18 • 2020 Wedding Guide
“If you can dream it … we can make it!” Courtesy of Branham’s Jewelry
Creating custom jewelry is fun, easier and more affordable than you might think! So you want a piece of jewelry unique, personal and really super special to you and only you! You can picture it perfectly in your mind, but, you’re worried it might be difficult to create or maybe even too expensive so you just keep dreaming about it instead of taking the next step. It’s time to put your worries away and have some fun with the design team at Branham’s Jewelry. They have been jewelers in Michigan since 1959 and have a state of the art custom jewelry department that can help make your jewelry dreams a reality. Technology has helped make the creation of custom jewelry easy, fun and affordable. So where do you start? Step 1: Dream a little! Assume nothing is impossible. If you get a little too wild with your idea, the team will help you reel things back in. They can help you to design something that represents your vision and can still be crafted using precious metal and gemstones. To help translate your dream to the design team, sketch something out on paper. Even a cocktail napkin will do if paper isn’t handy! The important thing is, don’t be shy. Don’t worry about being an incredible artist. Just have fun and do your best to sketch out your ideas. Another great way to share your vision is to create a collection of images of jewelry that has elements that you like. Creating custom jewelry is a wonderful opportunity to blend elements from several different styles that you like! Step 2: Meet the design team. Schedule an appointment ahead of time so that your visit is more convenient for you or simply drop by one of Branham’s two locations. Be prepared to take a couple minutes to share your story with your designer. They don’t want to just build an item of jewelry,
they want to create YOUR jewelry. The jewelry YOU envision. So they will want to get to know you a bit and learn more about what you want your custom piece of jewelry to represent and the story you would like it to tell. Step 3: Share your sketches or collection of images with your designer. Don’t worry about having the perfect sketch or images. Branham’s designers are experts at interpreting their client’s jewelry wishes. They will help you blend ideas and overcome any obstacles, real or perceived. Step 4: Time to watch your dream come to life using technology! Together, you and your designer will use the latest software to build your jewelry. The possibilities are ENDLESS! Your designer will make changes in real time based on your feedback. Changes could include, metal type, gemstone type, shape, number of gemstones and more. Again, the possibilities are endless. The process is fun, interactive
and engaging. You are truly part of the design team. Not only was it your vision that you brought to the party, you are directing changes to be made right there live on screen! Step 5: Finalization of your vision is the next step. Sometimes this can be done during your first visit. Other times, your designer will ask to have a day or two to tidy up your design. In these instances, another appointment will be scheduled so that you can review the final draft for approval. Step 6: Your ring is brought to life as a wax model! You can opt in at this time to see your creation in wax form or you can wait for the final big reveal in completed form! Step 7: A master craftsman uses the wax form to create a rough casting in precious metal. The craftsman then uses great care to polish the casting to ensure that it is ready to receive gemstones if gemstones are part of your design.
Step 8: Time for final assembly and polish. Your dream has now truly come to life! However, before you get to see the big reveal … it has to pass three critical inspections to ensure your dynamic new piece of jewelry is ready for you to wear and enjoy every day! Step 9: This step is the most fun … the BIG REVEAL! You might want to sit down for this one. It’s not only the step that is the most fun for you, but for your design team as well. The look on someone’s face when they first see their dream creation is absolutely priceless and one of the most rewarding things we experience as jewelers. We have literally seen tears of joy, jumping for joy and even an awkward happy dance or two! Step 10: Wear, enjoy and share your dream jewelry! You will love the reaction you get when you show your new piece of jewelry and share the story behind it. Who will you show first?
