Unique Diamonds, one of Canberra’s most recommended custom jewellers. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
There is nothing quite like wearing a jewel-studded creation personally designed for you. Be it a cherished eternity band, diamond bracelet or precious pendant, handmade custom couture is hard to miss. Favoured for life’s big moments, custom jewellery is often the first choice as a sentimental gift for a loved one.
Why you ask? Well, unlike their mass-produced counterparts, custom made jewellery is commissioned to a client’s exact needs. From the choice of metal, gemstone, setting and design, each creation is carefully considered and meticulously crafted.
As the ultimate form of self-expression and artisanal craftsmanship, custom jewellery is truly in a class of its own. Designed to last lifetime, these premium items present an air of exclusivity, with design unique to the beholder.
If you are approaching a key milestone or preparing for that of another take note! We have hunted high and low to curate our pick of the finest custom jewellers that Canberra has to offer. For more, read on below.
What makes a great custom jeweller?
Great custom jewellers skilfully apply their craft to effortlessly translate clients’ visions into reality. If you are looking for unmatched quality in your next custom piece, it may help to reflect on the following:
- Prestigious & principled. The best custom jewellers are often those with the finest repute. Known as the most prestigious and principled in their field, they produce the highest calibre custom jewellery. With a strong reputation amongst clients, their credentials extend into broader industry, within Australia and beyond. Hence, look for affiliations with the likes of GIA and Jewellers Association of Australia, and seek personal recommendations from others.
- Creative couture. In a world of carbon copies, there is much to be said for originality. And, while designs are often inspired by something – somewhere, a truly skilled jeweller knows how to make them your own. When it comes to selecting a jeweller for your next custom piece consider their creative capability. Perhaps they have won an award or two or, received recognition elsewhere around the globe. And be sure to review their portfolio of completed works along with finished pieces on display.
- Seamless service. The custom creation process can at times feel daunting. Here, leading jewellers know how to take the reins, carefully guiding clients along the way. This means educating clients on options, and methodically collaborating on the design journey. Moreover, consider jewellers who offer 3D rendered designs and staged viewings for the best chance of a seamless experience.
- Stewardship. While naturally sourced gems hold traditionally most desired, today’s leading custom jewellers recognise that a movement is underfoot. In doing so, they openly embrace sustainable practices from procurement right through to design and manufacture. Whether this be a focus on ethical diamonds, recycled gold, or lab grown gems, they ensure pieces are treasured for generations to come.
- Lifetime care. Any custom jewellery purchase should be accompanied by the absolute best in client care. The best manufacturing jewellers stand by their craftsmanship, offering a lifetime of service for your bespoke piece. Naturally this means that gem certifications, valuations, and warranties should be a given. Finally, should the need for a clean, polish, plating, resetting arise the best are more than happy to oblige.
The best custom jewellers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and maintain a minimum average of 4/5 stars on both Google and Facebook reviews.
Venetia Major Bespoke Jewellery
Established in 2012, Venetia Major is a fine jewellery studio and gallery dedicated to showcasing unique locally made pieces. Proprietary, jeweller, and gemmologist, Venetia is passionate about designing and making beautiful custom jewellery for her clients.
A member of the Jewellers Association of Australia and the Gold and Silversmiths Guild she also conducts silversmithing classes at her Hall based jewellery studio. With a large portfolio of custom pieces spanning all adornments Venetia Major is certainly worth a visit.
As Gay McGuire expressed on Google, “Venetia is a fabulous jeweller her craftsmanship is excellent, she is artistic creative, can think outside the box to problem solve difficult repairs. The new pieces she creates are just exquisite. Lastly but by no means least she is a delight to deal with & the customer service provided is exceptional.”
Vangeli
Established in 1978, Vangeli boasts a proud reputation of excellence within the local community. Owned by Master Jeweller Jeff, and his internationally award-winning designer, jeweller, and diamond grader wife Catherine, Vangeli specialise in bespoke creations handcrafted on site in their Woden workshop.
As owners of opal minds in Lightning Ridge, and suppliers of regional pearls and diamonds, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Beyond custom designs, services also extend to jewellery remodelling and repairs.
Tony Fish shared this review on Google, “Our rings were uniquely crafted and handmade by the extremely talented jewellers at Vangeli. From the moment we received them we have been in love with the quality workmanship the Vangeli team has to offer. Would recommend to anyone after handmade high-quality jewellery.”
