The Truth About Custom Jewelry Prices – Must-Read Guide

At Kegan Design Jewelry, one of the most common questions we receive is:
“What is your custom jewelry price?”

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Custom jewelry pricing varies based on design, materials, craftsmanship, and personalization. Even two pieces that look similar can differ greatly in price depending on plating thickness, stone setting, and labor intensity.

In this article, we’ll break down the major cost components so you can make informed decisions before placing your custom order.

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1. Is Custom Jewelry More Expensive?

Yes – but for good reason.

Unlike mass-produced jewelry, which spreads design and production costs across thousands of units, custom pieces are one-of-a-kind creations tailored just for you. From unique names and logos to meaningful symbols, custom jewelry captures emotions that can’t be replicated. It involves individual design, modeling, and handcrafting, making it a higher but worthwhile investment.

2. What Are the Cost Components?

A custom piece’s total cost typically includes the following elements:

– Design Fee: Professional design tailored to your vision
– 3D Modeling & Casting: CAD and mold creation
– Metal Material: Gold, silver, brass (with loss during casting)
– Stone Cost: Moissanite, diamonds, CZs, etc.
– Setting Labor: Cost based on complexity and precision
– Finishing Techniques: Electroplating, sandblasting, etc.
– Packaging: Jewelry box, polishing cloth
– Shipping & Insurance: Delivery protection
– Redesign Fee: Charged if major changes occur post-modeling

3. What Material Options Can I Choose From?

At Kegan Design Jewelry, we offer a wide range of material combinations — but our top recommendation is 925 silver with VVS moissanite.

Why?

925 Silver with gold plating offers excellent corrosion resistance and a beautiful finish that lasts. It provides the perfect balance between quality and affordability.

Moissanite shines with brilliance comparable to diamonds but at a much more accessible price point. Each of our custom moissanite pieces comes with a certification of authenticity to guarantee clarity and quality.

Whether you’re working with a tight budget or looking for high-end precious metals, we’ve got you covered. We support custom jewelry in a full range of materials — from brass to solid gold (1K to 22K) and platinum.

Material Combo	Description
A. Brass + 5A CZ	Entry-level, ideal for fashion-forward looks
B. 925 Silver + VVS Moissanite	🔥 Best Value: Durable, shiny, and long-lasting
C. 1K Gold + VVS Moissanite	Budget-friendly real gold option
D. 10K Gold + Moissanite	Perfect for long-term wear with strong structure
E. 925 Silver + SI Lab Diamond	Affordable genuine diamond alternative
F. 925 Silver + SI-I Natural Diamond	For those who prefer real mined stones
G. 14K Gold + VS Lab Diamond	Premium look with ethical diamond sourcing
H. 18K Gold + VVS Diamond	Luxury at its finest, ideal for heirloom jewelry

👉 You can explore the full material comparison and detailed pricing chart on our Materials & Options Page.

4. Will I Be Overcharged for Custom Jewelry?

At Kegan Design Jewelry, we promise value for every penny you spend.

– For brass & silver pieces: We offer flat pricing. These materials have stable costs and we use refined production flows.
– For gold and precious metals: Prices vary based on daily rates and complexity. We provide itemized quotes to ensure transparency.

5. Is Cheaper Labor Worth It?

Not really – just like you wouldn’t trust the cheapest dentist.

⚠️ Risks with cheap labor:
– Inexperienced workers
– Poor polishing, asymmetrical settings
– Thin plating that fades quickly
– Machine-only work = less detail
– Loose stones = higher return rates

✅ Value from fair labor rates:
– Skilled handwork
– Thorough quality checks
– Dense stone settings with symmetry
– Durable plating & excellent polish
– Strong after-sales support

Example: Our VVS Moissanite silver pendant took 6–8 days for one craftsman to fully pave over 1,000 stones under microscope – precision and beauty guaranteed.

6. Why Do Similar-Looking Pendants Differ Greatly in Price?

Several invisible details impact price:
– Is the back solid or hollow?
– Is it fully iced out or just partially?
– How thick is the electroplating?
– How dense and accurate are the stone settings?

We use solid backplates even for brass and silver pieces – improving durability, shine, and resistance to moisture.

Final Thought

Every dollar in custom jewelry reflects craftsmanship, exclusivity, and emotion.
Not just expensive – it’s worth it.

Got questions? Contact us for a free quote today.