There are many reasons for wanting a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery. You may want to mark a special day such as an engagement or anniversary. You may want to remodel existing jewellery. Or you may be allergic to many common jewellery metals.

Marilyn Tan is an experienced bespoke jeweller. She explains, “Allergies to nickel are not uncommon. It’s used in some alloys. Some people can even be allergic to silver or gold. So it’s an expert process to make hypoallergenic jewellery.” She can carefully hand make hypoallergenic jewellery in non-reactive precious metals, including platinum.

The custom jewellery process starts with talking to your jeweller. When you work with Marilyn Tan you can meet in her atelier in Singapore, or talk remotely via video call.

You collaborate with Marilyn every step of the way, from picking gemstones, jade and precious metals, to talking about the symbolism and message you want to communicate with your custom jewellery.

Detailed designs keep clients updated at every stage of the bespoke jewellery design.

Marilyn also keeps you updated with detailed sketches and drawings of the designs and photos of the crafting process, so you can watch your ideas come to life.

Master craftsmen hand make every piece of bespoke jewellery

To get great bespoke jewellery, start by thinking about these 7 questions. You don’t have to write an essay. These questions get you thinking about what matters to you:

1. Who is the custom jewellery piece for?

Do you want to make a bespoke piece of jewellery for yourself, your spouse, your child, a friend, a colleague, or a family member?

2. Do you have family heirloom jewellery or old pieces that you would like to use?

Marilyn Tan Jewellery can incorporate the jade, metals or gemstones into your newly designed commission. This enhances the sentimental value and can make your budget stretch further.

2. What does their relationship mean to you?
Are they with you every day? When you look ahead, do you see them sharing your journey in life? Or perhaps they are in your past, but helped make you the person you are today? Thinking about these questions helps you articulate why this person is so special to you.

3. Why make this jewellery now?
Is there a life milestone coming up? Have they recently done something great? Would you like to include certain numbers or dates or shapes into the design to mark a special event?

4. What’s your favourite memory of them?
Is there a story you tell about them? When you close your eyes and think of yourself with this person, where are you? What’s happening? What does it mean? Why is this memory so important to you?

5. What are their personal style and passions?
Do they like certain colours or shapes? What are their hobbies and passions? Do they admire the style of any famous women or men? Do you have any photos of jewellery they already love? All this can help your jeweller design a custom-piece of jewellery to suit their style perfectly

6. What budget are you considering?
It’s fine to be clear about your budget. A talented jeweller can work with you to come up with a design and a price you love. Remember that a gemstone’s colour, cut, clarity and carat aren't everything with custom pieces – your unique design and the quality of the workmanship also matters.

To ask about our custom jewellery service at Marilyn Tan Jewellery
Please contact us at info@marilyntanjewellery.com.sg

Inside The Bespoke Jewellery Process
See how Marilyn Tan worked with her client to create this heirloom of tomorrow

Bespoke necklace clasp, in green peridot gems set in silver plated in Black Rhodium.

Marilyn’s client wanted to make her pearl necklace even more distinctive and versatile. The solution is a jewelled clasp inspired by the client’s favourite peridot earrings, which are also by Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Lasting values and symbolism are woven into the detailed design of this necklace clasp. The elongated wing shape is inspired by an ancient design that is loved throughout SouthEast Asia, India and China. Originally from Persia, this wing shape is a symbol of life and eternity.

The clap is sterling silver, for strength, plated in precious Black Rhodium metal, carefully chosen by Marilyn to complement the glowing grey pearls in the necklace.

Master craftsmen hand-finish bespoke pieces of jewellery.

As for the gems, green peridot gems are associated with renewal, good health and harmony. What could be more fitting for a necklace destined to add joy and style to every event, both now – and for generations to come?

Bespoke Peridot and black Rhodium clasp for a necklace of black pearls

To ask about our custom jewellery service at Marilyn Tan Jewellery
Please contact us at info@marilyntanjewellery.com.sg