Harlequin Jewellers
As dedicated to custom design, Harlequin Jewellers have a earnt quite the reputation for their engagement and wedding creations. Widely recognised within the jewellery and wedding industry, they specialise in custom made engagement and wedding jewellery.
Lead jeweller and owner, Matthew Hengge, works directly with clientele to design and manufacture personalised jewelled creations. With a passion for perfecting his clients’ visions, Matthew offers complimentary design consultations to help bring things to life. Appointments at their Braddon studio or by video can be conveniently booked online.
Matthew Leckenby shared this feedback on Google, “I came to Matthew to create an eternity ring for my wife. Matthew was welcoming and displayed a genuine interest in my story and the ring I wanted to design. We discussed ring designs, metals, and precious stones to make my vision a reality. The finished product could not be better. A true piece of hand-crafted art and a wonderful expression of my love.”
Unique Diamonds
Over their decade in business, Unique Diamonds have built a glowing reputation for their market leading custom jewellery design. Specialising in jewellery manufacturing and all things diamonds, they deliver impeccable end-to-end service with a fresh, modern twist.
When it comes to custom jewellery the Unique Diamonds team ensure that each commissioned creation is truly cherished. By adopting a consultative approach, they guide and inform throughout the creative journey.
Happy client Amy Howell shared this glowing review on Google, “Working with Unique Diamonds to create my handmade eternity ring was an absolute pleasure. Mia was incredible and very patient with me as I changed my mind about the design many times. There was always open communication about the process and how long things would take. Very customer focused. Final result was stunning and everything I had imagined.”
Aharoni Jewellery
Jeweller and proprietor, Eytan Aharoni, brings decades of experience in custom jewellery design. Working alongside his wife, Aharoni Jewellers are all about creating truly beautiful and distinctive designs. They belief that quality jewellery must be created – not mass produced.
Located in Bunda Street, Aharoni Jewllery work with all manner of metals, precious stones, and rare gemstones. As a Mokume Gane specialist, they have also commissioned special projects for many notable clients. Services include design and creation of custom-made pieces, remodelling, and repair.
Darcy Bee Hickman stated on Google, “These guys recently made our engagement ring and wedding rings. Eytan, Nurit, and Daniel were friendly, professional, helpful, and honest at every step of the process…. Would highly recommend them to anyone wanting to have their wedding jewellery made.”
For more custom jewellery check out our articles on the best engagement rings and the best diamond rings in Canberra. For other alternatives, our article on the best the best jewellers may also be of interest.
Your experience with custom jewellers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the custom jewellers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can a piece of jewellery be customised?
The beauty of custom jewellery is that its creation is limited only to the imagination. With a huge selection of metals, gems, and precious stones, and even more ways in which to forge and set them, creating a custom piece is a true delight. From basics like size, weight, and dimensions, all the way through to textured finishes and unique stone settings there is something for everyone.
How long does custom jewellery take to make?
The design process for custom made jewellery take anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks for design and from 2 to 6 weeks for its creation. This lead time can go up or down, and is subject to change based on design revisions, material sourcing, and intricacy of design. For more accurate lead times speak to your local custom jeweller.
Is custom made jewellery expensive?
Custom made jewellery typically requires a higher investment than mass produced pieces. This is generally because of the superior materials and the time taken to craft each piece by hand. That said, in many cases, a jeweller can create a piece tailored to a budget by selecting metals, gemstones and other elements to match. To understand more speak to your local manufacturing jeweller.
What is a GIA certification, and do I need one?
If you are creating a custom diamond piece a GIA certification may be important. If a diamond has been certified it means that it has been graded by the Gemmological Institute of America and comes with a universal certification of authenticity. Grading covers a stones carat, colour, clarity and cut, along with proportions and any notable inclusions. Buying a certified diamond offers peace of mind and assurance that you are purchasing what is claimed. For larger value diamond purchases many consider it essential.
How long does custom jewellery last?
While custom made jewellery may require a higher initial investment than store-bought pieces, they are often made with superior materials and craftsmanship, and as such are designed to last a lifetime. Naturally, how a piece is worn can influence its longevity. To ensure your custom piece stands the test of time be sure to clean and check it regularly with your jeweller.
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