Disegno Bespoke - Custom Designing

Custom designed jewellery in 18k gold and platinum like you've never before experienced. I'm professionally trained in design and have a strong design aesthetic. More importantly however I'm here to help you bring out your design desires.

Custom designing begins with an exploration of your ideas and elements that reflect you; I'll refine those on paper. The designs are drawn to size and are precise down to the quarter-millimetre, with top, side and end views shown — there will be no mistaking what you are getting. As a certified gemologist I will advise you on gem possibilities. A wax model is then made in which further refinements can be made before going to casting. To get more of a sense of the process, see the photographic chronology below chronicling the creation of a custom designed solid 18k gold bracelet (and see the Gallery for zoom images).

In 2011, Disegno began Toronto Bespoke, regular custom design events in Toronto and Mississauga. Contact Disegno for the dates of the next event.  Bespoke events also available in Montreal, contact Disegno to discuss. This is also a perfect opportunity to bring your old gold for credit —see The Gold Bar for more details.

Contacting me from further afield? Custom designing is easily achieved.  A number of years ago — before the ease of cell phones — I created the Continental Animals bracelet in solid 18k gold for a client running a game lodge in a remote area of northern Botswana. See Canada-Canada for the results and his appreciation under Testimonials.

To date (2021), I've completed well over 700 custom design projects.  To see a sampling of these, visit the Custom Design Gallery.

Contact Disegno for more details.

The Creation of a Custom Designed Solid 18k Gold Bracelet

1. Drawings It all begins on paper: detailed designs hand-drawn to scale.	2. Wax A model is carved in jeweller's wax, in which refinements can be made. This model is then cast in the client's choice of precious metal.	3. Silver Metal Model If numerous copies are required (e.g. the links in this bracelet) then the wax becomes a metal model in sterling, a rubber mould created from it, and from the mould copies in gold or platinum.
4. Rough Cast This is the rough cast of a link in 18k yellow gold showing the cut end of the sprue.	5. Rough Cast, First Polish First round of clean up of one of the gold links.	6. Rough Cast, Building Links Getting a sense of the links together.
7. Inlay, Rough Solder Specific to this project only, 18k rose gold raised inlay soldered into groove (pre-polish).	8. Inlay, First Polish Again, specific to this project only, this photo shows links with rose gold inlay, rough polished.	9. Polishing, Option 1 I showed the client three polishing options. First option: high-polished yellow gold, matte finished rose gold.
10. Polishing, Option 2 Second option: matte finished yellow gold and high-polished rose gold inlay.	11. Polishing, Option 3 Third option: both the yellow and the rose gold were high polished — the client chose this.	12. Assembled Finished bracelet shows the exquisite detail of 18k rose gold inlay and 18k white gold connectors.
13. Exact Length Length of the clasp was created to exact measurements to ensure an overall bracelet length of 7.5".	14. Clasp Precision The client requested the clasp be made very tight and not easily opened.	15. Additional Safety The hand-fabricated figure 8 catches on each side of the clasp give an additional security to the closure.
16. Movement 18k white gold rods allow for articulation of the links.	17. Clasp Detail Detail of the clasp interior and figure of eight catches. Note the overhang of the rose gold inlay providing a 'handle' for opening the clasp.	18. Behind the Scenes Textured and matte finished underside of the links and the hand-fabricated plate with the 'Disegno' trademark and 18k stamps.