Jewellery Commissioning

What is Jewellery Commissioning?

Jewellery designers (and other makers and artist) often refer to ‘commissions’, but what does commissioning actually mean? I have previously been asked – sometimes in an embarrassed tone – “what is jewellery commissioning?” In fact, there should be no hesitation in asking the question, as I believe it means different things to different people.

Learn more about my jewellery commissioning process on my blog.

For me, working to commission is to offer clients the opportunity to have an input into their piece of bespoke jewellery. Essentially, the client likes my style of work, and there are several particular elements of which they would like to include into their commission. The final piece will bring together these elements to create a one off piece of jewellery that is in keeping with my style of work. Here are some examples of my wedding and engagement ring commissioning. If you would like to commission me, just get in touch... Sue x.

Two band ring commission - Example 32

Engagement ring commission - Sue Lane

My customer really liked my 18 carat gold and silver and sapphire two band ring, but wanted to change the silver band to an 18ct white gold one. She also was a little concerned about sizing, but I made silver samples for her to try and she quickly found the size that worked best for her.

Hi Sue,
My ring has just arrived and it's even more beautiful than in the picture! It's absolutely stunning. Thank you so much! AK (28/04/2023)

Commissioning a stacking ringset - Example 31

Commissioning a stacking ring set with Sue Lane Jewellery.

My client got in touch to chat about the options for commissioning a new ring set for a special birthday. She always felt her engagement ring diamond was a little too small and wanted to include a new stone alongside a new larger diamond, and she defiantly wanted three bands. She loved my jewellery designs for their simplicity. After several Zoom chats, I sourced some sapphires and diamonds for her to choose from. The exact positioning was decided once all elements were made and before I soldered them into position. I posted ring samples to confirm the band widths worked on her finger and the size was correct too. The result was a perfect ringset for my client, which she loved and arrived on the day of her birthday!

Hi Sue,
I have my rings. They are lovely and I'm delighted. Many thanks, AL (15/12/2022)

Bespoke jewellery commissioning - Example 30

Jewellery commissioning examples by Sue Lane

A special ring for my client who wanted a bespoke ring. The conversation took several years, being interrupted by an operation for my client and Covid, but it was important to get it just perfect so taking the time to ensure it was just what she wanted was important. Fortunately she loved it!

Dear Sue
Thank you so much for my beautiful ring. It is perfect and I love it! You have been so patient and done above and beyond what anyone could expect. It arrived this morning but I was so nervous that I have only just opened the package! I am so delighted with it. Many thanks. I am sure that I will see you again. JF (19/05/2022)

Jewellery commissioning - Example 29

Jewellery commissioning example - bespoke - handmade by Sue Lane.

My client visited the studio to discuss options for a special ring to celebrate her 40th birthday. She had spotted my two band stacking ring on my website and loved it. When she came to the studio I could also show her some other stone options (such as a aquamarine for a March birthday) and she also chose to have the set made as a single band but with the appearance of two bands. It worked so nicely and she was delighted too.

Dear Sue,
My ring arrived safely thank you. I absolutely love it and feel very lucky to be able to wear such a gorgeous piece of jewellery. I'm so glad I kept searching and found your website. Thank you so much, it has been such a lovely experience, visiting your studio and choosing a design with you. It fits perfectly too! Best wishes, JR (12/05/2022)

Jewellery commissioning - Example 28

Jewellery commission bespoke and handmade Contemporary ring designs by Sue Lane

After finding me through an online search, my clients visited the studio to chat through thoughts for their wedding rings. After trying some of my examples we chose designs that would work perfectly for them both. Allowing them to select what size diamonds and how they would like them placed, making the bands very special to them. I was so delighted to receive a phone call the moment the rings arrived with them to say just how "over the moon" they were.

Bespoke ring commission - Example 27

Commission a contemporary ring, bespoke and handmade by Sue Lane

I had the pleasure of making a bespoke ring for my clients, all virtually due to the pandemic, even though they lived only a short distance away. They commissioned a ring similar to a one off piece shown on my website that was already sold. I sourced a beautiful pear shape light green sapphire and sent samples to check the band width and size would work perfectly, as it is so important to get the size right the first time.

