Choosing a custom jeweler isn't like picking a contractor for a home repair. The piece you're commissioning will likely be worn for decades — maybe passed down. The relationship matters. The process matters. Here are five questions worth asking before you commit.

1. Can I see examples of work similar to what I'm asking for?

Every jeweler has strengths. Some are exceptional at intricate vintage work; others excel at clean, modern settings. Looking at a portfolio tells you whether the aesthetic sensibility aligns with yours — and whether the technical execution is there. Don't just look at the best pieces; look at pieces similar in style and complexity to what you're hoping for.

A good jeweler will also be honest when something is outside their wheelhouse. That honesty is a green flag, not a red one.

2. Will I work directly with the designer, or be handed off to a salesperson?

Some jewelry studios — particularly larger ones — separate the sales process from the design process. You spend the consultation with someone whose job is to close you, and then you never see them again once the design work begins. This disconnect can lead to pieces that didn't quite capture what you described.

At Kate Rose, you work directly with me from first consultation to delivery. There's no handoff, no translation layer, and no one in between who might lose something in the telling.

3. What does the revision process look like?

Design is iterative, and a good jeweler builds that in. Ask how many rounds of feedback are included before fabrication begins, whether you'll see a rendering or wax model before anything is made, and what happens if the finished piece isn't what you envisioned. A jeweler who's confident in their process will answer these questions clearly and without defensiveness.

4. How do you source your stones?

If your piece will include a significant gemstone, it's worth understanding where it comes from. Can the jeweler speak to the provenance of their diamonds? Do they offer both natural and lab-grown options and give you an honest comparison? Do they have relationships with dealers they trust, or are they buying off a shelf?

You don't need a lecture on supply chain ethics unless that's important to you — but a jeweler who can answer this question clearly is one who's thought about it.

5. What's the total cost, and what's included?

Custom jewelry pricing should be transparent. Ask for a full quote before any work begins, including stone, metal, labor, and any finishing or resizing costs. Ask what happens if the price needs to change — and under what circumstances it would. A reputable jeweler will give you a firm quote and stick to it unless you change the scope of the design.

The consultation itself should be free. If someone is charging you just to have a first conversation, that's worth noting.

One more thing

Trust your gut. After a consultation, you should feel heard, not sold to. You should leave understanding more than when you walked in. The right jeweler makes the process feel clear and easy, not complicated and pressured.

If you'd like to put these questions to me, I'd welcome the conversation. That's exactly the kind of consult I like to have.