The Custom Jewelry Process
Direct Answer: The custom pendant design process at SB Custom Jewelers takes 3 to 4 weeks. It begins with your design concept (sketches or reference photos), which we convert into a digital 3D CAD blueprint in 5 to 7 days. Once you approve the digital model, our jewelers cast the piece in solid gold, hand set each diamond (using your choice of SI, VS, or VVS clarity), and polish the metal to a premium mirror finish in 2 to 3 weeks.
Let us be real. Walking into a store and buying a chain from our gold necklaces display case is cool.
But wearing a custom pendant you actually designed is on a whole other level. It tells your personal story, whether it is a family emblem, your business logo, or just a unique idea you wanted iced out. You can start exploring styles in our custom pendants collections.
A lot of guys think custom jewelry is too complicated. They think you need to be a sketch artist or have ten grand sitting around. However, browse our custom solid gold jewelry to see how simple and clean the designs can be.
At SB Custom Jewelers, we build custom pieces in our Morrow showroom all the time. Here is how the process actually works. We suggest looking at our Morrow design center to consult in person.
Start with Your Idea
You do not need to draw; seriously, just bring us a basic sketch, a couple of photos you found on Instagram, or just describe what is in your head. Read our Cuban link chain guide to see how clean custom bail settings are built.
We will take that and run with it. Just think about how big you want the piece to be and how it will sit on your chest. We help you understand gold weight under our 10k vs 14k vs 18k gold guide parameters.
If you need some inspiration to get started, browse our pendants to see what sizing and shapes we do. We offer a wide range of shapes in our Morrow showroom.
Pick Your Gold and Stones
Next up, we choose the raw ingredients. This is where we match your style to your budget. Check out our gold jewelry care tips to see how to preserve these base metals.
First, you will choose your metal. We work with 10k, 14k, and 18k yellow gold, applying these metal grades to our custom gold karat choices.
If you want a chain you can wear every day without worrying about scratches, 10k gold is usually the smartest choice. 14k is great if you want that richer, warmer yellow color. Learn about diamond properties in our comprehensive diamond buying guide.
If you are icing it out, we will choose the diamonds. We set both natural and lab grown stones, and we will help you choose the clarity (like VS or VVS) and the cut. You can view our finished diamond tennis bracelets to compare sparkles.
The 3D CAD Design
We do not start melting gold right away. First, our designers build a digital 3D model using CAD software. This ensures every stone is measured to the millimeter for our custom pendants.
This CAD blueprint lets you see the pendant from every single angle before we build it. You will see the exact dimensions, where every diamond goes, and how heavy the final piece will be. We adjust the digital model for our custom pendants until you are 100 percent happy.
This is where we tweak things. If you want a bigger bail for your chain or want to add diamonds to the side, we adjust the model until it is perfect. We can easily scale it to match our heavy gold necklaces.
Casting and Setting
Once you approve the digital design, we start the physical build. Every single piece is cast using our professional showroom setup for custom gold bracelets.
We 3D print a wax version of your design first. Then, we make a mold and cast it in solid gold. After that, our master jewelers set by hand every single diamond, using the same care details highlighted in our gold jewelry care guide.
This takes a lot of time and patience, but it is how you get that perfect shine. Finally, we polish the metal to a mirror finish. Check out our gold necklaces page to find a rope or franco chain that can handle the weight.
The Custom Pendant Design Timeline
Concept & Sizing (Day 1)
Bring in your sketches, reference photos, or design ideas to our Morrow showroom to nail down the gold karat and diamond specifications.
3D CAD Modeling (Days 2 to 7)
Our designers construct a detailed digital 3D model. We show you the blueprint from every angle so you can request adjustments before we cast.
Wax Printing & Casting (Week 2)
We 3D print a high precision wax model of the design, build a custom mold, and cast the pendant in solid 10K, 14K, or 18K yellow, white, or rose gold.
Hand Setting & Polishing (Weeks 3 to 4)
Master setters place each diamond by hand under magnification. Finally, the piece is polished to a premium, mirror like finish.
How Much Does It Cost?
The price of a custom pendant comes down to three main details: gold weight, diamonds, and design complexity. We source raw diamonds to fit your specific budget parameters for our custom diamond rings.
A larger, thicker pendant uses more gold, which raises the price; more diamonds (especially VVS or natural stones) will also cost more. Complex, highly detailed bails take longer to set and polish. We design every piece to be robust, matching the quality of our solid gold jewelry.
