What’s The True Difference Between Bespoke And Custom Made Jewellery
( 2025 Update )
“Bespoke” and “custom-made” are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Here’s a straightforward, no-nonsense guide so you can choose with confidence.
Quick definitions
- Bespoke: Designed from a blank canvas and never repeated. We co-create your design, source handpicked stones, refine it in 3D, try it in wax, and handcraft it in Hatton Garden.
- Custom-made: You configure an existing mount (style, metal, stone size/shape). More flexible than ready-made, but not a unique design.
- Ready-made (off-the-shelf): You buy what you see in-store or online. Fast and simple, but the same piece may be worn by many others.
Key differences at a glance
| Decision point | Bespoke | Custom-made | Ready-made |
| Design origin | From scratch, unique | Pre-designed mount | Finished piece |
| Uniqueness | One-of-a-kind, not repeated | Common variants exist | Mass-produced |
| Stones | Handpicked to your brief | Standard sizes | Often standard spec |
| Visual assurance | 3D visuals + wax try-ons | Usually 3D previews only | Try in-store only |
| Budget control | High – designed to budget | Medium | Fixed |
| Lead time | Longer (handmade) | Moderate | Immediate |
| Fit & comfort | Optimised to you | Good | Varies |
Which should you choose?
- Choose Bespoke if you want a design that’s exclusively yours, wish to handpick stones, and value seeing it first in 3D and wax before it’s handcrafted.
- Choose Custom-made if you like an existing style but want a different metal or stone size and a quicker turnaround.
- Choose Ready-made if you’ve found the exact piece you love and need it now.
Why work with David Law?
With over 40 years in Hatton Garden, we merge traditional craftsmanship with modern 3D design. You’ll see it, perfect it, feel it, and wear it—with a personal, one-to-one service in London, remotely, or via my Travelling Jeweller service across the Home Counties.
Next steps
Book a complimentary discovery call to explore ideas, stones, metals, and budget—with zero obligation.
