Custom Jewelry Design & Repurposing in Carmel: From Heirloom Pieces to Custom Engagement Rings | Gold, Platinum, CAD & Handmade Options
Custom jewelry is more than just a trend—it's a powerful way to bring your vision to life, tell your story, and make use of what you already own. Whether you're redesigning an inherited piece, creating a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, or resetting a loose gemstone, the journey to custom design is easier and faster than many expect. At Devine & Co., located in picturesque Carmel-by-the-Sea, I offer a seamless and personalized custom jewelry experience—from concept to completion—in as little as 8 days.
Why Go Custom?
In a world full of mass-produced jewelry, custom design offers the opportunity to create something meaningful and unique. It also allows you to reuse diamonds or gemstones from heirloom pieces, preserve family memories, and choose the exact metal and design details that suit your taste. Whether it's platinum, yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or sterling silver—you’re in full control of the outcome.
Fast Turnaround Without Compromising Quality
Most jewelers have a lead time of 4–8 weeks for custom pieces. But at Devine & Co., custom jewelry can be completed in as little as 8 days, depending on the design and scope. I streamline the process while maintaining quality and precision, ensuring you get exactly what you envisioned—without the long wait.
Three Custom Jewelry Options
1. Premade Settings: The Most Affordable Option
This is ideal if you want a custom feel without the full custom cost. Premade settings come from trusted vendors and can be used to reset your diamond or gemstone. You still get a beautiful result, but since the setting is not one-of-a-kind, the pricing is much more accessible. This option is perfect for gifts, upgrading a wedding set, or quickly resetting a loose stone.
2. Full Custom CAD Jewelry: Unlimited Edits, Wax Approval, and Perfect Fit
CAD (Computer-Aided Design) has revolutionized the custom jewelry process. I create a 3D rendering of your design so you can see every detail before production. You get:
- Unlimited edits before final approval
- Optional wax model to review in person
- Perfect fit for your specific gemstone or diamond
This is ideal if you want something no one else has—whether it’s an exact replica of an antique piece, a new engagement ring designed from scratch, or a reset of inherited stones into a sleek modern design.
3. Handmade or Hand-Fabricated Jewelry: Traditional Craftsmanship
Many jewelers in Carmel offer hand-fabricated jewelry. This technique uses traditional bench skills like sawing, hammering, soldering, and drilling—without CAD or casting. While the outcome is often beautiful, handmade jewelry tends to be bulkier and less precise, and can cost 2–3x as much as CAD jewelry due to labor intensity.
Hand-fabricated pieces often have thicker metal around stones, making them less dainty. I usually recommend this route only when you're seeking that old-world craftsmanship and budget isn't the main concern.
What Can Be Custom Designed?
- Engagement rings
- Wedding bands
- Repurposed heirloom jewelry
- Pendants and lockets
- Birthstone rings
- Matching mother-daughter pieces
- Anniversary gifts
- One-of-a-kind men’s bands
The Custom Jewelry Process at Devine & Co.
As a GIA Graduate Gemologist and Certified Master Appraiser with over 20 years of experience, I walk every client through the custom process myself. Here's how it works:
- Initial Consultation: In-person or virtual. We'll review what you want, your budget, and existing jewelry or stones.
- Option Planning: We look at premade settings, full CAD designs, and handmade routes to see what fits your goals.
- Design Stage: If CAD is chosen, I work with my CAD designer to create the first rendering. You’ll approve every step.
- Wax Model (optional): Before casting, we can 3D-print a wax version for your approval.
- Production: The piece is cast, set, polished, and ready in 8–14 days.
- Delivery: Pickup at my private Carmel office or insured shipping directly to you.
Repurposing Old Jewelry Into New
If you’ve inherited jewelry or have unworn pieces sitting in a drawer, you’re sitting on potential. I can help you repurpose the materials—diamonds, gemstones, and even precious metal—into something you’ll wear and love. Old earrings become a new pendant. Outdated rings become dainty stackers. I’ll help you preserve the sentiment while making the piece wearable and fresh.
Why Choose Devine & Co. in Carmel-by-the-Sea?
- 20+ years of experience in the fine jewelry industry
- Private office, not a retail store—appointments are discreet and personalized
- Fast turnaround (as little as 8 days)
- CAD, premade, and hand-fabricated options
- Expert help every step of the way
- Honest guidance on cost-effective options
Learn more at DevineJeweler.com
Helpful Resources:
- How Jewelers Use CAD Design (JCK Online)
- Gem Education (GIA)
- National Association of Jewelry Appraisers
Let’s Create Your Dream Piece
Custom design isn’t out of reach—it’s personal, flexible, and often faster than you think. Whether it’s a recycled heirloom or a new creation, you deserve a piece that’s 100% yours. Contact me to schedule a private appointment in Carmel-by-the-Sea and start your custom jewelry journey.
Contact Devine & Co.
Shelly Devine
GIA Graduate Gemologist | Certified Master Appraiser
Private Office – Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
www.devinejeweler.com
Appointments by request