Nanaimo’s custom jewellery scene shines brightest through its blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design techniques. Terry, the shop owner specialize in beautiful personal visions into customized wearable art. The custom design process typically flows through three phases: consultation, design, and expert crafting, with each piece telling its own unique story.
From family heirlooms to contemporary creations, these bespoke pieces offer unparalleled value through each jewelry personalization and quality materials. Regular maintenance and proper care guarantee these treasures last generations. The journey from concept to creation reveals a world where imagination meets artistry in the most spectacular ways.
Quick Summary
- Nanaimo Jewellers offers 45+ years of custom jewelry expertise with master goldsmith Terry Matheson leading the certified design team.
- Custom jewelry creation follows three phases: consultation for vision, hand drawing design with bee wax mold, and expert crafting with premium silver, 14k gold, 18k gold, or 24k gold materials.
- Natural gemstones add unique character, with diamonds and sapphires ideal for daily wear, emeralds and opals for special occasions.
- Professional maintenance and proper storage in velvet pouches protect custom pieces, ensuring they become valuable family heirlooms.
- Custom pieces reflect personal stories while offering potential value appreciation through superior craftsmanship and high-quality materials.
Why Choose Custom Jewellery

Custom jewellery represents the pinnacle of personal expression in fine accessories, offering unique opportunities for individualization that mass-produced accessories simply cannot match.
With complete control over every element, from metal selection to gemstone choices and design patterns, you can create a piece that perfectly reflects your style and personality. Custom design options allow for seamless collaboration with experienced jewelers to bring your vision to life.
The value of custom jewellery extends far beyond its aesthetic appeal. Each piece becomes a cherished heirloom, carrying personal stories and significance that can be passed down through generations.
Whether incorporating a family gemstone into a modern setting or transforming outdated pieces into contemporary treasures, custom jewellery holds deep emotional resonance.
Investing in custom jewellery means investing in superior craftsmanship and exceptional quality.
Expert artisans meticulously craft each piece using high-caliber materials, ensuring durability that withstands the test of time.
Unlike mass-produced alternatives, custom pieces allow you to wear something uniquely yours while making a lasting statement that reflects your personal style.
Top Nanaimo Custom Jewellers
Nanaimo has distinguished jewellers known for exceptional craftsmanship and dedication to custom design. Leading the industry is Nanaimo Jewellers, with over 45 years of experience and a certified team specializing in bespoke creations and expert repairs. Their master goldsmith, Terry Matheson, brings unparalleled expertise to every project, ensuring each piece tells a unique story. Located in Northridge Village Center, the store provides convenient access for customers throughout the region.
Terry focuses on personalized guidance through the creation process, offering diverse collections from engagement rings to everyday fine jewelry, all crafted with meticulous attention to detail.
Their services include complimentary steam cleaning and stone checking, and they’ve earned a reputation for handling delicate pieces with extraordinary care, using cutting-edge technology alongside time-honored techniques.
Whether you’re seeking a one-of-a-kind engagement ring or looking to transform a family heirloom, their artisans possess the expertise and creativity to bring your vision to life while maintaining the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
Visit Our Boutique
Located in Northridge Village Center, Nanaimo Jewellers welcomes you to explore our custom jewelry collections and discuss your design vision. Our experienced team, led by master goldsmith Terry Matheson, is here to serve you:
Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: Sundays and Holidays
We recommend scheduling consultations for custom pieces to ensure you receive our undivided attention during your visit. Walk-ins are always welcome for general inquiries and our complimentary cleaning services during business hours.
Custom Design Process

The creation of personalized jewelry follows a meticulously structured process that unfolds across three main phases: consultation, design, and crafting.
During the initial consultation, clients discuss their vision, share inspiration photos, and establish a budget that aligns with their needs. Popular jewelry choices include rings and necklaces, which account for the majority of custom requests.
The design phase brings the vision to life through detailed sketches and digital renderings. Hand caved beewax mold creates precise 3D models, and wax prototypes offer a tangible preview. This helps guarantee every detail matches expectations before moving forward.
The final crafting phase transforms the design into reality. Expert craftsmen carefully select materials, cast the piece, and meticulously set any chosen stones.
Throughout the journey, clients have Terry expertise in custom jewelry design and have opportunities to provide feedback, ensuring the final piece captures their vision. The process culminates in a thorough quality inspection, guaranteeing each custom creation meets the highest standards of craftsmanship.
Materials and Gemstone Selection
Selecting the perfect gemstone forms the cornerstone of creating meaningful custom jewelry. Each gemstone offers unique characteristics and symbolic significance. Premiun Natural gemstones have beautiful color and premium cut that add character and authenticity to your piece. From the timeless brilliance of diamonds to the mesmerizing color play of opals, every gemstone tells its own story.
For everyday wear pieces, diamonds, sapphires, and rubies prove excellent choices due to their exceptional durability. These stones can withstand daily activities while maintaining their stunning appearance.
Meanwhile, those drawn to the enchanting green of emeralds or the ethereal beauty of opals might take into account these softer stones for special occasion pieces or protected settings.
The selection process extends beyond mere aesthetics – it’s about finding a stone that resonates with personal meaning. Whether it’s a sapphire’s deep blue representing wisdom and loyalty, or a ruby’s passionate red symbolizing love, each choice adds layers of significance to your custom piece.
When selecting a gemstone, consider factors like durability and care requirements for your final decision.
Popular Custom Jewellery Styles

