Wondering about commissioning your own piece of one-of-a-kind or customised jewellery? Perhaps you’ve seen one of Cece’s incredible creations and are curious about how such a piece comes to life. Let’s explore the process…
Our bespoke jewellery is where we get to explore the furthest reaches of imagination and storytelling.
We see custom-designed jewellery as a creative collaboration. Cece works with you to bring a blank canvas to life, filling it with wondrous and witty motifs that tell a story entirely unique to you.
Crafting one-of-a-kind jewellery is a particularly magical experience. Personal lore is as inspiring and expansive as mythology and fairytale. The fondest memories, wildest celebrations, family in-jokes, idiosyncratic symbolism… whatever it is that reflects your life or encapsulates meaning. That’s what we capture in jewellery.
So every bespoke piece comes from a story. The first stage, then, is for us to hear it…
Chapter one: the bespoke consultation
To commission a piece of bespoke or personalised jewellery is a special and intimate experience. It all begins with a one-on-one conversation with Cece, whether that’s via email, Zoom or in-person.
First, we’ll talk about what kind of jewellery you are envisaging, although this can always change later. If you have had a look through our gallery of bespoke pieces, you will have some idea about the vast possibilities open to you. Whether a ring, bracelet, medallion or something else, you have complete freedom over the size, gold colour, findings, and so on. We’ll always ask if you have a budget in mind, and we can advise what styles are possible or best for your ideas.
Then, we get to the real fun and privilege of the process: hearing your stories. You might already have in mind exactly what images you want us to realise - the landscape of a life-changing holiday or a family nickname, perhaps. Or you may want to hear Cece’s ideas for motifs and symbols, drawing on your stories and communicating them in new or whimsical ways.
Your bespoke consultation is also the time to talk about materials. Cece’s singular motifs are one part of a richly-layered symbolism. Gemstones and enamel colour all bring their own meanings, and can be incorporated into the design as either an aesthetic flourish or another part of the story.
Cece weaves her signature style through every design. Tattoo-inspired images, ethereal and edgy, are hand-painted in enamel or hand-engraved onto metal. Choose to add colourful gemstones, vintage inspired star-set diamonds or charming seed pearls. But a bespoke piece of jewellery is also a chance for your imagination to run wild. If you have bold ideas, even for something we have never tried before, we’re almost certainly game…
Chapter two: the artist at work
With your personal narrative distilled to its essence, Cece begins the sketching process. Surrounded by any reference materials you have provided, her own sources of inspiration, pens, paints, and a handful of candles, the ritual of creation begins.
First drawing with pencil on paper, Cece refines her earliest ideas into a series of initial sketches, designed to allow you to visualise alternate options for your piece. At this stage, Cece can show you what your design will look like on the style or size of jewellery you have chosen.
Sometimes, one of these designs will be The One. Sometimes, a little more play is required. Placements, colours, design elements, gemstones and detailing can all be tweaked and changed at this stage. We might even change up the size, style, or colour of the piece itself, whatever it takes to get the design perfect.
Chapter three: the craft and creation
Once the final design is chosen, the alchemy begins. This is where our artisans step in, the talented goldsmiths and enamellers who draw upon rare and centuries-old craft to bring the vision to life. In our workshops, each craftsperson contributes their expertise, from finishing the gold to hand-painting enamel to setting your gemstones. Each step is completed flawlessly before moving onto the next.
As with all Cece jewellery, your bespoke piece is created from the finest materials - 18ct carat gold, ethically sourced diamonds and gemstones, your choice of 18ct chain, fastenings, or findings.
The thrill of seeing a new design evolve from a sketch to a tangible object never gets old. Enamel painting is a particularly intricate process, and the results can be extraordinary. Cece’s sketches turn into miniature works of art, fired in glass. The blend of ancient and modern techniques, executed with precision and passion, is irresistible.
Chapter four: the personal touches
The potential for personalisation doesn’t end with your design. As your piece takes shape, we’ll invite you to make hidden or finishing touches - an engraved message on the back of a pendant or the inside of a ring, a gemstone set where only you (and Cece!) know, perhaps.
Chapter five: the unveiling
The unveiling of a custom piece is a celebratory moment both for us and you. When a bench-fresh bespoke arrives back in the office, the whole team comes to look. We never lose the wonder of seeing Cece’s sketches realised in gold and enamel, of seeing the astonishing stories they tell.
A bespoke piece of jewellery is significant, but that doesn’t mean all our custom designs are sentimental. Every one has its own reason for being. Love, loss, family, pets, celebration, personal talismans. Cece pitches your design to match - tender, sweet, witty, moving.
It's important that your jewellery is as comfortable and perfectly finished as it is beautiful. So before we unveil the piece to you, we check it over and make any final adjustments to ensure it sits and looks just right.
Depending on your location, you may meet us in person or have your Cece piece shipped to you. Either way, it will always be wrapped in our luxurious packaging. Unboxing all is part of the bespoke experience.
The moment you first see your piece can often be emotional, as bespoke jewellery is intrinsically personal - a ‘future heirloom’ of memories, values and dreams. It’s the most extraordinary feeling, seeing your own story captured in such exquisite detail.
Chapter six: the story continues
You’ve taken home your custom designed piece, but our relationship doesn't end there. We’re always here for care advice and to discuss future adjustments or to add complementary pieces. But until then, your bespoke Cece jewellery is yours to enjoy, wear, and tell your personal story…
