What Happens in a Bespoke Jewellery Consultation at Ian Gallacher

Walking into a jeweller's workshop to commission something bespoke is, for many people, an entirely unfamiliar experience. There is no menu, no price tag to read, no object to point at. The blank-page anxiety is real — but it's also based on a misunderstanding of what a good consultation actually is. Here is exactly what happens when you come in to discuss a bespoke commission at our Murray Place boutique.

Before you arrive: what to think about

You don't need to arrive with a design. But the consultation will be more productive if you've thought about a few things in advance:

Budget range. You don't need a precise number — a range is fine ("between £3,000 and £5,000"). The budget determines which diamond options are realistic and which metals we'll focus on. We will never push you above your stated range.

Metal preference. Does the wearer currently wear yellow gold, white metal (platinum or white gold), or rose gold? The vast majority of our engagement rings are white metal, but we make beautiful yellow and rose gold pieces too. Look at what they already wear — it's the most reliable guide.

Stone preference. Round brilliant diamonds are still the most popular choice by a long margin, but oval, emerald-cut, pear-shaped and cushion-cut diamonds are all common in our commissions. Some customers want a coloured stone — sapphire, ruby, or a fancy-colour diamond.

Lifestyle. Is the wearer a nurse, a teacher, a sculptor? Does she do sport, gardening, heavy lifting? A ring worn by someone who works with their hands every day needs a different profile from one that will primarily be worn to work in an office. This affects the height of the setting, the metal choice, and the claw style.

The consultation: what we actually do

Welcome and questions. We'll offer you a coffee and sit down without a counter between us. The first fifteen minutes are mostly us listening. We ask about the person who will wear the piece, their current jewellery, their lifestyle, and what they love (or hate) about rings they've tried on. This conversation shapes everything that follows.

The diamond selection. We'll show you a selection of loose diamonds from our stock and from our network, in the relevant size range and quality band. You'll look at them under a daylight-balanced loupe and under normal showroom light — because the two look different, and what matters is how the finished ring looks on the finger in real light. Stewart (our diamond buyer) will explain what each certificate actually means in terms of what you can see.

The sketch. Once there's a clear direction, Andrew will sketch the ring in front of you — a simple pencil drawing showing profile, claw style, shank width, setting height. You can point at the drawing and say "narrower there" or "what if the claws curved inward?" in real time. The sketch becomes the basis of the CAD model.

The brief. We write up everything agreed — diamond specification, metal, setting style, finish, timeline, and quote — and email it to you within 24 hours. You have no obligation at this stage; the brief is yours to take away and consider.

After the consultation: the design stages

1. Sketch or CAD approval — you see a detailed drawing or 3D render before any material is ordered.
2. Wax model (optional) — for complex designs, we produce a wax model you can physically hold and try on to check proportion and weight.
3. Diamond sign-off — you confirm the specific stone (or we source the final stone to your approved specification).
4. Deposit and manufacture — typically 30–50% deposit, then 6–8 weeks of bench time.
5. Fitting and collection — the finished ring is ready for collection at Murray Place, with a certificate of valuation and a care guide.

Book your consultation by calling 01786 462799 or using the contact form on our website. Consultations are available Monday to Saturday, 09:30–17:00, with some early evening slots on Thursdays by arrangement.