*This is a collaborative post.
Have you ever had an idea for a piece of jewellery that you just couldn’t find anywhere? Maybe you’ve always dreamed of a ring with a certain shape, or a necklace that carries a special meaning, but nothing in the shops ever quite matches up. That’s exactly why the idea of commissioning bespoke jewellery is so fascinating, it’s a chance to bring your vision to life in the most personal and meaningful way.
Commissioned jewellery allows you to create something unique that reflects your personal style and story. Unlike mass-produced pieces, commissioned jewellery is made specifically for you, ensuring that no one else has the same design. Whether it’s an engagement ring, a wedding band or a sentimental piece, having jewellery custom-made makes it that little more special.
I’ve often wondered what the process of jewellery commissioning would be like. Is it only for the ultra-wealthy? Would I need to know a lot about jewellery design? From what I’ve learned, the process is much more accessible than I initially thought, and working with a skilled jeweller like Sue Lane makes the process much easier.
About Sue Lane Jewellery
Sue set up her first studio in Hereford in 2000 after graduating from Middlesex University. Her goal was to make a living designing and creating contemporary jewellery that was distinctly recognisable as her own. Many years later, she is still living that dream, working from a studio in rural Herefordshire and doing what she loves.
She has exhibited widely across the UK, including many years at Goldsmiths’ Fair, as well as at notable past events such as Origin at Somerset House in London, Chelsea Craft Fair, and the Hereford Contemporary Craft Fair.
Remodelling and Commissioning Jewellery
Sue Lane specialises in commissioning and remodelling jewellery.
Whether you have a fully formed idea or just a vague concept, she takes the time to really understand what you’re looking for. Even if you’re unsure how to describe what you want, with Sue’s expertise she can translate ideas into sketches, making the whole process feel effortless. She will do all of her research… do you like delicate, understated designs or something bold? Do you prefer warm gold tones or the sleekness of platinum? Every little detail is considered.
Once the design is decided, the exciting bit begins! Seeing a piece go from a sketch to a 3D model to a finished creation must be such a special experience. The beauty of commissioned jewellery is knowing that no one else in the world has the exact same thing. It’s made for you with your story in mind.
When it comes to mass-produced jewellery, it’s often made with cost-cutting in mind, which can mean lower-quality materials and less attention to detail. But when you opt for commissioned jewellery, you get to handpick premium metals and gemstones that fit your personal style and standards. Plus, working with a skilled jeweller means you’re getting a piece crafted with care and precision, not rushed through a factory.
Sustainability is another big reason to think about commissioning jewellery. Many jewellers, like Sue Lane, offer ethical sourcing options, so you can choose recycled metals and conflict-free gemstones. It’s a way to get something beautiful while also making a responsible choice.
And here’s a cool option, if you’ve got an old piece of jewellery that’s been sitting in your box for a while, Sue Lane also offers a jewellery remodelling service. You can turn that old heirloom or piece into something fresh and modern without losing its sentimental value. It’s a great way to breathe new life into jewellery that might otherwise gather dust!
Remodelling Jewellery
I thought this remodelling project was absolutely stunning and with such a beautiful sentiment behind the piece too.
Sue’s client was left some family jewellery that she didn’t wear and wanted it transformed into something she could wear every day. Using her client’s father’s signet ring to make the bands and the diamond from her grandmother’s brooch, Sue incorporated a little new 18ct gold to add contrast.
What a gorgeous ring that the client can now carry her loved one’s memories wherever she goes.
If you’ve ever considered commissioning a piece of jewellery but weren’t sure where to start, it seems like it could be one of the most special experiences you can have. It’s not just about the jewellery, it’s about the process, the creativity and the joy of wearing something that’s been designed just for you. And from what I can tell, once you go bespoke with Sue Lane Jewellery, it’s hard to go back!
I love the idea of remodelling a piece I already own, it’s a great way to breathe new life into something. A commissioned piece would make an amazing gift for a special birthday or anniversary.
This sounds fantastic. What a perfect way to create a totally unique piece of jewellery. I love it.
I love the idea of remodelling jewellery with your own design!
I love unique one off pieces of Jewellery,it’s nice to own something just for you
What a fascinating post. I’ve heard about recycling jewellery but not given any thought to remodelling old pieces. Commissioning a piece is a fabulous idea for a special occasion.
Wow! What a talent! It must be so nice to be able to design and create jewellery. Sue’s work is absolutely exquisite!
I find jewellery purchase very hard and complicated.If this simplifies matters then good.
Those rings are beautiful 😍
I love the idea of turning sentimental pieces into something wearable. I have a few things I’d like to have made.
There’s something really special about having your own commissioned piece of jewellery. Makes it’s really unique and something only you will have.
What a talent to have! Her work is beautiful. In the future I would definitely love to have my grandads ring remodelled someday.
So beautiful and unique
Handmade jewellery is so pretty. There’s something really touching about getting a piece that’s been made by someone who loves their craft, plus you support artists which I can always get behind!
Awesome stuff!