Simple gold designs start around a few hundred dollars, and iced out pieces go up from there. We will always give you a clear quote before we cast anything. You can consult with our team to match styles for custom pendants.
Live Custom Pendant Weight & Price Estimator
Disclaimer: Calculations are for informational reference only and do not include custom design fees, labor, setting costs, or final store quotes. All final quotes are provided in person at our showroom.
Feel the Weight in Person
Honestly, you need to feel the weight differences in your hands by dropping by our showroom in Morrow. We will lay out different sizes side by side so you can see the difference yourself. If you want to check out other chain styles, we can also show you our rope chains and classic franco chains.
Side by Side Comparison
Table 1: Gold Karats for Custom Pendants
| Karat | Gold Purity | Durability & Hardness | Color Richness | Best Suited For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10K Gold | 41.7% Pure Gold | Highest (Scratch Resistant) | Subtle Pale Yellow | Daily wear pendants, heavy everyday use |
| 14K Gold | 58.3% Pure Gold | High (Ideal Balance) | Classic Warm Yellow | Diamond pave pendants, standard custom designs |
| 18K Gold | 75.0% Pure Gold | Medium (Softer Metal) | Deep Rich Gold Yellow | High end statement pieces, minimal wear pendants |
Table 2: Custom Pendant Sizes & Weight Reference Chart
| Size Class | Physical Dimensions | Typical Gold Weight (14K) | Typical Diamond Weight | Recommended Chain Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small | 1.0" to 1.5" Height | 10 to 20 grams | 0.5 to 1.5 carats | 3mm to 5mm chains |
| Medium | 1.8" to 2.5" Height | 25 to 45 grams | 2.5 to 5.0 carats | 5mm to 8mm chains |
| Large | 2.8" to 3.5" Height | 60 to 100 grams | 6.0 to 12.0 carats | 8mm to 12mm chains |
| Extra Large | 4.0" and up | 150 to 300 grams | 15.0+ carats | 12mm+ solid Cuban link chains |
Visit Our Showroom at Southlake Mall
Ready to design your own custom diamond pendant? Stop by SB Custom Jewelers in Morrow, GA. Our team is available to sketch, size, and estimate your custom design. We are located at 1000 Southlake Cir, Suite 1202.
- Showroom Hours: Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Sunday: 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Phone: 470-953-6163
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How long does the custom pendant process take?
Usually 3 to 4 weeks. The digital CAD design takes 5 to 7 days, and the physical work (casting, setting, polishing) takes another 2 to 3 weeks. You can consult with our design team at our Southlake Mall in Morrow.
Can I use my own gold or diamonds?
Yes, absolutely. We can melt down your old gold jewelry or reuse loose diamonds you already have to make a new custom design.
What clarity of diamonds should I use?
Diamond clarity tells you how clean the stone is under magnification. For custom pendants, you will usually choose between SI (Slightly Included, which has tiny flaws invisible to the naked eye), VS (Very Slightly Included, which is the high quality sweet spot that sparkles beautifully), or VVS (Very Very Slightly Included, which are near flawless stones offering maximum fire and brilliance at a premium price). For most projects, SI or VS diamonds give you the best balance of look and budget.
Can you make a design from a photo?
Yes. Bring in a picture of a logo, a sketch, or a style you like to our showroom. We use that photo to design a unique 3D CAD blueprint for your pendants.
How do I choose the right chain for a custom pendant?
You must match the weight of the pendant to the chain to prevent stretching. We recommend pairing heavy custom pendants with solid gold necklaces like a rope or franco chain.
How much does a custom gold pendant cost?
Simple solid gold custom pendants start around four hundred dollars, while complex designs with diamond pave go up from there depending on gold weight and diamond carat. Our design center at our SB Custom Jewelers provides free quotes.
What is the minimum gold karat recommended for a custom piece?
We recommend 10k or 14k gold for durability. 10k solid gold is the hardest and most scratch resistant, making it ideal for daily wear solid gold jewelry.
Can you make custom nameplates and letters?
Yes, we design nameplates, letters, and custom logos. You can browse our online pendants gallery for examples of custom fonts.
How do I clean and care for my custom diamond pendant?
Soak it in warm water with mild dish soap and gently scrub with a soft toothbrush. For professional cleaning, bring your piece to our Morrow store.
Do you offer white gold or rose gold for custom pendants?
Yes, we work with 10k, 14k, and 18k white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, as well as platinum. You can choose the metal that best matches your style when you design a piece with us.