Hello Sue,
The ring in its lovely box was opened with great delight by Anita on Friday, and she is very pleased! Firstly, she loves the colour of the stone, and the fit of the band is just right for her – so worth taking the trouble in getting the sizing as close as possible with a few attempts! Secondly, she loves sapphires, and the enhanced green is beautiful. Thirdly, she has been desiring a super ring for many years and here it is, and she has been wearing it as much as she can...Thank you so much for putting this together. Very best, CH

Bespoke jewellery commission - Example 26

Bespoke, unique jewellery commission - sentimental ring with precious stones.

My client was looking to commission a very special ring to celebrate the life of her parents, using their birthstones - peridot and tourmaline. She said; “I would like both stones close together but with the peridot slightly larger and the tourmaline slightly smaller nestling behind - sort of symbolic that my Dad (peridot) is protecting Mum (tourmaline) if that makes sense? Both were in their 80s and had been together more than 60 years so the generation where the husband would be protective even though Dad was the most gentlest soul!” It was a lovely ring and one I very much enjoyed making.

Hi Sue,
My ring has arrived safely and is absolutely beautiful, exactly what I wanted and fits perfectly! I love the way you have packaged the ring as it really showcases the quality of your work very well. A lovely touch. You are very talented Sue. LS

Bespoke jewellery commission - Example 25 

Bespoke jewellery commissioning, custom ring design, handmade, bespoke UK

My clients visited the studio on a very rainy day in Autumn to try several engagement rings. After lots of tea drinking and ring trying, they decided on the first ring they saw from the website when they started looking! They prefer a more mossy, lighter green to that design, so I sourced a section of stones and emailed them images and details, so they could choose their favourite. They opted for the most stunning and unusual sapphire.

I wanted to send you a note to thank you so much for designing and creating such a gorgeous engagement ring. As I said I fell in love with your work when I saw it and the finished piece is even better than I could have imagined. The sapphire is beautiful and as you said changes colours in different lights. It's already looked, green, yellow, golden and teal. It's a perfect twist on a traditional ring - thank you so much. M&L

Jewellery commissioning - Example 24

Jewellery commissioning, bespoke handmade unique contemporary ring.

My clients visited my studio to try a selection of rings to celebrate their wedding anniversary. I worked closely with them to choose the size and colour of the aquamarine and size of diamond, with the aim to co-ordinate my clients wedding and engagement ringset. They loved two rings, my contemporary aquamarine and diamond ring, and aquamarine and diamond gold and silver ring. So the commission was loosely based around combining those two designs.

Dear Sue, My ring is absolutely stunning! The aquamarine has such a beautiful depth of colour and I love the way it changes in different light. The setting with the diamond is just perfect, as is the size. Such a special piece of jewellery to mark our anniversary. We can't thank you enough for welcoming us into your studio and your help and advice along the way. The beautiful ring will be cherished. Best wishes, N&N

Commissioning earrings - Example 23

Jewellery commissioning earrings necklaces and rings.

I have made several pieces for my clients and have enjoyed working with them very much. When he asked me to make a pair or gold and diamonds earring as a surprise for his wife, I was so happy to come up with the design to compliment her other pieces.

Hello Sue, I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for my beautiful earrings, which you made for my birthday...they are absolutely stunning and I love them! I will love wearing them as I do my beautiful ring and necklace - even more of your beautiful creations to make me smile - Thank you Sue!!!
With love, JS

Jewellery commission - Example 22

 

Jewellery commissioning example gold ring - contemporary.

My client commissioned me to make a special contemporary ring that she could wear everyday, based on a ring she loved from my website, with a few slight tweaks.