I would buy something delicate and understated.
Not much of a jewelery person myself, but can see the appeal in getting something made. You certainly have to appreicate the skill and craftsmanship
Love commissioned jewellery especially for special milestone and anniversaries
This looks absolutely amazing!
I have a few pieces of commissioned jewellery and they are truly unique and always get lots of comments. I love being able to explain the pieces and tell them about the jeweller who made them.
What an amazing concept Sue has come up with here, I love the idea that we can create a UNIQUE and meaningful piece of jewellery that is personalised to us, above and beyond this I really admire Sue’s drive to forge out a life for herself based on something that she is passionate about and honing her skills and working hard to make it happen. I think alot of us have the desire to start our own businesses and escape the mundanity of the 9-5 (or whatever that looks like for each of us) and to be able to live comfortably and happily doing something we enjoy whilst not living paycheck to paycheck. Bravo to her for achieving it! Well done to you Sue.
love the rings, very clever
Lovely post!
It must be so nice to be able to design and create jewellery id love this talent!!
Remodelling jewellery sounds great and such a good idea
Awesome
A fascination occupation requiring true skill and precision – good stuff! 🙂
Sounds lovely – and expensive! Perfect for something really special though.
Nice to see commissioned pieces.
It is such a lovely idea to remodel loved ones rings. I have some that would be great to do.
Having something bespoke is something to treasure. Beautiful 😍
That is a very good idea. Really nice looking jewellery
Such a fabulous idea and so talented
I really like that you get an unique piece and that it can be something really special, containing memories of family members etc. Glad to have come across you.
Stunningly designed rings
This sounds absolutely fabulous
My wife tells me she once had a ring made to hold an amethyst she was given. This was quite a few years ago and is a cherished piece!
It would be such a lovely idea to have a specially commissioned piece of jewellery.
I absolutely adore the sentiment of the client having her grandmother’s brooch and father’s signet ring combined into a new ring for her to wear and carry around the memories of them everywhere she goes 🥺
Sounds so good and I love the ring definitely something worth thinking about
I think this is a great idea to reuse old jewelery rather than supporting the mining of new materials.
What a great talent! Love this jewellery.
Some lovely pieces here. Love the idea of bespoke items.
So very interesting! Thanks
This is such a lovely idea and not one I’d think of, would make a great gift for a loved one
Beautiful one of a kind jewellery
It’s lovely when you have a thought or story behind something too.
It’s great idea remodelling jewelery to make it something truly personal
To have a bespoke piece of jewelry or art is a very special thing. Beautiful
This is such a lovely idea. I would much prefer to receive something unique like this! It makes it so much more special.
Wow this is such a nice idea that makes it so much more unique and meaningful
What a lovely idea and so original.
These are beautiful and so well made
I honestly never knew there were jewelers that could remold pieces into new and unique jewelry. Have to say that’s really cool.
This was so interesting, I’d love to make my own piece
I love the idea of a commissioned piece of jewellery. It would be so special and unique.
My partner would love a commissioned wedding ring
The jewelry really is so beautiful, I love it 🙂
Beautiful rings. It makes it special when you know you’re the only one in the world who wears this unique piece of jewellery.
The repurposing idea is really lovely if you have pieces that you just wouldn’t wear. It could mean a whole new life for something.
A great way to get something unique to you. Or a gift for someone that has a bit more heart to it.
Love the idea of bespoke jewellery
Interesting stuff for sure
I’d love to learn this but dont have much patience
I designed my partners engagement ring so love reading about this
Never really thought about commissioning jewellery but I bet the jewellers enjoy working directly with clients
How beautiful. I’ve always wanted to design my own piece.
Absolutely exquisite. A personal touch and a story behind every peice.
These pieces are beautiful, it’s such a good idea and great for personalised gifts.
Not too far away from me. What an great business idea.
Wow I love this! What a fantastic and unique idea!
I’ve really enjoyed reading this post, I’d like to be able to create my own piece of Jewellery.
A fascinating article, and definitely eye opening. A very skilled woman indeed 🙂
Beautiful one of a kind jewellery
Very nice
I love the idea of commissioning a design from a true craftsperson
This looks like such a good idea – I’ve just started looking into silver clay jewellery making, so this looks like it would be another way to get bespoke items!
I’ve got a ring which was made from odd pieces of jewellery which I no longer wore. It was done by a local jeweller to my design.
so pretty would love this!
Those are some stunning jewellery!
Love !
This is so beautiful! 😻
Beautiful
I love handmade jewellery and unique pieces. These look amazing and you must be very talented
This has inspired me to think about remodelling my mum’s jewellery, left to me but stuck in a drawer as it is broken and wasn’t sure what to do with it. I would LOVE to wear it every day.
I would love to commission a piece of jewellery for my grand daughter
What a great idea love upcycling
It’s such a lovely idea to have a unique piece of jewellery!
Wow! Very interesting, I love how sustainable and personal this is! Never thought about remodelling my old jewellery
I love the idea of designing a personalised piece of jewellery myself!