What to Think About Before Your Bespoke Appointment

At KIND, our bespoke service exists to create modern heirlooms — pieces designed entirely around the person who will wear them, made to last not just a lifetime but to then be passed down through generations. Whether it's an engagement ring, a milestone piece, or something brought back to life through our Rework x Recycle service, every bespoke commission begins in the same place: a conversation.

We know that starting a piece entirely from scratch can feel daunting. That's completely okay — and honestly, it's what we're here for. You don't need to arrive at your appointment knowing exactly what you want. But there are a few things that can really help the process along, so here's a little guide to get you thinking before we meet.

Who is the piece for?

This is often the most important place to start. What does that person's life actually look like day to day? Someone with busy, hands-on work — gardening, craftsmanship, working with their hands — will need a piece they don't have to think twice about wearing. That shapes everything from the setting style to the choice of stone.

It's also worth thinking about their existing jewellery. Do they gravitate toward bold, statement pieces — or do they prefer something quieter that slots seamlessly into what they already wear? Neither answer is right or wrong, they're just different briefs, and knowing which camp they fall into gets us off to a much better start.

Budget

We know that lots of people come to a bespoke appointment without a clear idea of what a piece will cost — and that's genuinely fine. But having a ballpark figure in mind is one of the most helpful things you can bring. It allows us to navigate design decisions with purpose: knowing what stones to source, what weight of metal to work with, and how to get you the best possible result within the range you're comfortable with. It saves a lot of backwards and forwards, and means we can focus the appointment on the exciting part — the design itself.

Timeframe

When do you need the piece completed by? Our bespoke designs generally take between 8 and 10 weeks from sign-off to completion. More complex commissions — particularly those involving specific or unusual stone sourcing — can take a little longer. If you have a date in mind, let us know early and we'll work backwards from there.

The following aren't essential to know before your appointment — but if you've given them any thought, they can be really useful to bring along.

Metal colour

Do they wear gold or silver tones? If they tend to gravitate toward silver, it's worth knowing that white gold and platinum are the more durable long-term choices compared to silver itself. If they prefer gold, do they lean toward yellow or rose? 9ct or 18ct? Or do they like the look of mixed metals? None of this needs to be decided before we meet — but if you already have a feeling, it helps us move more quickly.

Stones

Do you have an existing stone you'd like to incorporate — perhaps from a piece of inherited jewellery that deserves a new life? Or if you'd like us to source something special, do you have a sense of the type, cut, or colour you're drawn to? Even a loose idea is useful. If you have no idea at all, that's fine too — stone sourcing is something we genuinely love doing, and we're happy to guide you through it entirely.

Style inspiration

A few saved images or screenshots can go a long way. If you know you love a bezel setting but aren't drawn to claws, or you're certain about an emerald cut but would never choose a trilogy — that's all really useful. And showing us what you don't like can be just as valuable as showing us what you do. It tells us exactly where not to go, which is half the battle.

Ring size

If the piece is a ring, a size is helpful to have — but don't worry if you're not sure. We can send you a ring sizer, or your local jeweller will usually size you up without charge. If the ring is a surprise for someone else, try slipping one of their rings onto your own finger and noting where it sits — it's not always an exact science, but it gives us a starting point. And if we need to resize later, that's never a problem.

Ready to begin your bespoke journey? Book your bespoke appointment with Tansy, HERE.