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Burkes Fine Jewelers designs and creates custom pieces.
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Burkes Fine Jewelers revels in the design process and will transform heirloom jewelry into new treasures to enjoy today.
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The Precious Gem Master Jeweler Reggie Akdogan works closely with customers to convert an existing piece of jewelry to something fresh and appealing that reflects their personal style.
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The staff at The Precious Gem welcome custom design projects.
Your grandmother bequeathed you a bracelet or necklace that just doesn’t fit your style. Instead of letting it sit in your jewelry box, consider redesigning the piece to better suit your needs.
“We are seeing a lot of revamping of heirloom jewelry,” noted Tony Goodman, the director of operations for Goodman & Sons Jewelers, which has a location in Williamsburg at Monticello Marketplace. “We have two special events every year that are designed to repurpose inherited jewelry or jewelry that has gone unworn into something to start wearing again.”
Here’s how to get started:
1. What kind of jewelry do you want? Earrings, necklace, bracelet, ring? Don’t forget about pendants, ankle bracelets or ear cuffs. Be creative!
2. Do you want to start from scratch or revise an existing piece?
3. What jeweler suits your style? What kind of experience do they have and how much guidance will you need?
4. What’s your timeline and your price point?
Burkes Fine Jewelers in Kilmarnock on the Northern Neck also does custom design work. The jewelry store specializes in destination jewelry, particularly pieces from its River Collection.
“We create unique pieces of jewelry inspired by the Chesapeake Bay and its beautiful rivers, creeks, and land,” shared jewelry design artist Justin Burke. “Many of our custom pieces come from outdated heirloom pieces that our clients want to remount into a setting more representative of them. The possibilities are endless with custom work and we are able to create virtually anything you have in mind.”
Monogrammed pieces are also popular. “Adding initials and special dates or words to jewelry is a great way to add a little customization to a piece,” Burke said.
Reggie Akdogan, master goldsmith and designer with The Precious Gem in Merchants Square, also works with clients to create one-of-a-kind jewelry designs.
“That is just a magnificent example of taking something and turning it into a piece of art,” Akdogan said. “Go to an expert. Bring your stones, your jewelry, your ideas. I can advise you and tell you what else you can do with something, or you can tell me what you want me to make.”
Goodman agreed. “A custom design should have the intent of lasting a lifetime and being passed to the next generation, so we want to get it right,” Goodman said. “Really, it boils down this: Have fun with it and let us help. If you have no idea what you want but you know you want to use some items you have to incorporate, let us help. We have some great team members who are experts in this field and will be your best asset to getting to what you want to accomplish.”
For Akdogan, it all starts with a sketch. He can convert any piece of jewelry—a ring, necklace, brooch, or pin—into something more modern, contemporary, traditional, casual,dressy or simple, depending on a customer’s taste. “People get tired over the years of wearing the same pieces of jewelry,” Akdogan said. “There are so many alternatives.”
Jewelry design is rewarding work for Burke.
“The very best part of our job is seeing someone’s eyes widen and sparkle with joy when they view their piece of jewelry for the first time and hearing our clients gush over how much they love their jewelry,” Burke said. “Knowing we have had a hand in creating a treasure for someone is truly an amazing feeling. It’s also really fun and exciting to get creative and artistic during the design process.”
Burkes Fine Jewelers · burkesjewelers.com
Goodman & Sons Jewelers · goodmanandsons.com
The Precious Gem · thepreciousgems.com