Custom jewelry styles showcase diverse design elements that range from nature-inspired motifs to bold statement pieces. Nature enthusiasts gravitate toward designs featuring organic materials like textured metals and wood, often complemented by gemstones.
Style Category | Key Features | Popular Elements |
---|---|---|
Nature-Inspired | Organic textures | Flowers, leaves, wood |
Vintage Revival | Heirloom updates | Mixed metals, pearls |
Bold Statements | Chunky designs | Layered chains, gems |
In our Nanaimo boutique, custom jewelry styles tell a story through diverse design elements that speak to individual tastes. Nature enthusiasts find themselves drawn to pieces that capture Vancouver Island’s natural beauty, featuring organic textures in metals that mirror bark patterns and waves, often adorned with raw gemstones or incorporating sustainable wood elements. Our vintage revival collection breathes new life into classic heirloom designs, artfully blending mixed metals with lustrous pearls to create pieces that honor the past while embracing modern aesthetics. For those seeking to make a bold statement, we craft dramatic pieces featuring chunky designs and layered chains studded with eye-catching gems, ensuring each piece becomes a powerful expression of personal style.
Cost and Investment Considerations
Investing in custom jewelry requires careful consideration of both immediate costs and long-term value potential. Several factors influence the final price tag, including material selection, craftsmanship, and design complexity. While that perfect diamond engagement ring might seem like it’s worth its weight in gold, there are various ways to achieve your dream piece while staying within budget.
Custom pieces are significant investments, creative alternatives, such as using lab-created gemstones or opting for simpler designs that can be enhanced over time, can help achieve your desired look.
Think of it as creating your jewelry wardrobe one carefully curated piece at a time!
When considering the investment aspect, factors like material quality, craftsmanship, and proper documentation play essential roles in maintaining value. Choosing a jeweler who provides GIA certification and detailed documentation can make a significant difference in your piece’s long-term worth.
Care for Custom Pieces

Your custom jewelry investment deserves proper care to maintain its beauty and value for generations to come. Following proper care guidelines will help your cherished pieces continue to sparkle and shine.
Start by establishing a regular cleaning routine using a soft, lint-free cloth to gently polish your pieces and remove everyday oils and dirt. Using harsh cleaning products can damage your jewelry, so stick to gentle methods.
When it comes to storage, think of your jewelry like fine wine – it needs the right environment to stay perfect. Store each piece separately in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Those little velvet pouches aren’t just for show; they’re perfect for preventing scratches and tarnish.
Remember to remove your jewelry before applying perfumes, lotions, or heading to the gym.
For more intricate pieces or those with delicate gemstones, consider professional cleaning services.
With proper care, these pieces can become cherished family heirlooms for future generations.
Finding Your Perfect Designer
When selecting a custom jewellery designer, the decision carries significant weight in bringing your vision to life. The right artisan will combine traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to create stunning pieces that tell your unique story.
The perfect designer should possess several essential qualities that guarantee your custom jewellery experience is nothing short of extraordinary:
- Extensive experience in custom design, backed by industry certifications
- A diverse portfolio that showcases versatility and exceptional attention to detail
- Clear communication skills and a genuine interest in understanding your vision
- Transparent pricing and ethical sourcing practices
- Access to modern design technologies like 3D printing and CAD software
The selection process might seem intimidating initially, but taking time to research thoroughly pays dividends in the long run. Initial consultation are crucial for sharing your ideas and inspirations with the designer.
Consider scheduling consultations to get a feel for the designer’s approach and personality. Creating custom jewellery is a collaborative journey – you’ll want someone who not only possesses technical expertise but also resonates with your style and makes you feel comfortable throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Family Heirlooms Be Incorporated Into New Custom Jewelry Designs?
Family heirlooms can be beautifully transformed into new custom jewelry pieces while preserving their sentimental value.
Working with a skilled jeweler, you can reimagine inherited pieces through various techniques like resizing vintage rings, repurposing precious stones, or transforming existing metals into new designs.
How Long Does It Typically Take to Receive a Finished Custom Piece?
The timeline for receiving a finished custom piece varies based on several factors.
Each custom piece requires careful attention and craftsmanship throughout multiple stages, including design approval, production, and final delivery.
Like any work of art, creating a custom piece requires dedicated time to ensure exceptional quality and attention to detail.
Are Virtual Consultations Available for Custom Jewelry Design Appointments?
Virtual consultations are Not Available for custom jewelry design appointments.
You can discuss your design ideas, share inspiration photos, and get expert guidance by visiting our store in person.
What Happens if the Finished Piece Doesn’t Meet My Expectations?
If your finished piece doesn’t meet expectations, we’ll start by discussing your specific concerns during a detailed review session.
Our jewellers will evaluate possible adjustments or modifications to achieve your vision.
Any necessary refinements will be addressed promptly to ensure your complete satisfaction.
Clear communication throughout this process helps us deliver the custom piece you envision.
Can Custom Jewelry Be Insured During the Creation Process?
Custom jewelry can be insured during the creation process.
Insurance coverage is available for items under construction when proper documentation is maintained.
Documentation should include photographs of the work in progress, material receipts, and records of the creation process.
While maintaining documentation requires extra effort, it helps protect your investment from the initial stages through completion.
Conclusion
In the heart of Vancouver Island, Nanaimo’s custom jewelry artistry represents more than just craftsmanship—it’s a celebration of personal stories and timeless beauty. Under the expert guidance of master goldsmith Terry Matheson and his team at Nanaimo Jewellers, each piece becomes a unique testament to individual expression and superior craftsmanship. From the initial consultation through the final creation, every custom piece embodies the perfect blend of traditional techniques and contemporary innovation. Whether preserving family histories through reimagined heirlooms or crafting bold new designs that capture Vancouver Island’s natural beauty, our commitment to excellence ensures each piece will be cherished for generations. As we continue to serve our community with over 45 years of expertise, we invite you to experience the artistry and dedication that makes custom jewelry not just an accessory, but a lasting legacy of personal expression.