Create a Custom Jewellery Piece with Lorne

Bespoke Engagement Rings and Custom Fine Jewellery Designed in Cape Town

At Lorne Jewellery, we believe your jewellery should reflect your personal story. Be it an engagement ring, a milestone gift, a sentimental heirloom redesign or a once-off commission, we specialise in custom made jewellery that is meaningful and beautiful made with the utmost care.

All bespoke pieces are designed by our founder and jewellery designer, Gillian Lawrence, and are handcrafted by expert goldsmiths using quality materials. Every detail is considered to create a piece that is both beautiful and enduring.

This is an immensely exciting journey to see your treasured piece come to life from concept to creation and we would be thrilled to be part of it. We understand what a big step this can be; the significance, the investment, and the anticipation. Every stage brings its own feeling of excitement and we truly hope you enjoy the process as much as we do.

The Bespoke Jewellery Process

We’ve developed a thoughtful and transparent process to ensure your journey to a custom piece is seamless and collaborative.
This process is available both in-person at our Cape Town studio and virtually for clients across South Africa and abroad.

Step 1: Enquire and Share Your Vision

Start by filling in our custom design form or contacting us directly. If you have reference images or sketches, you are welcome to include them. If not, we will help guide the design direction based on your ideas, lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

The more information you share at this stage, the more tailored and accurate your initial quote will be.

Step 2: Personal Consultation with Our Designer

You will meet with jewellery designer Gillian Lawrence to discuss your vision, preferences, budget and timeline. This can take place either in person at our studio or via video call if you are based outside of Cape Town.

This collaborative consultation ensures we understand exactly what you are hoping to create and how to best bring it to life.

Step 3: Stone Selection and Material Guidance

Based on your preferences and design concept, we will source a curated selection of gemstones and diamonds for your consideration. Choose from responsibly sourced natural or lab-grown diamonds, sapphires, moissanites or other semi-precious stones.

We will also advise on the best metal options including yellow, white or rose gold, as well as platinum, to suit your design and lifestyle.

Stone selection can be done remotely with detailed photographs, video, and expert guidance.

Step 4: Quoting and Project Confirmation

Once the design direction and materials are confirmed, you will receive a detailed quote outlining the full scope of the project. However, this step is not limited to step 4 and can be provided upfront.

Step 5: 3D Design Rendering (CAD)

After approval of your quote, we begin the in depth design process including sketches and CAD (Computer-Aided Design) renderings. This includes a 3D rendering of your design, allowing you to visualise proportions, structure and details before production.

You may request up to two design refinements during this stage. A 3D printed model is also available on request for clients who would like to view the design in physical form.

Step 6: Handmade in Cape Town

Once the final design is approved, your piece will be manufactured by skilled local artisans. Each piece is produced in Cape Town.

Production timelines typically range from four to eight weeks depending on design complexity and material sourcing.

Step 7: Completion and Delivery

It's all yours!

Your completed custom jewellery piece will be carefully inspected, professionally packaged and made available for collection from our studio or securely delivered to your preferred address locally or internationally.

All bespoke jewellery includes a valuation certificate for insurance purposes. We also offer complimentary resizing (within one month of collection or delivery) and lifetime polishing and setting checks to keep your piece looking its best.

Revamping Heirloom Jewellery

If you have heirloom jewellery that is no longer your style or has been tucked away for years, do not let it go to waste. At Lorne Jewellery, we offer a bespoke heirloom revamp service that breathes new life into sentimental pieces. We carefully extract and repurpose the gemstones, diamonds, and precious metals from your existing jewellery and reimagine them into spectacular modern designs that reflect your current style.

When it comes to gold, we generally offer a gold credit rather than reusing the metal directly. This is because different gold alloys should not be mixed during remodelling. We handle all the necessary steps to exchange your gold through a trusted local refinery and apply that value towards your new piece.

Whether it is an outdated ring, a lone earring, or a worn-out chain, we will help you transform forgotten treasures into beautiful, wearable jewellery you will be proud to wear every day. It is a meaningful way to honour family history while creating something truly unique.

If you would like to discuss revamping an heirloom piece, contact us to begin your journey.