With growing frequency, I have been asked to create custom jewelry pieces. Custom work requires a delicate balance. I want to create a piece that satisfies the client, and at the same time, satisfies my artistic aesthetic.
Top left is the sketch I sent. Below that is the pendant in progress. The photo at the right is the completed piece.
The client has seen my work, and trusts my skill and vision. If they didn’t, they wouldn't hire me. But their vision and mine (and my skill set) might not always line up exactly. For me, communication is key. I provide updates of work in progress (including photos) and try to manage their expectations.
Fortunately, my latest commission was a true equal partnership. It was a simple piece with clean lines -- my aesthetic -- and exactly what he wanted.
The commission came from an old friend I hadn't seen in person for over 30 years. Facebook brought us together a recently and he has seen photos I've shared on Facebook of my jewelry. He asked me to make a sterling silver pendant depicting a flaming chalice, the symbol the Unitarian Universalist Church, on a long simple sterling silver chain.
I looked online for a source image and sketched out a design, the chalice with the negative spaces pierced out. I photographed the design and sent it back and he approved. It needed to be completed, for a birthday present, by the end of the summer. I worked on it on and off since the commission, sent an in-progress photo (which he loved) and completed it at the end of July.
R., thanks again for the order. I hope the recipient is happily wearing her new pendant, and appreciates that it was made just for her.
If you are interested in a custom piece, please contact me.