Planning Ahead: Custom Jewelry Christmas Cutoff

The holidays are a season for connection, for celebrating the people who matter most. And what better way to say “you’re one of a kind to me” than with a piece of jewelry designed just for them?

Every year around this time, I start to receive messages from people who want to create something meaningful, a necklace inscribed with a secret phrase, a ring that carries the story of two lives entwined, or earrings that will become a future heirloom. These commissions are some of my favorite projects, because they’re not just jewelry. They’re stories you can wear, tokens of love, and tangible reminders of life’s most important moments.

But here’s the truth: custom jewelry takes time. Real time. 

Click here to see the gallery of previous custom designs.

Why the Deadline is October 17th

When you order a ready-made piece, it can ship out in a matter of days (or a few weeks). But a bespoke custom piece? That’s an entirely different journey:

• The Vision: We begin with a conversation. What do you imagine? What meaning do you want your piece to carry? This is where I figure out if what you want is even within my skillset and your budget.

• Design & Refinement: I’ll create sketches or digital mockups to bring your idea to life. Sometimes we go back and forth until it feels just right. This is where the real time adds up, it takes days and weeks to go back and forth to hone in the details.

• Sourcing: Whether it’s a specific gemstone, a particular metal, or just the perfect scale, I take care to find exactly what your piece needs. And often, we have to order from abroad and that can take weeks.

• Crafting: In my Vancouver studio, I blend time-honored goldsmithing with modern techniques like 3D design and casting. Each stage; casting, soldering, setting stones, polishing requires patience and precision.

• Finishing Touches: Finally, every edge is smoothed and given a sparkle finish, every detail checked, and your piece is prepared to meet its new home. Whether you are a local or I need to ship the piece to you, that can also take time! 

Add in the busy holiday season and shipping timelines, and suddenly the weeks fly by. That’s why October 17th is the cutoff for Christmas delivery. It gives me enough time to ensure your custom piece receives the care, artistry, and attention to detail it deserves.

And I’m not alone in setting this kind of deadline — many independent jewelers also close custom orders by mid-October. It’s the industry standard because that’s how long it truly takes to craft something meant to last a lifetime. I'll also add that most of November for me is spent on the road. I am at Circle Craft, Got Craft, and the One of a Kind Show through to the first week of December.

Different Deadlines for Different Pieces

October 17 marks the last day to begin a custom order, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options afterward.

• Custom Jewelry: Orders must be placed by October 17 for Christmas delivery.

• Engraved or Personalized Pieces: A little more flexibility, but still mid-November at the latest.

• Ready-to-Ship Jewelry: My collection of everyday studs, stacking rings, and mantra necklaces will still be available right up until the shipping cutoffs in December. This includes gemstone rings, necklaces, and earrings. 

So even if you miss the custom deadline, you’ll still find meaningful, heirloom-quality gifts waiting for you.

Why Early Matters

Each custom piece requires weeks of focused work, and I can only take on a limited number of projects each season. Once my schedule is full, that’s it, which is why I encourage you to reach out as early as possible.

From concept sketches to sourcing the perfect stone to the final polish at my bench, there are dozens of little steps that add up to something truly lasting. Starting early ensures there’s room for every detail to be exactly as it should be.

A Gift They’ll Never Forget

Jewelry is already special, but when it’s made just for someone, designed with their story in mind; it becomes unforgettable. I’ve seen tears of joy, heard stories of proposals, and shared in the delight of people opening a gift they know could only have come from the heart.

That’s the magic of custom.

Let’s Begin

If you’ve been dreaming of gifting (or receiving!) a one-of-a-kind piece this holiday season, now is the perfect moment to start. My schedule fills quickly, and once October 17th passes, I can’t guarantee Christmas delivery.

✨ Click here to fill out the custom design form, and let’s create something that will be cherished for years to come.