Bespoke Process

The Bespoke Journey

Bespoke jewellery process Ellen Lou Ludlow

From Idea to Heirloom

The bespoke process should feel exciting, not overwhelming. As the co-creator of your piece, you'll be guided through every step by Ellie, ensuring a relaxed, transparent, and collaborative experience. We turn your unique story into a cherished, future heirloom, forged by hand in our Ludlow workshop.

Flexibility :

We can meet in person in Ludlow, chat via email, or discuss details over the phone. We make the process easy and hassle-free to fit your schedule.

Story is Key :

We discuss the recipient’s personality, the significance of the event, and the emotion behind the piece. This narrative serves as the blueprint for the design.

Initial Ideas & Scope :

Bring us anything—a simple sketch, a reference image, or just a few descriptive words. We map your creative ideas against your initial budget and timescale to define a workable scope.

Outcome :

A clear understanding of the design direction and a preliminary budget range.

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Step 2 : Refinement & Quotation

Here, we translate your initial concept into a refined, accurate proposal.

Design & Materials: Ellie will develop a 3D sketch or detailed drawings based on our conversation. We will finalize critical decisions, including metal type (e.g., 18k gold, platinum) and stone selection.

Transparency & Honesty: We present a detailed, fixed quotation that includes all materials, stone sourcing, and hand crafting costs. We are open, honest, and committed to tailoring the final design to your agreed-upon budget.

Approval & Deposit: Once the final design and quote are approved, a deposit is required to secure the materials and begin the physical creation process.

Outcome: A signed design brief and a confirmed budget, giving you complete clarity before crafting begins.

Wax Carving :

Ellie works from the approved design to carve the piece by hand in jeweller's wax. This traditional craft allows for the unique, irreplaceable details and organic feel that digital processes cannot replicate.

The Meditative Focus :

This is where my passion for hand skills ensures the piece carries a unique signature and commitment to quality.

Checkpoint :

For complex pieces, we may share images of the wax carving at this stage for final approval on form and dimension.

Casting :

The finished wax is carefully encased and then cast into your chosen precious metal using the lost-wax technique.

Step 4 : Precision Finishing & Stone Setting

The Clean-Up: The raw metal casting is cleaned, meticulously filed, and polished to remove casting texture and prepare the surfaces.

Stone Setting: If stones are involved, they are expertly and traditionally hand set (including focusing on learning micro-setting techniques to expand future capabilities).

Quality Assurance: Every surface, setting, and join is inspected under magnification. Our unwavering commitment to originality and quality ensures your piece is structurally flawless and aesthetically perfect.

Final Balance :

The remaining balance is requested upon completion.

Ellen Lou Gardening Jewellery Stud Earrings Gift Box

The Handover :

We arrange secure collection or delivery of your new piece. We provide all necessary documentation, including valuation certificates and care instructions.

Continuing the Story :

We believe in the longevity of our craft. Your piece is built to be a cherished, future heirloom, meant to be worn, loved, and eventually passed down. We are always here for future cleaning, maintenance, or repair.

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Step 1 : The Initial Conversation