What is the process for personalising jewellery at Steven Charles Quance?

Personalising jewellery at Steven Charles Quance is a consultation-led process that turns an existing piece or a new design into something individual. It may involve engraving a name, date, message, initials or symbol, or incorporating a bespoke design feature into a ring, pendant, bracelet, watch or other suitable item. The process is confirmed with you at each stage so the inscription, positioning, appearance and practical requirements are understood before work begins.

The process typically involves:

• Consultation and design discussion: We discuss what you would like to personalise, whether you are providing an existing piece or selecting something new, and the meaning or purpose behind the design. You can discuss wording, lettering style, symbols, dates, handwriting, placement and the overall appearance you want to achieve.
• Assessment of the jewellery or watch: The piece is examined to establish whether it is suitable for engraving or another personalisation method. This includes considering the material, surface area, curvature, thickness, construction, existing settings and overall condition. Some surfaces may not provide enough room for an inscription, while intricate or delicate pieces may require a different approach.
• Review of the proposed details: We check the spelling, punctuation, initials, date format and any symbols before the work is authorised. The available space can affect the size and style of the lettering, so the final layout may need to be adapted to remain clear and well proportioned. If you are supplying a handwritten message, logo or drawn design, its suitability for reproduction will also be considered.
• Quotation and approval: You receive the relevant details of the proposed work and its cost before proceeding. This allows you to confirm the inscription, position, finish and timescale. Personalised work is not started until the specification has been agreed, which is particularly important because an engraved piece is made specifically to your instructions.
• Engraving or bespoke work: Once approved, the jewellery or watch is prepared and the agreed personalisation is carried out using a method appropriate to the item and the desired result. The work may be completed by hand or with suitable precision equipment, depending on the material, design and finish required.
• Quality check: The finished piece is checked for clarity, positioning, finish and general condition. Any associated work, such as cleaning, polishing or adjustments agreed during the consultation, is reviewed as part of the completion process.
• Collection, return and aftercare: We explain any relevant care requirements when the piece is ready. If the jewellery requires future attention, services such as cleaning, repairs, resizing, remodelling or valuation can be discussed separately.

For an existing item, an assessment before confirming the work is especially important. Engraving can be permanent, and removing or changing an inscription may not always be possible without altering the original surface. We therefore recommend checking the wording carefully and raising any concerns about wear, sentimental value, stones, hinges, clasps or other vulnerable features during the consultation.

The finished appearance depends on the jewellery’s material, surface and finish. A highly polished area may produce a different contrast from a brushed or textured surface, and lettering may appear differently on a curved band than on a flat pendant. We can explain the practical options and help you choose a design that is legible, balanced and suitable for regular wear.

Personalisation can also be incorporated into a new bespoke piece rather than added afterwards. In that case, the inscription or design is considered alongside the shape, setting, dimensions and intended use of the jewellery from the outset. This can provide greater flexibility over placement and scale, particularly for meaningful details that need to be discreet or integrated into the design.

To begin, bring or discuss the item you would like to personalise and provide the exact wording or design wherever possible. We can then assess its suitability, explain the available options and confirm the specification before any work is undertaken.