It's just arrived and even better than I expected! Thanks so much, I love it! AD

Jewellery commissioning - Example 21

Commission a ring using your own stones and diamond - bespoke, handmade, handcrafted

My client and I worked closely to come up with this beautiful one of a kind jewellery commission, based on his original ideas and how they could fit in with my own jewellery design ethos. He selected the beautiful GIA certificated diamond on a visit to my jewellery studio, making it a very individual and personal process. 

She loves the ring! It's really perfect. Thank you so much. JR

This ring commission is based on my modern contemporary two band platinum ring, my unique platinum and diamond ring and my platinum pear shape aquamarine and diamond stacking engagement ring.

Ring commission - Example 20

Jewellery, ring commissioning/commission using your own stone or metal. Preloved rings, pre-loved.

I met my client at a Craft Festival in Bovey Tracey and we chatted about using her own natural zircon stone in one of my designs for her daughter. I added a new little diamond and came up with a design which she loves. The inspiration for this jewellery commission was my silver, 18ct gold and green sapphire two band ring.

It's just soooo beautiful! Thank you so much. x JT

Commissioning Jewellery - Example 19

My clients found my website and loved some of my pieces. We agreed to meet in London so they could try some designs for their wedding rings. We came up with a design that was a combination of several of my current collection (three rings on left). This included banded rings linked together (one with flush set diamonds and one without), and one with a beautiful central diamond. I designed his ring to reflect elements of her ring, allowing a clean simple modern wedding ring. Final commissioned pieces on the right of image.

Jewellery commissioning London. Pre-loved, preloved rings. Bespoke jewellery.

Hi Sue
Just to say we have the rings and they're amazing, we love them. Both fit perfectly. Well done, you have an amazing talent...
Best wishes. A&K

Bespoke Ring Commissioning - Example 18

I met my client at Made by Hand Cheltenham, and she loved a selection of my peridot two band rings and two stone aquamarine ring (shown below left). We came up with a ring design that pulled together all the elements she liked to create a one-off ring design just for her.

Ring commission by Sue Lane - designer of one-off bespoke jewellery commissions
Hi Sue, I wanted to let you know that my lovely ring arrived safely this morning. I am thrilled and delighted...thank you so much. Take care and thanks again for all your efforts. Regards, JS 

Contemporary Ring Commission - Example 17

My client and I worked by email to come up with a jewellery design that was a combination of various rings from my website. The ring, a three band, two tone ring is really significant to her, in memory of her mum, holding together her and her family - with a lovely sparkly diamond to reflect her mum. A ring she will wear everyday and enjoy. She took inspiration from the two rings below left, shown online here (Below: top left) and here (below: bottom left)

Contemporary ring commission by Sue Lane with 18ct gold and diamonds

Hi Sue, I received my ring and I love it, thank you so much. I felt a bit emotional when I saw it there. My wee mum would have loved it too. X. EH

Stacking Engagement and Wedding Ringset Commission - Example 16

My clients visited my jewellery studio and we tried lots of designs and came up with a design for a chunky stacking engagement and wedding ring set. I sourced a beautiful pink sapphire very similar to the one the client fell in love with in the studio. However, no two stones are exactly the same, and for that reason, we decided she should have the stone she saw! I love the weight and feel of the ring set, and the large baby pink sapphire worked beautifully.

Stacking engagement and wedding ring set commission.

Thank you so, so much, the rings are absolutely stunning; I love them! They sit beautifully together; although the wedding band has now been stowed away until our wedding in July. My partner also says they're absolutely gorgeous! S

Ruby Wedding Ring Commission - Example 15

A few years ago I met a lovely couple at Desire fair, London. I was asked by him to make a one-off ringset as a birthday gift for her. We took inspiration from my contemporary silver, 18ct gold and aquamarine ring. I made a stacking ringset using a lovely dark blue aquamarine and she was delighted with it (top left).

Bespoke jewellery. Ruby anniversary ring commission - one-off design - bespoke and unique.

Fast forward several years and my client asked me if I could make a ruby ring for their ruby wedding anniversary as a surprise for her. I sourced a beautiful oval ruby to add a little contrast to the pear shape aquamarine. It worked beautifully nestled with the existing stacking ringset and can be worn in any combination. 

