Bespoke vs. Custom Jewelry

We hear the term “bespoke” everywhere these days. It’s become a popular word in marketing, attached to everything from appliances to basketball shoes. While the word is often used loosely, companies aiming to highlight special customization options have embraced it as a way to stand out. Here’s a common marketing approach: 1) offer a few minor customization options (like color or a feature); 2) label the product as “bespoke”; and 3) increase the price accordingly, justified by that label.

The Difference Between Custom & Bespoke in Jewelry

When you hear the words bespoke jewelry or custom jewelry, they might sound like the same thing, but in the jewelry world, they’re beautifully different. At K.Hollis Jewelers, we do both. Let us explain.

Imagine you come into K.Hollis Jewelers looking for an engagement ring. You see a design you love but want a different center stone or metal. That’s customization — modifying an existing design to fit your taste, budget, or style. It’s like ordering your favorite latte with an extra pump of caramel.

Modifying an existing engagement ring design with K. Hollis Jewelers custom services.

Bespoke, on the other hand, is creating a design from scratch. It’s sitting down with one of our jewelry designers, sketching out ideas based on your story, your style, your vision — and bringing something to life that never existed before.

Bring your ideas to life with K. Hollis Jewelers bespoke services.

A Bespoke Design Story

Take Sandy, for example. She came in with her grandmother’s diamond tucked safely in a tiny pouch. She didn’t want it reset into a pre-made ring. She wanted a design that honored her grandmother’s timeless elegance while reflecting her own modern taste. Our design team helped Sandy transform a blank canvas into a one-of-a-kind ring as special as the bond between granddaughter and grandmother.

ReImagining Heirloom Jewelry

At K. Hollis Jewelers, we use the term “ReImagine” to describe the process of creating bespoke jewelry from heirloom pieces or special stones. We work with customers nearly every day to bring their jewelry design ideas to life or customize engagement rings that perfectly symbolize the lifetime two people will share.

Your Jewelry, Your Way

Whether you’re redesigning heirloom jewelry, starting fresh, or customizing something you fell in love with, we’re here to guide you — no pressure, no rush, just honest expertise and a passion for making jewelry that brings your ideas to life. Your story deserves a design that fits you perfectly.

Custom & Redesigns at K. Hollis Jewelers

FAQ

What is bespoke jewelry?

Bespoke jewelry is designed completely from scratch. It starts with your story, ideas, and inspiration to create a one-of-a-kind piece that has never existed before.

How is custom jewelry different from bespoke?

Custom jewelry modifies an existing design. You might choose a different stone shape, metal type, or setting—but the core design remains the same.

Can K. Hollis Jewelers do both bespoke and custom work?

Yes! Our designers work with you to either personalize an existing design or create a truly unique piece from the ground up—whatever fits your vision.

Do I need to bring in my own stone to create a bespoke piece?

Not at all. We’re happy to design with your stone or help you select the perfect diamond or gemstone from our collection.