An original custom design begins with a blank piece of paper, or more often today, a blank screen on a computer. Schuck Jewelers work with their customers to create the ultimate design. We'll work on the design until we see you smile. We know the satisfaction you acquire when your item of jewelry is yours alone and shared with no one else.

Often a shopper goes to a jeweler and with their help, selects a stock mounting or perhaps a mounting from a catalog, and using their diamonds and/or gemstones remake them into a new jewelry item. Although this process is performed at Schuck Jewelers, it is not an original "custom" design. This outcome produces a "remount".

Schuck Jewelers has performed thousands of remounts since 1916. Often the work is done in the store's goldsmith shop. However, being professionally trained goldsmiths, we always want the highest level of workmanship on any remount. Therefore, we partner with master goldsmiths in the region as well as across the country to present the highest level of workmanship. Rest assured, we personally have our fingerprints on every single remount whether performed in our shop or by a master goldsmith elsewhere. Your diamonds and gemstones are always being safely guarded and protected during the entire remount process.

Schuck Jewelers has been actively involved with producing original custom designs for their customers, as well as for the store's showcases, for nearly 100 years. Originally, most of the work was performed in the store's goldsmith shop. However, through the years, we have built partnerships with nationally renowned designers as well as new and developing designers. All work is coordinated with our goldsmith and the customer participates in all the steps from the first visit to the delivery of the finished item of jewelry.

The anatomy of a custom design has many steps. A hand carved wax model or a CAD/CAM model decision is only one of them.

  • The initial visit - This first visit and usually several return visits, is the most difficult for the customer. It is where the customer discusses their wishes and the frustrations of searching for the look they have always wanted. We make it as easy and informative as possible. Remember, we have done this many times before and for nearly 100 years. We never rush the customer and will work with them as long as necessary to make it to the next step.
  • The initial design - The first concepts usually start with photos of our past designs, catalog and computer photos and of course counter sketches. We determine whether the old world process of a hand carved wax model of the concept is the best and perhaps most cost effective method, or the new world of a CAD. The concept is refined to determine the costs.
  • The estimate - A designer and goldsmith is chosen for the assignment and an estimate is worked up and reviewed with the customer.
  • The anatomy of the estimate - The philosophy of Schuck Jewelers is to make custom designed jewelry as affordable as possible. Hence, we pass along only our actual costs for the design elements; the sketches and the time charges for the engineering and artistic production of the wax model by the designer/goldsmith/artist. You pay the wholesale costs. We add no markup to retail for these steps of the process. The estimate has only one variable item at this stage. The cost of metal content used is subject to the actual amount used for the finished item. The labor cost portion is predetermined. This philosophy is extremely unusual but that is what sets Schuck Jewelers apart from other fine and capable jewelry stores.
  • The commitment to the final design - The initial design is reviewed and any final design changes are made at this time. The estimate is reviewed and "tweaked" if necessary and the wax model work begins.
  • The wax model review - Whether the wax model was hand carved or grown by the state-of-the-art CAD/CAM method, you get the model in your hand. Now the wait begins. Although it may only take days or a few weeks, the time will seem long as you anticipate delivery.
  • The delivery - This step is the most exciting and rewarding. You receive the phone call and come into the store to pick up the finished item.

Schuck Jewelers loves to perform original designs for our customers. We make it affordable and you participate in the process. It is your concept and all we do is make it happen.