Turning an idea into a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery should feel effortless — not stressful. At Butler & Rose, our bespoke commission process is designed to guide you clearly from first conversation to the moment you slip the finished piece on. Below is a step-by-step walk-through so you know exactly what to expect and how to get started.

Why choose bespoke?

A bespoke commission gives you a design that’s truly personal: the exact stone, proportions and finishing that match your story. Bespoke work is ideal if you want to:

• Create an engagement ring with unique flair

• Reimagine a family heirloom

• Design a coloured-stone centrepiece (tanzanite, tourmaline, sapphire, etc.)
  Bespoke pieces also let you control sourcing and certification so your purchase is beautiful and responsible.

Step 1 — Initial consultation: ideas, budget & moodboard

The process begins with a friendly consultation (in person or online). We discuss:

• Your design inspiration and style preferences

• Practical needs (daily wear, active lifestyle)

• Target budget and timeline

• Any stones you already own or want to replicate

Bring photos, sketches, Pinterest boards or links — anything that captures the look you love. This is also the moment to ask about documentation and ethical sourcing. To start, book a consultation: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/commissions.

Step 2 — Design & sketching: exploring options

After the brief, our designers create initial sketches and moodboards. We typically present 2–3 design directions so you can choose the silhouette, setting style (prong, bezel, halo), and metal preference (platinum, yellow/white/rose gold). We’ll explain tradeoffs — for example, how a bezel increases protection for softer stones, or how a halo changes perceived carat size.

You’ll review sketches and give feedback; we iterate until the design feels just right.

Step 3 — Stone sourcing & certification

Once the design is approved, we source the perfect stone — whether a certified diamond or a rare coloured gem. We prioritise:

• Colour and cut quality

• Clarity and overall eye-appeal

• Responsible sourcing and transparency

If you choose a diamond, we can provide lab reports (GIA when available) and explain the grading. Learn more about certification here: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/the-gia-certificate.

Step 4 — Wax or CAD model and approval

Before the bench work begins you’ll see a tangible preview: a CAD render or a wax model. This step is invaluable — it shows scale, proportions and how the ring sits on the finger. Review the model for comfort, profile height and any design tweaks. Approve the model and we move to production.

Step 5 — Crafting, setting & final polish

Our bench jewellers hand-craft the mount, set the stone with precision and finish the piece to showroom quality. Typical milestones include:

• Fabrication of the setting

• Stone setting and security checks

• Polishing, rhodium plating (if required) and final inspection

We run a strict QC checklist: prong security, symmetry, finish quality and overall wearability.

Delivery, insurance & aftercare

When the piece is ready we present it for final approval and arrange secure delivery or collection. We provide care advice, aftercare options and warranty information. For continual protection consider jewellery insurance; keeping paperwork and photos helps with appraisals and claims. For practical care and aftercare services see: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/how-to-order.

Example (illustrative): A tanzanite commission

A client wanted a deep-blue tanzanite set in a low-profile platinum ring for everyday wear. After sketches, we sourced a heat-treated tanzanite with strong saturation, created a CAD model to check finger proportions, and chose a bezel/prong hybrid for protection and sparkle. Final result: a comfortable, durable ring with the colour intensity the client wanted — all delivered with certification and a resizing option.

Questions you should ask before commissioning

• What are lead times and deposit policies?

• Will I receive stone certification?

• What resizing, warranty and aftercare options are included?

• Can you show previous commission work or process photos?

Ready to begin your own commission?

Bespoke jewellery is a collaboration — and we make it simple. Start your conversation with our team here: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/commissions. If you want practical ordering steps and timelines, see our how-to guide: https://butlerandrose.com/pages/how-to-order.

About Butler & Rose (brief)

Butler & Rose blends considered design, ethical sourcing and expert craftsmanship to create pieces you’ll treasure. From certified stones and CAD previews to careful bench finishing and aftercare, our bespoke service gives you confidence every step of the way. Explore our engagement collection for inspiration: https://butlerandrose.com/collections/engagement — or start a design consultation and let’s make something extraordinary together.