My clients loved the ring and I was delighted to be a small part of their celebrations. I also like the way the aquamarine and ruby ring can stack together on their own too. The aquamarine represents the birthstone for March and the ruby represents 40 years of marriage. 

Thank you Sue, it arrived safely and in such a pretty box. The ruby is truly beautiful and they are so happy together. Thank you so much M&D

Jewellery Commission Example 14

Very occasionally I exhibit jewellery at independent galleries. One of these was a ring exhibition with Anne Morgan Gallery in South Wales. One of their clients like my contemporary tourmaline ring, but wanted the same version with a ruby to celebrate her ruby wedding anniversary. It was a beautiful combination and one she was delighted with.

Commission an engagement ring, anniversary ruby ring

Jewellery Commission Example 13

I met my client whilst exhibiting at Goldsmiths Fair following on from meeting on Instagram. She loved one of my rings I had posted on my Instagram feed (left image) and wanted to commission her own version. I sourced a beautiful pink sapphire to match the colour of one of my other bespoke rings she loved - 18ct gold and pink sapphire two band ring - and made it in 18ct white and yellow gold (right image).

18ct white and yellow gold pink sapphire ring commission bespoke handmade uk Sue Lane

Hi Sue,
The ring just arrived. You realised exactly what I wanted, the size is perfect and the ring is very comfortable, easy to wear with many styles of clothes.
Thanks a lot.
NB

Jewellery Commission Example 12

My client loved my silver and 18ct gold and diamond ring with a lovely round diamond (left image), however preferred palladium, so I made a version with matt palladium bands and polished setting (centre and right image).

Palladium and diamond ring commission unique bespoke remodelled handmade by Sue Lane UK

Hi Sue,
It has arrived! Thank you soo much!! It fits perfectly and I absolutely LOVE it!! It is right up my street and I cant wait to show it off to the world!  Thanks a million!
Kind Regards JS

Jewellery Commission Example 11

My client asked me to source a princess cut diamond to give to his wife for their anniversary. After their special day they came to the studio together and designed a ring with me based on my 18ct gold six band "Russian style" ring (image on the left). She was delighted with the final piece which she wears everyday (image centre and right).

Jewellery commission. Commissioning rings. Handmade, unique, modern and contemporary. Russian Style.

Love, love, love my ring, thank you so much Sue. SK

bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 10

My client approached me to make a one off piece for her based on my unique, bespoke and contemporary aquamarine and diamond ring design which she fell in love with on my website (image on left). She wanted to include her own diamond. The final design included two white diamonds and a pear shape aquamarine, on a three band ring design (centre and right).

Jewellery commission. Commissioning rings. Handmade, unique, modern and contemporary

I've just got back from a couple of weeks away and would like to thank you so much for reworking my stone into something truly beautiful, thank you so much it's an amazing transformation and the fit is just right. WH

 Bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 9

My client wanted a ring for his wife’s 40th birthday surprise gift. He really like my palladium, diamond and green tourmaline ringset (image on the left) but wanted a cornflower blue sapphire. I sourced a very special stone, and created this one-off ring (the commission is pictured centre and right).

Bespoke, modern, contemporary and unique wedding engagement birthday or anniversary ring commission.

The ring looks lovely and she’s really pleased. Thank you so much for all your help. AT

Bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 8

My clients asked for a combination of my 18ct white and yellow gold two band ring (top left) and my two band modern 18ct gold ring with pave set diamonds ring (bottom left) to celebrate her wedding anniversary. The finished commission is on the right.

Jewellery commission. Commissioning wedding engagement rings. Handmade, unique, modern and contemporary.

Thank you so much Sue - the ring is really beautiful and just what I wanted. We have a lunch party on Sunday to celebrate and I will enjoy showing it off! HK

bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 7

I met my client at Goldsmiths Fair and she fell in love with this palladium, yellow gold and diamond ring but wanted to commission the ring with more yellow gold. Changing the balance of metal with the bands and loop gave here exactly the right balance. It was a perfect alternative eternity ring that she can wear and treasure very day.

