the custom design process

A calm, collaborative approach to custom jewellery design.

At West of Fourth, custom jewellery is designed one-on-one, with clarity, intention, and thoughtful guidance at every stage. Whether you’re creating a custom engagement ring, redesigning an heirloom, or exploring unique gemstones, the process is designed to feel personal, unrushed, and transparent.

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From concept to finished piece

A gold ring with a large rectangular diamond in the center, surrounded by small diamonds, with rubies on the sides, against a plain white background.
Sketch of a jewelry design with labels indicating yellow gold, radiant cut center, milgrain edges, accent diamonds, and cabochon rubies, along with a pencil and eraser
3D CAD rendring of a gold engagement ring with a radiant cut diamond and rubies, decorated with smaller diamonds.

how it works

Section titled 'Consultation' describing a one-on-one meeting to discuss project ideas, timeline, budget, and overall direction in a relaxed setting.
Text discussing stone and design direction, mentioning review of options, proportions, overall design, hand-drawn sketches.
Section labeled 'QUOTE & APPROVAL' with text about project design, stone selection, and deposit confirmation.
Section titled "Renderings & Refinement" explaining how CAD renders visualize proportions and details, with adjustments made before production; wax models as an option.
Section header titled 'Crafting & Delivery' with text explaining that pieces are crafted by trusted goldsmiths using carefully sourced materials and prepared for pickup or insured delivery.

what makes this process different

Custom jewellery doesn’t have to feel intimidating or transactional. West of Fourth was built to offer a more thoughtful, one-on-one approach — one that prioritizes clarity, education, and long-term wearability over sales pressure.

The goal is simple: a clear, collaborative process that results in jewellery you’ll want to wear for years to come.

A person sketches a bike part on a notepad with a pen, with tools and small bike components on the desk, including a caliper, a gear, and a ring.
Text on a gray background that reads, "Calm, appointment only experience. You'll work directly with the designer from start to finish. There are no sales floors, handoffs, or rushed decisions."
A slide with a title 'Hand-Sketch-First Design', and description 'Each piece begins with hand-drawn pencil sketches, allowing ideas to evolve naturally before moving into CAD renderings.'
Information about education built into the process of guiding clients through stones, settings, materials, and design considerations with transparency.
Text stating "Access to uncommon stones. Beyond traditional natural and lab grown diamonds, West of Fourth works with coloured gemstones, alternative diamonds, antique cuts, and unique gemstones many jewelry stores don’t offer."

stone options & sourcing

For many clients, the stone is the starting point, whether that’s a classic diamond, a specific shade of teal sapphire, or an old mine cut that feels distinct from standard brilliant options.

Rather than selecting from limited in-store inventory, stones are sourced individually once we’ve defined the direction. Most conversations start with size, budget, quality, and overall look, especially when it comes to colour for gemstones.

You’ll get clear direction on what’s worth prioritizing, where you can stretch your budget, and where you don’t need to.

  • Natural and lab-grown diamonds are available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and qualities. While classic cuts are always available, many clients are drawn to antique and uncommon cuts such as rose cuts, old mine cuts, and other vintage-inspired shapes that offer a softer, more distinctive character.

  • Available in a full spectrum of hues—including blue, green, teal, yellow, pink, and bi-colour variations—sapphires offer remarkable range for engagement rings. Their colour diversity allows each piece to feel distinctive while remaining timeless.

    Durable and well suited for daily wear, sapphires provide a practical alternative to traditional diamond engagement rings while allowing for far greater colour expression.

  • Montana sapphires are especially known for their muted, natural palette and subtle internal character. They often appear in soft blues, smoky greens, teal tones, and steel-coloured shades that feel understated and organic.

    Each stone is unique, and many clients are drawn to Montana sapphires for their natural variation and quietly distinctive colour.

  • Defined by internal markings that create an organic, textured appearance. Each stone is visually distinct, with a spectrum from soft grey to deep, storm-like tones.

  • Modern, minimal, and bold. Black diamonds offer strong visual contrast and a refined, architectural look within custom structures.

  • Spinel, tourmaline, aquamarine, morganite, and other coloured stones thoughtfully selected and reviewed for hue, clarity, durability, and individual character.

  • Existing stones can often be incorporated into a new design. Heirloom diamonds and gemstones are carefully assessed and thoughtfully reused, allowing meaningful pieces to be reimagined in a new setting.

View our gallery of finished pieces →

ready to begin?

Whether you’re designing an engagement ring, exploring unique gemstones, or reimagining an heirloom, the process starts with a conversation.

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