Six top tips to make commissioning your own Jewellery less intimidating

You might think that commissioning your very own jewellery is a fancy process, reserved for people with hundreds to spend, for whom off the peg is just an awful idea dahling. Well, if you want a simple pair of earrings, or two matching brooches, or perhaps to spend hundreds of pounds or more on something really special, you are totally entitled to get what you want!

Here are my six tips to hopefully make reaching out to a designer less intimidating.

Search around and approach someone whose work you like, and who already does something similar.

This might seem like common sense, but it's worth saying for two reasons.

Firstly, there's a practical skill side. If you have an idea for a skull encrusted gold ring, you should probably approach someone who makes rings, rather than say, someone who makes festival crowns. Unless they make gold skull encrusted ones, in which case, there may be a cross over they are happy to try out!
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Secondly there's a style side. If you have an idea for a complex gold skull encrusted ring, you probably shouldn't be approaching someone who only ever makes simple rings covered in flowers and birds. Unless you want to incorporate their style into yours, and get skulls, flowers and birds.

Just ask!

​Unless they have a clear "I don't do commissions" or "My next commission slot opens on X date" visible, just ask the designer whose work and style you like if they take commissions.

The worst that happens is they say that they don't do commissions, or don't have that skill, or can't right now, and usually they'll point you to someone else who probably can help you.

Have a budget in mind.

​It can be difficult to judge what is a realistic budget, but a designer who does a lot of commissions may already have guidelines, or failing that, look at the prices of pieces your chosen designer already sells.

Don't worry about asking what the possible price will be at your first enquiry. For a commission piece expect to pay a little more than a ready made item, as the designer needs to spend time in discussion with you, time creating concepts, and some materials may need to be specially bought in. Be prepared for a vague starting quote if you are asking for something the designer hasn't done before, as they'll need time to work out the details, and provide a more precise cost along the way. 

Also don't be afraid to say up front if you have what you feel is a limited budget, a good designer will help work to that, and would rather know sooner, than have you abandon the project midway! The worst that happens is they say they can't work to that budget, and suggest another designer, offer an alternative, or help you to understand the true cost you need to save up for your dream piece.

You can be as precise or vague as you like, but be prepared to adapt.

Most designers are happy to start with a request ranging from"This piece you do, but smaller", to a firm idea of materials and design for your own utterly bespoke piece, with the fluffiest concept of "anything in your style, but in this colour"inbetween. They will work with you from that start, to get to a design you love, which they are able to make, in your budget.
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The two big things to bear in mind are:
1. Don't ever commission something which rips off someone else's work. 
2. The designer might need to tweak your dream idea because of practical details. The skull encrusted gold ring you want may not be possible with a band that delicate, your vision might need adapting to become a real physical object.

Ask about the process.

Many designers who deal with frequent commissions will set out their processes for you in advance, and might have terms and conditions which you both agree to. How much contact you should expect, how many sample designs they will create, how many redesigns are included in the price ("I tried the ring on, can you enlarge it, take the end skull off, and move the middle skull up a bit?" Yes, but that's a fair bit of extra work, and may not be included in the price!)

If you aren't sure what to expect, be it paying a deposit, drawings, mock ups, email or phone calls, studio visits... just ask and most good designers will be very happy to clarify before you agree to work together.

Don't feel obliged, but please do be kind and honest, and meet agreed costs.

What do you do if the designer sends you concept designs... And oh, they don't meet your expectations? Perhaps show some friends what you asked for, and the designs, and ask their opinions. It might be a fair interpretation of what you asked for, just not exactly what you had in mind. It might be that the designer did miss the mark. Discuss with the designer what your personal thoughts are, try and provide clear suggestions and examples, ask fair questions about what else is possible. They want to make this for you!

You may go through a couple of redesigns, and still not be happy. You may even pay extra, to get more designs than are included in the standard process. And still, it's not right for you. It's totally valid to explain to the designer at this stage that you would rather not proceed.

Now, there is the very slight chance that you don't want to go ahead with your commission because you feel the designer didn't clearly cost things out at the start and now you're being told it'll cost more than you can afford, or because you're increasingly upset at their customer service in some way.  Different reasons can crop up. Be honest and factual in your feedback, as that feedback is what helps a designer get better at their business.

Remember that they have put a lot more time and energy than you probably expect into this, maybe bought materials to work with, and it's perhaps about two different opinions, rather than solid facts.

Remember that you may not have your deposit returned, or may be asked for a part payment, depending on the terms and conditions you've agreed to. The designer has still been working for you! 

Hopefully this has helped you feel more prepared for turning your dream design idea into a wearable reality. Of course, I can't speak for every designer, hence why I've talked about most designers or good designers throughout this, but this if a good grounding from my own work creating commissions, knowing other deisgners, and having commissioned pieces myself.

Do let me know if you are taking the leap and going to look for someone whose ability and style seems right, and, conversely, if you're still holding back, comment below - I might be able to help debunk some myths and settle some worries!