Bespoke Process

The Bespoke Journey

Bespoke jewellery process Ellen Lou Ludlow

From Idea to Heirloom

The bespoke process is exciting and relaxed. I'll guide you through every step, ensuring an honest, hassle free experience. Together, we'll turn your unique story into a cherished, future heirloom, forged by hand in my Ludlow workshop.

Flexibility :

We can meet in person in Ludlow, chat via email, or discuss details over the phone. I am free to fit your schedule to make contact easy and convenient.

Story :

Over a cuppa we'll have a really good chat so I can understand what's important to you within the piece. This narrative will form the blueprint of the design.

Initial Ideas :

Any form of inspiration works - a rough sketch, a reference image, or simply describing your vision. We'll also look at your timescale & how much you want to spend.

Design Proposal :

By the end of our chat, we'll have a clear design direction, and I'll have everything I need to work out final costings for you.

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Step 2 : Refinement & Quotation

I now turn our conversation into a clear, accurate proposal, so we both know exactly what is to be created.

Design & Materials: I will develop a design drawing based on our discussions. This is where we lock in the critical details, like your metal choice, gemstones & sizings.

Transparency & Honesty: I'll send you a fixed, detailed quote. This cost covers absolutely everything—all the materials, sourcing stones, and the hours of hand craft. My promise is to be open and honest, ensuring the final piece fits comfortably within your budget.

Approval & Deposit: Once you are happy with the final design and quote, I ask for a deposit. The deposit not only acts as a go ahead to secure precious materials, it is also your commitment to the design.

Outcome: You will receive a final signed design brief and a confirmed budget. This means we both have complete clarity and confidence before I start working at the bench.

Wax Carving :

Where the magic happens - and where your piece truly becomes one of a kind. I create the design by hand in jeweller's wax. This is a beautiful, traditional craft that allows for unique, organic details and a feel that simply can't be replicated by a machine.

The Meditative Focus :

My passion for traditional hand skills is what ensures your piece carries a unique signature and my personal commitment to quality & originality.

Checkpoint :

For more complex designs, you can view in person or see images of the finished wax carving at this stage. This gives you a final chance to check the exact form and dimensions before we commit to casting.

Casting :

The wax model is then cast into your chosen precious metal using the lost-wax technique.

The raw metal version of your design, fresh from the cast, is then ready for me to begin precision finishing.

Step 4 : Precision Finishing & Stone Setting

The transformation from raw metal to finished heirloom takes place here.

The Clean-Up : I clean up the raw metal casting, filing and polishing every surface by hand. This process removes the casting texture and prepares the piece for your final, chosen finish.

Stone Setting : If your design includes stones, I will hand set your gemstones in my studio. If your piece requires highly technical setting beyond my personal confident capabilities, I work with a highly skilled micro-setter in the Jewellery Quarter. This ensures the stones are expertly placed and completely secure for a lifetime of wear.

Quality Assurance : I check every surface, setting, and join under magnification. My unwavering commitment to quality means your unique piece will be structurally sound before it leaves the workshop.

Final Balance :

Once your piece is complete, I will share photos with you - as I'm sure you will be very exciting to see how it turned out. Once you are happy - the final balance is due, minus the deposit previously paid.

Ellen Lou Gardening Jewellery Stud Earrings Gift Box

The Handover :

You are welcome to collect your piece in person from my Ludlow workshop, or I can arrange secure, insured delivery to your address. I will provide all necessary documentation, including valuation certificates and care instructions.

Lifelong Aftercare :

My commitment to your piece doesn't end here. You are welcome back anytime - I will always be here. I provide a full range of aftercare services to maintain your heirloom, including ring sizing, a refurb & renew cleaning service, vermeil gold-plating & repair.

Continuing the Story :

I believe in the longevity and integrity of quality craft. (Fast fashion - be gone!) Your piece is built to be a cherished heirloom, meant to be worn, loved, and eventually passed down, and I'll ensure it's ready for every chapter.

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Step 1 : Our First Chat