There is no denying the beauty and individuality that goes into every piece of handmade jewelry. The creative process in designing those pieces can be just as intricate. For many, the main point of getting pieces of artisan jewelry is because they want something unique and individual. Finding the right craftsman is about more than style, and it’s critical to discuss the timeline with them to make sure your expectations line up with their production schedule.
There are a number of factors that go into creating a piece of handmade jewelry, and the time it takes to do it will depend on everything from the materials involved to the skill of the artisan making the piece. Here are a few guidelines to consider about the timetable for your particular piece of handmade jewelry.
Complexity of the Piece
One major factor that will go into the determining the timeline is understanding how much detail and complexity will the jewelry require. Simple designs – like basic wire-wrapped earrings or a beaded bracelet – may take just a few hours. However, more intricate designs usually mean more components. More components generally mean more time into the project.
When dealing with highly complex designs, it may take weeks to complete. This includes items that require ornate metalwork or creating an intricate gemstone setting. Custom designs can also take longer periods of time, because the artisan may have to source specific materials. They may also need the extra time to spend on experimentation and design to ensure that you’re getting exactly the piece you’re looking for.
Artisan Experience & Finishing
The more experience the artisan jeweler has, the more likely it is that they’ll be more efficient with their time. Understanding their style and how it fits with the demands of your piece will go a long way in helping you determine the timeline. More experienced artisans will also be more likely to have access to more specialized tools and equipment. This can also speed up the production time.
Artisan jewelers use a number of different techniques to achieve the looks they get from their pieces, but those processes can stretch out the timeline. You’ll have to allow for time for finishing touches and other detailing. This is an important part of the process, and includes such things as setting the stones, polishing, or adding clasps. Getting the perfect look to your piece can take time, and if you’re using techniques like resin casting, it can require times to dry and cure. Ask about all of those processes, because many times waiting for the perfect piece is better than getting something sooner.
Handmade jewelry is highly individual, and it’s important to find the right jeweler for your style, as well as your timeline. Make sure to discuss the timeline with the artisan while you’re designing the piece because they’ll know exactly how they work. For more information, reach out to the experts at Kate Maller today.