How Custom Jewelry Works
at A. D'Mae Diamonds
Whether you're designing from scratch or reimagining a family heirloom, Alexandria works with you one-on-one to create something meaningful, built to last, and true to who you are.
Book Your Free ConsultationWhy the Process Matters
Custom jewelry is personal. The way it's made should be personal too. Ali doesn't start with templates or pre-made settings. She starts by listening. Every piece follows the same five steps, but no two pieces end up the same.
Nothing Exists Until You Walk In
There's no inventory. No catalog to choose from. Ali designs your piece from scratch based on your conversation, your style, and your story. That's not a limitation. That's the whole point.
You're Involved at Every Step
You'll see sketches, approve stones, review a photorealistic 3D model, and give feedback before anything is made. You're never in the dark about what your piece looks like or what it costs.
No Sales Pressure, Ever
Your consultation is free. There's no obligation to move forward. Ali will give you honest guidance and a clear estimate. If it's not the right fit, she'll tell you. She'd rather earn your trust than a transaction.
One Jeweler, Start to Finish
Ali is your single point of contact from design through delivery. She's a GIA Graduate Gemologist and third-generation jeweler who personally oversees every detail of your piece.
Step 1
A Conversation, Not a Sales Pitch
Everything starts with a free 90-minute design consultation. Ali gets to know who the piece is for, what matters most to you, and what kind of beauty speaks your language. She'll ask about your partner, your story, your style, and your budget.
In person at the West LA studio or virtually from anywhere.
Step 2
From Inspiration to Original Sketches
Ali brings your ideas to life with 2-3 initial sketches based on everything you've shared. These aren't modifications of templates. They're original designs, created from scratch for one person. You give feedback, she iterates, and together you shape the design until it feels right.
Most clients are excited by the first round.
Step 3
Selecting Your Perfect Stone
Each stone is hand-selected from the global supply with your design, desired quality, and budget in mind. Ali searches across wholesale databases and trusted vendor networks to find options that represent the best possible value for your specific needs.
She'll present curated choices with photos, videos, and honest comparisons. We'll never show you stones outside your price range or below our quality standards.
Step 4
See It Come to Life in 3D
Your design is precisely engineered into a photorealistic 3D CAD model. This is your first glimpse of how the final piece will look before anything is made. Ali walks you through the render, explains proportions and details, and makes any final adjustments.
Once you approve, the ring goes into production.
Step 5
From Model to Metal
Once the CAD is approved, the 3D model goes to metal with a casting of your ring. From there, stones are hand-set, design details are refined, and the piece is polished to perfection by trusted artisan partners under Ali's personal oversight.
Most custom pieces take 6-8 weeks from approved design to finished piece.
The Big Reveal
Your Piece, Ready to Wear
Once your piece is ready, we arrange a pickup at the West LA studio or insured delivery anywhere in the country. Your jewelry arrives with an appraisal, a care guide, and a completion package designed to make this moment feel as special as the piece itself.
From this point forward, Ali is still your jeweler. Need a cleaning, a resize, or your next piece? She already knows your style and your story.
Every Piece Follows This Process
Whether you're designing a custom engagement ring, wedding bands, a fully bespoke piece, or reimagining an heirloom, the journey starts the same way: a conversation about who you are and what this piece should mean. The details change. The care doesn't.
Questions About the Process
Most custom pieces take 6-8 weeks from approved design to finished piece. Bespoke designs with complex details or rare stones can take 8-10 weeks. Rush orders are often possible depending on the design. We recommend booking your consultation at least 3 months before any deadline.
Custom engagement rings start at $3,000 with no ceiling. The cost depends on your stone selection, metal choice, and design complexity. There's no extra fee for custom design. Ali will give you a clear, detailed estimate after your consultation. Visit our pricing page for more detail, or read about what custom engagement rings actually cost.
Yes. Ali works with clients from across the country through virtual consultations via FaceTime, Zoom, or Google Meet. The process is the same: a thorough conversation, sketches, curated stone options with photos and videos, CAD renders for approval, and your finished piece shipped with insured delivery.
Absolutely. Ali specializes in heirloom jewelry redesign, transforming inherited pieces into something you'll wear every day while honoring their history. If you have a stone from a family ring, an old piece you never wear, or a diamond you purchased elsewhere, Ali can incorporate it into a new custom design.
Ali is still your jeweler. Your piece comes with an appraisal and care guide. We recommend insuring your jewelry immediately. Need a cleaning, a resize, an updated appraisal, or your next piece? Just reach out. She already knows your style and your story.
Ready to Start Your Piece?
Book a free 90-minute design consultation with Alexandria. In person in West LA or virtually from anywhere. No pressure, no obligation. Just an honest conversation about what you want to create.
Book Your Free Consultation