Bespoke jewellery. Modern three band gold and palladium stacking ring with pave diamonds eternity ring jewellery commission 2

modern three band gold and palladium stacking ring with pave diamonds eternity ring jewellery commission 1

Hi Sue,

It's lovely. Just what I was looking for! Thank you so much,

I’m very happy. LC

Jewellery Commission Example 6

My client commissioned me to design a new eternity ring and engagement ring around her own wedding band (the central ring shown here). The final stack of three bands worked together beautifully, marring the widths and depth her wedding ring. She was delighted and is happily wearing them everyday.

Jewellery commissioning engagement ring bespoke handmade Sue Lane
They’re here!

Absolutely stunning. Thank you so much Sue, you’ve been great and I’ll definitely be back for more jewellery in the future. HF

Jewellery Commission Example 5

My client saw my jewellery at a show and loved the gold and sapphire ring set (below left), but was looking to incorporate a yellow sapphire and marquise diamond. After several meetings to clarify the design and select stones, I made this platinum ring set, incorporating my clients choice of stones and a gold and cognac diamond eternity ring. The design allows for other rings to sit together to create versatile stacking rings.

 

Bespoke jewellery. Unusual, unique and modern platinum marquise diamond wedding and engagement ring set handmade to commission by designer Sue Lane Contemporary Jewellery, UK

 

Bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 4

My client was looking to re-model her engagement ring to work with both her wedding band and eternity ring. She particularly liked my square diamond set in white and yellow gold in this design.




Unusual, unique, bespoke and modern white and yellow gold square diamond wedding and engagement ring set handmade to commission by designer maker Sue Lane Contemporary Jewellery, UK

We changed the shape of the band to match her own rings perfectly. The finished commissioned gold and square diamond ring.

Bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 3

Another client purchased one of my contemporary silver gold and diamond rings as an engagement ring at a Dazzle exhibition (left).

 

Unusual, unique, bespoke jewellery, and modern gold silver and diamond wedding and engagement stacking ring set handmade to commission by designer maker Sue Lane Contemporary Jewellery, UK


 

The couple wanted the wedding ring to be incorporated into the engagement ring. They also knew they wanted 18ct white gold wedding rings, and after further discussions we decided to upgrade the silver ring to a palladium ring, 

Bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 2

A client really liked my platinum and pave diamond ring, below left.

 

Unusual, unique, bespoke and modern white and yellow gold square diamond wedding and engagement ring set handmade to commission by designer maker Sue Lane Contemporary Jewellery, UK

She really wanted both rings to be the same width with a polished finish, therefore I sourced a similar diamond and created the unique platinum and diamond ring set above right. 

The same platinum and diamond ring set was the starting point for the ring below.  This time the client wanted a very good quality pear shape emerald set into platinum

Rework re work re-work recycle contemporary wedding and engagement rings and unique jewellery made to commission

Bespoke Jewellery Commission Example 1

The silver and diamond ring below is a very popular eternity style design which I have made to commission in numerous ways to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, birth or children etc.

 

Bespoke and contemporary silver and diamond anniversary ring commission
Contemporary silver and diamond ring.

Bespoke modern platinum and diamond wedding rings made to commission

Set of platinum and wedding rings.

Rework re work re-work recycle contemporary wedding and engagement rings and unique jewellery made to commission
This design has 11 diamonds set at the front, and 3 diamonds at the band to represent 3 children. 

Other jewellery commissioning information

  • Jewellery commissioning works best when the client already has an idea of what they want and can verbalise the elements they would like to use from my style.
  • Jewellery commissioning does not mean asking me to make another person or companies design.
  • Please do not ask me to quote for making a piece of jewellery that is based upon another jewellers style. This will not be considered under any circumstances.
  • I only undertake jewellery commissions that are relevant to my style of work and when clients want a piece of jewellery that is unique, yet incorporates elements of my style or current designs.