Your Guide to Custom Made Jewellery with John Franich

jeweller creating a ring

DON'T BE AFRAID TO GO CUSTOM MADE

So you're thinking about going 'custom-made' for your next piece of jewellery, engagement ring, or wedding bands. Perhaps a special anniversary gift? 

Find out what other customers have said about their custom made experience with John Franich in our Google Reviews, or Customer Stories page.

Here's a little step-by-step guide on how the process works at John Franich.

WHAT TO EXPECT: 10 STEPS TO CUSTOM MADE JEWELLERY

STEP 1: INSPIRATION

Our website is a great source of inspiration.
Whether you know what you want or not, you will at least get
a sense of what you like, and what you don't like.
This will be really helpful for us and an important step to start the process.

diamond ring on a bowl of cherries

STEP 2: BUDGET

Every item we create will be individually priced based on precious metals and gemstones you select.
Whilst the prices online can guide you, each piece we create for customers is bespoke and both designed and made by highly skilled artisans
right here in New Zealand.

Your expectations of quality, carat and rarity
will also determine the price of your final item.

But rest assured, you are in the best hands.
John and Jenni Franich will be able to advise you on the right trade-offs to be able to afford just what you are looking for.

 

Know Your Gold

gold information by karat



STEP 3: SET UP AN APPOINTMENT


Whilst anyone in the store can guide you - and it is totally fine to just pop-in - we do recommend you set up an appointment so that we can make sure the time is best spent with either John or Jenni Franich who can really walk you through the options and provide you with an accurate quote.

Here's a Q&A with Jenni Franich on what you need to know before you commission a jewellery piece to be created for you.

STEP 4: CHOOSE YOUR GEMSTONES

birthstone gemstones by month including the image of the stone and the meaning


Most people start with Diamonds, but there are so many beautiful gemstones available in the market. Find out more about Birthstones and Their Meaning here.

We will source any gemstone, to the carat you desire, working directly with Antwerp Diamond Brokers, and specialist coloured gemstone experts to ensure your diamond and gemstone investment is ethically sourced and certified.

STEP 5: CHOOSE THE CUT YOU PREFER

Sometimes the gemstone determines the best cut. The size and shape of the original raw stone, their clarity and carat will often determine the best cut.

If you already have a stone, we can sometimes recut the stone, but be aware that this could change the value of the original stone due to losing some of the carat.


STEP 6: CHOOSE YOUR PRECIOUS METALS


Aside from budget, this is an important part of the conversation.
Yellow gold is not for everyone and some gemstones work best with selected metals. 

You're in good hands with advice on these decisions, but it is important to know your recipients style and taste. Don't just look at their wardrobe, but also their taste in decor and art to give you a better understanding of what they will love.

 

JEWELLERY MAKING in process

STEP 7: DESIGNING 


Once we have met and discussed your needs, ideas and budget, we will begin to sketch up the designs for your approval. 

eight types of ring settings including visuals



STEP 8: ARTWORK AND APPROVAL


As soon as the sketches have been approved, we will draw up a CAD (digital) visual to the exact specifications including dimensions, the cut of the stone and the proportions of the items.

This is the final step for approval and will include the final quotation.
At this stage we will require a 50% up-front payment upon the confirmation of the order, with the balance due on collection.

The process up until here can take up to 2 weeks. 

STEP 9: THE CREATION


Manufacture begins! We require a 50% up front payment to proceed with manufacture.
You should have your beautiful piece of jewellery ready for collection within 4-6 weeks.

STEP 10: COLLECTION

On collection, we will provide you with a valuation statement, your receipt - which you should always keep safe for insurance purposes - certification where applicable and details about caring for your jewellery.

 Final payment will be due on collection.

Your jewellery will be boxed, bowed and bagged in John Franich branded packaging.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Read More about Custom Made Jewellery

Click here to View more Customer Reviews.

jewellery cleaning and polishing

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