Behind the Scenes: Creating Bespoke Diamond Stud Earrings
When it comes to fine jewelry, nothing feels more personal and thoughtful than giving or receiving bespoke jewelry.
Read on to discover the bespoke jewelry process of creating one-of-a-kind earrings – from choosing responsibly sourced diamonds to design considerations that brought the client’s vision to life.
Timeless wardrobe staples can be imbued with personal touches that tell your story, elevate your style, and ensure you feel appreciated for the extraordinary woman you are.
Isilda’s Bespoke Earrings with Intention and Connection
What is bespoke jewelry?
Bespoke jewelry is custom-made specifically with you in mind - in this case, Argyle Pink diamond earrings for an amazing woman, Isilda!
Unlike ready-made options, these earrings are intentionally designed to:
• reflect your unique aesthetic
• tailored to your lifestyle
• align with your values
They can mark a personal milestone, be a gift to celebrate a special occasion, or be designed to address a specific jewelry wardrobe need.
From selecting the responsibly sourced gemstones to choosing the perfect design, every detail is considered to create one-of-a-kind earrings imbued with care and connection.
Why Responsibly Sourced Diamonds?
Transparency about who, how, and where the diamonds in our jewelry are from is more important than ever.
Beyond ethical and conflict-free, responsible sourcing is a step further in protecting people, their skills, and the environment.
THE WHO: Knowing who benefits from mining activities is critical to ensure people and communities in remote places can sustainably thrive - ideally through vertical integration. Beyond creating jobs, revenue from diamonds can provide opportunities for education, access to healthcare and technology, and build roads, homes, and hospitals.
THE HOW: While some diamonds are found in alluvial deposits, most diamond mining is an extractive activity. A few countries have ongoing and future restoration plans to reclaim the land in a way that supports wildlife and honors First Nations or Indigenous people’s vision.
THE WHERE: Having certainty in origin and a full chain of custody in the supply chain is ideal to ensure diamonds are not funding conflict. Countries whose diamonds are responsibly sourced are Australia, Botswana, and Canada. Other nations such as Liberia, Namibia, and Angola are creating positive change.
Now that we’ve covered the basics, come behind the scenes with me in creating Isilda’s bespoke pink diamond earrings!
Step 1: The Bespoke Vision
Generally, the journey begins with a conversation about how a bespoke piece would complement an existing jewelry wardrobe and her lifestyle.
In the case of Isilda, my clients Remy and Beata wanted to complement her Argyle Pink diamond layering necklace with a set of earrings.
We explored a few ready-made earrings in the collection, however there was concern the size would overtake her earlobe.
For this reason, we explored creating bespoke earrings for her - and there was just enough time to make them!
It was early in September. Remy was traveling in Scotland and with me in NYC, we quickly got things in motion via WhatsApp. The earrings needed to be ready by mid-October to deliver to Isilda during their next trip to Pico Island in the Azores.
This is Remy’s sketch of his vision - and just to be sure, Isilda was asked which size she preferred.
Our discussion included:
How she’ll wear them: Day to night.
Earring type: While we explored drop earrings, studs are more universally on point.
Size: The goal was a visual presence of around 5mm.
Setting style: We chose to mirror the halo design of her layering necklace and deviate from the pink diamond pave center with two matching Argyle Pink diamonds to amplify the pink presence.
Metal choice: Mixed metals with platinum for the colorless diamonds and 18k pink gold for the pink diamonds.
Allergy considerations: A general note about “white” precious metals - platinum or palladium white gold is recommended to avoid (potential future) allergy issues.
With these points clarified, we explored a few ideas to hone in on the one direction that felt perfect for Isilda - direction two!
DIRECTION 1
DIRECTION 2
Step 2: Selecting Responsibly Sourced Diamonds
Diamonds can exhibit any color of the rainbow, including a wide spectrum of pink!
We selected a pair of matching Argyle Pink diamonds from Australia to keep the continuity with her gorgeous layering necklace.
While pink diamonds are rare, their hue, tone, and saturation ranges are so vast that a proprietary nomenclature is used during the pink diamond grading process.
Setting pink diamonds in pink gold will add slight warmth to their appearance, further amplifying the pink hue.
The same set of diamonds in three lighting conditions: fluorescent light, daylight, diamond light
Step 3: Design Development
Once the diamonds are selected, the design process moves forward. This stage involves:
Selecting Earring Backs: Depending on lifestyle and desire for security, three post options are:
la pousette
threaded (screw) backs
friction backs
Detailed Sketches: The designer measures the diamond dimensions and creates detailed sketches or in this case computer-aided design (CAD) models of the earrings.
Feedback and Final Approval: A review of the design and any suggested adjustments are incorporated to ensure every detail aligns with the vision. Once the design is approved, production begins!
Step 4: Crafting the Earrings
Here’s where the magic happens. Expert artisans bring the design to life using state-of-the-art techniques combined with time-honored craftsmanship. This phase includes:
Metalwork: The gold and platinum are cast into the individual elements that will form the settings.
Stone Setting: Diamonds are meticulously and securely set into the metal elements and attached to the post.
Finishing Touches: The earrings undergo cleaning, polishing, and quality checks to ensure every detail is flawless.
Step 5: The Reveal
The reveal is my FAVORITE part of the journey!
“Yesterday Isilda received her diamond earrings. It was hilarious and great to hear her jubilant response. She couldn’t stop standing in front of her mirror.”
- Remy K.
What to Know When Creating Bespoke Jewelry
Timeline: The process typically takes 4 - 6 weeks, so advanced planning is needed if you’re creating jewelry for a specific occasion.
Budget: Set a clear budget and discuss the goals about the jewelry to ensure the materials and design are achievable.
Care and Maintenance: Bespoke jewelry of any kind is an investment. Some gemstones require special wear and care considerations, such as emeralds, opals, and pearls.
Explore The Skinny on Gemstones to learn more about these considerations for each gemstone, as well as cleaning and storage tips to keep your bespoke jewelry in pristine condition.
Insurance: Whether you are traveling, playing sports, or enjoying dinner with friends, accidental bumps with hard surfaces can result in the loss of a gemstone, or jewelry can slip off without notice. Beyond the financial investment, engagement rings have an added emotional one as a future heirloom. I always recommend insurance from Jewelers Mutual - separate from homeowner’s insurance because damage and loss are not always covered.
Why Work with Me?
All The Brilliants is a fine jewelry concierge specializing in intentional jewelry that tells your story, amplifies your style, and ensures you feel lit from within.
My commitment to responsible sourcing and discerning craftsmanship means that every piece is thoughtfully designed and uniquely beautiful. With a global network of women designers and access to rare gemstones, my concierge services provide ease and peace of mind when investing in fine jewelry for someone dear to you.
Want to know why Argyle Pink Diamonds are special?
Beyond being among Mother Nature’s most inspired artwork, they are exceptionally rare. Only 1 in every 10,000 diamonds is naturally colored, and pink is among the rarest of colors!
The Argyle mine in Australia closed in 2020, so each diamond is an investment in beauty, history, and a connection to the Earth that you can wear every day. Dive deeper into The Skinny on Argyle Pink Diamond!
