How the custom jewellery process works — Rubeli by Surabhi Agarwal

A custom piece of jewellery is one of the most personal things you can create. It is also one of the most misunderstood processes — which leads to disappointment, delays, and pieces that look nothing like what was imagined.

This is exactly how we make a custom piece at Rubeli, step by step, with no surprises.

The Six Steps — From Idea to Piece

Step One

The Consultation

This is the most important step — and the most underestimated. We talk. I ask about the occasion, the person wearing it, their style, what they already own, and what they love. I also ask what they do not like — equally important. Budget is discussed openly. Nothing I design will work if I do not understand the person it is for.

Step Two

Sketch and Design Brief

Based on the conversation, I develop one or more design sketches — hand-drawn or referenced from inspiration images. These are not final renders; they are directions. Your feedback at this stage costs nothing to implement. Changes after casting cost both time and money. This is the stage to be completely honest about what you want.

Step Three

CAD Model and 3D Render

Once the design is approved, our craftsmen build a 3D CAD model. You receive photorealistic renders of the piece from every angle, in the actual metal colour you have chosen. This is your final chance to make structural changes. Most clients are surprised by how closely the final piece matches the render — because we build it from exactly this model.

Step Four

Stone Selection

Every diamond and gemstone is hand-selected specifically for your piece. We source stones matching the design's requirements — cut, colour, size — and present options at different price points. You see and approve the actual stones before they go into the setting. Nothing is sourced in bulk and assigned arbitrarily.

Step Five

Making — Casting, Setting, Polishing

The piece is cast from the CAD model in your chosen metal. Stones are set by hand by craftsmen who have done this for decades. The piece is then polished and finished. This stage typically takes 2 to 4 weeks depending on complexity. You will be updated throughout.

Step Six

Quality Check and Delivery

Before delivery, every piece goes through a detailed quality inspection — prong security, polish consistency, stone alignment, and weight verification against the original estimate. You receive the piece with a full quality report, stone certificate if applicable, and hallmarking documentation.

Surabhi's Take

"Custom jewellery is not just about having something no one else has. It is about having something made for you — that fits the way you wear jewellery, the occasions you dress for, and the person you are. The process should feel collaborative, not transactional. If it does not, find a different jeweller."

Surabhi Agarwal

Timeline and What to Expect

Typical Timeline

4 to 8 weeks from design approval to delivery

Weeks 1–2: Consultation, sketch, design approval
Weeks 2–3: CAD model and render approval
Weeks 3–4: Stone selection and approval
Weeks 4–7: Casting, setting, and polishing
Weeks 7–8: Quality check and delivery

Bridal sets or multi-piece commissions may take 10–12 weeks. Do not commission a custom bridal set one month before the wedding. Start at least three months ahead.

How to get the best result from a custom piece

Come with references, not just words. Bring Instagram saves, magazine cuttings, or photos of pieces you love. 'Elegant but not heavy' means different things to different people — a photo communicates instantly.

Be honest about budget from the start. A skilled jeweller will design beautifully around your budget. Revealing it late — after designs are made — wastes time and creates awkwardness for both sides.

Trust the craftsman on technical decisions. Prong style, setting depth, metal thickness — these have structural implications. Give your input on aesthetics; trust the expertise on construction.

What to confirm before starting a custom piece

◆Design brief documented and signed off in writing

◆Budget agreed including buffer for stone selection

◆CAD render approved before making begins

◆Stones seen and approved in person before setting

◆Delivery timeline stated in writing

◆Hallmarking and documentation included in scope

"Ready to create something made just for you?"

Tell me the occasion, the person, and a rough budget. I will take it from there — with complete transparency at every step.

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How the custom jewelleryprocess works.

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