The design process
How custom jewellery is designed and made.
See how a custom jewellery brief moves through consultation, stone and material choices, design development, approval and making in Melbourne.
Design process
How the design process takes shape.
Each piece follows its own path, but the process is built around clear direction, review and approval before making begins.
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Consultation
Share your idea, existing jewellery, stone, inspiration or the feeling you want the finished piece to hold.
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Direction
The team clarifies the purpose, style, materials, setting direction and details that matter.
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Design development
The design is shaped through sketches, CAD previews, models or visual references where suitable.
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Review
You can review proportions, setting direction and key design details before the piece is made.
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Approval
Once the design direction is approved, the piece moves into making, finishing and final review.
Design preview
Review proportions and details before making starts.
Where suitable, CAD previews, wax models or sketches can help you understand the shape, proportions and details before the piece is crafted.
Review and refinement
The design is refined before it moves to the bench.
Before making begins, the team can talk through practical details such as stone placement, metal choice, scale, setting style and wearability.
Design process FAQ
Questions about the design process.
Helpful details about developing, reviewing and approving a custom jewellery design before making begins.
Do I need to know exactly what I want before booking?
No. The Steve Pallas team can help develop the direction from a detail, reference, stone, existing piece or the feeling you want the finished piece to hold.
Can I bring reference images?
Yes. Reference images can help our showroom team understand the details, proportions and design styles you are drawn to.
Can I use an existing stone or piece of jewellery?
Yes. Our jewellers can review an existing stone or piece and explain what may be suitable to retain, reuse or redesign.
Will I see the design before it is made?
Where suitable, sketches, CAD previews or wax models can help you understand proportions, setting direction and key details before making begins.
Can changes be made before approval?
Yes. Key details can be discussed and refined during review, before final design approval and before the piece moves to the bench.
How long does the design process usually take?
Timing depends on the design, any stone sourcing required and the level of review needed. Our showroom team will discuss expected timing once the direction is clear.
Do I need an appointment?
An appointment is recommended so the team can set aside time to talk through your idea, existing jewellery, stone or references in detail.