How to do Bespoke
Bespoke jewellery is what we do best. Over the last 20 years, we have worked alongside 1000’s of clients, designing and making their perfect pieces of jewellery. From dramatic neckpieces & men’s jewellery, wedding & engagement rings, right through to signed and framed pictures. Sophie, Raff & Emily, can make the entire spectrum on the premises..
For our full range, check out our ‘Bespoke Archive’.We pride ourselves on making life as easy as possible for our customer’s as we understand that it can be a daunting task placing that initial order but we feel that our years of expertise and relaxed and friendly approach will put you at ease. We feel that it is testament to our passionate approach that keeps our customers coming back time and time again.
As our ‘Bespoke Archive’ is made up of mainly personal pieces and special gifts, it would be rather rude of us to divulge prices (!) so we’ve added an indication to price via a £-££’s system to each piece. However, please note that although these prices were correct at the time they were added to the Archive, they may well have increased to be inline with todays gold and silver wholesale prices, please ask for details.
£ Under £50
££ Under £100
£££ Under £300
££££ Under £500
£££££ Under £1000
££££££ Above £1000
Relax, bespoke doesn’t have to be daunting! Here are some frequently asked questions answered..
“I want to propose to my partner, I think I know her style but I don’t have her exact size” This is a common issue as guessing the size and style can be an almost impossible task but relax, we have the answer!. We have lots of rings in many different styles in stock that can be bought and used for the special proposal. As long as the ring is un-worn (no problem to use it for the all important social media announcement!) the happy couple can make an appointment together where we can discuss designing and making up the real mccoy adding her design input. The original ring is then returned to us (please note, terms for this service apply, ask for more details). On some occasions, we can make a ‘mock up’ ring for the proposal using silver and semi precious stones. The final piece is then made (addressing any design ‘tweaks’ from the bride to be) in gold and precious stones such as Diamonds.
“Can I use old precious stones and gold” Yes! We love nothing more than to remove old Diamonds, Sapphires, Emeralds etc from old fashioned settings, incorporating them into brand new Honeybourne Jewellery style designs. We can also provide any stones required to suit any budget. Although we cannot melt down old gold to make, say, a brand ring (main body of), we can however use it in many other ways. See our ‘Bespoke Archive’ for lots of examples of what’s possible.
“Can I use old semi-precious stones and silver” No! Semi-precious stones, such as Amethyst, Peridots and Turquoise, can chip or break when being removed from old settings. It is not possible for us to re-use silver either.
“How long does it take to have something made” That depends on the piece. Our personalised jewellery, such as our ‘Pieces of Eight’ collections, bookmarks and keyrings, can be made as quickly as 2-3 days. More intricate, involved pieces such as engagement rings or pieces using inherited stones and gold can take between 4-8 weeks but we try to be as accommodating as is possible. If using inherited material, we often make a silver ‘mock-up’ for the customer to try before they decide on the final design at no extra cost. It’s extremely important to us that they are 100% happy with every aspect before the final piece is made. This allows our customer’s to have full input and involvement from start to finish with our guidance.
“Can I just turn up at the boutique and order or do I need to make an appointment” Our shop opening hours are Mon-Sat 10am-5pm. We are always happy for customers to pop in for a browse, a try on or just to gather inspiration and our team are fully trained in taking an array of commissions, such as our personalised pieces and Pieces of Eight jewellery, ‘off the peg’ enamels in different shades, advising on ring sizing etc. However, if you want to discuss more complex designs, please always phone ahead to book an appointment with Sophie or to see if she’s in the workshop as she’s not always available as very busy creating current commissions.
“I’ve made an appointment, what do I need to bring with me” Send us an email and we’ll send you a checklist!
“How much extra does it cost to have bespoke” Having something ‘bespoke’ ( handmade for you), doesn’t make it more expensive than buying ‘off the peg’. The cost depends on the materials used, silver or gold etc, and the complexity of the design and how long it may take to make. We do not charge extra for bespoke, we provide quotes before we proceed with any order and are also more than happy to work to your budget, providing ‘menu style’ options to choose from.
“Help, I can’t draw, do I have to provide sketches ” No! We pride ourselves on making pieces for all, from those who have exact ideas of what they want to those who have only a tiny ‘spark’ of an idea and we can advise throughout. We do however ask that you have a really good look through our ‘Bespoke Archive’ printing off or screen grabbing any pieces that you like the look of. This way, we can start to build an idea of what it is you like and can rule out any that aren’t your cup of tea!.
“Can I see other pieces that people have had made” Yes! Our ‘Bespoke Archive‘ is our unique collection of our favourite pieces from the last 20 years. It also shows the width and breadth of what we can achieve for you. We don’t include prices as the pieces are too personal and are often gifts, so please contact us for more details: info@honeybournejewellery.com or pop in to see us.
To arrange an appointment with Sophie at their boutique on the Isle of Wight or to enquire about a bespoke piece please contact: info@honeybournejewellery.com
We very much look forward to creating your ideas.. X