gold bangle at the bench

Left: A selection of bespoke commissions from Sara's studio — each one unique to its owner. Right: Assembly in progress — every join, every stone setting, handcrafted in Kiama.

Working Remotely

Distance is No Barrier

Many of Sara's clients have never set foot in Kiama. Sydney clients, Canberra clients, and clients from across regional NSW and beyond regularly commission pieces entirely online — through video consultations, digital design presentations, and curated gemstone videos sent before any commitment is made.

The process works just as well remotely as it does in person. Sara is experienced at communicating design detail digitally, and the final piece is delivered via fully insured courier with a personal note. If you're local to the South Coast — Shellharbour, Wollongong, Berry, Nowra — a studio visit is warmly encouraged.

A bespoke jewellery piece being prepared for delivery to a client

The delivery moment — a bespoke commission wrapped and ready. For remote clients across Australia, every piece arrives via fully insured, tracked delivery.

Common Questions

FAQ: The Bespoke Process

Most custom pieces take 3–8 weeks depending on design complexity and gemstone sourcing. Simpler pieces (a solitaire in standard proportions) can be completed in 3–4 weeks. Complex designs with rare stones may take longer. Sara will provide a realistic timeline at the initial consultation.
Yes — Sara welcomes existing stones and gold as part of a commission. Stones are assessed for suitability and condition; gold is weighed, tested, and its credit value applied to the total. This is one of Sara's most popular services — many of her most meaningful commissions start with an heirloom piece.
Design changes are welcomed before production begins. Sara builds review points into the process precisely to ensure you're completely happy before any metal is shaped. Once production begins, significant changes may incur additional cost — but this is communicated transparently before any work continues.
Yes — Sara's studio provides ongoing aftercare for all commissions, including periodic cleaning, setting checks, and minor adjustments. Every finished piece is independently valued and comes with full certification for insurance purposes. Sara recommends an annual check-in for rings worn daily.