Picking the right piece of jewellery can be a tall order when there are so many different options to choose from. Whether you are looking for that special something to wear for an upcoming occasion or buying a gift for a loved one, you might be torn over whether to purchase a piece that’s ready to wear or something custom-made.
That’s where we’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll take a look at the differences between custom-made and ready-to-wear jewellery, from value and quality to personal style, so you have everything you need to make the right decision.
Value
You might assume that purchasing a pre-made piece is the best option if you have a set budget in mind. However, we know that this is not always the case. While ready-made jewellery may be immediately available, these pieces can often be on display as examples of the jeweller’s skill and quality, featuring larger stones and more intricate designs. Custom-made pieces, on the other hand, could be the best way to get what you want while staying within your budget. Collaborating with a jeweller or goldsmith to create your custom piece ensures that you get what you want at the right price. Although custom pieces may seem more expensive at first glance, they can actually be a cost-effective option.
Quality
Custom-made jewellery and ready-to-wear pieces differ in quality due to the level of craftsmanship involved. Custom pieces are made specifically for the individual and require more time, skill, and attention to detail. Ready-to-wear pieces, in comparison, are often made in bulk and may not have the same level of precision. However, jewellers such as Christopher Evans offer premium quality across all their pieces, whether custom or ready-to-wear. They prioritise using the highest quality materials and ensuring every piece is crafted with care and precision. This ensures that customers receive a high-quality piece of jewellery, regardless of whether it is custom-made or ready to wear.
Time
The time required to make custom-made jewellery is significantly longer than that of ready-to-wear pieces. This is because custom-made jewellery is designed, crafted, and finished to meet the unique specifications of each customer. The process involves consultations with the customer, sketching, prototypes and adjustments to the design before production. Whereas, ready-to-wear pieces are pre-made and available for immediate purchase. The production process for these pieces is streamlined, which means they can be produced in larger quantities in a shorter amount of time. However, the quality and uniqueness of custom-made jewellery make it worth the wait for those who desire a more personalised piece.
Style
Custom-made jewellery is designed to perfectly match your personal style and preferences. It allows you to choose the materials, design, and details that suit you best. With a ready-to-wear piece, however, you may have to spend considerable time looking to find the right pieces that match your style or ultimately compromising on certain aspects to fit your personal style, this is because ready-to-wear pieces are often created to appeal to a broader audience and may not offer the same level of uniqueness and personalisation as a custom made piece.
When it comes to jewellery, there are many differences between custom-made and ready-to-wear pieces. While we’ve only mentioned a few here, it’s essential to consider your priorities before making your decision. Picking the best option may all depend on whether you value quality, style, time, or cost.
At Christopher Evans, we offer a range of ready-to-wear pieces available in our Stockton and Poynton showrooms. We also offer a bespoke jewellery service where you can work with our team to create something truly unique. Learn more about our bespoke service by visiting our webpage.