Custom Jewelry
Something entirely new. Something with a history. Something that feels like you.
Some of my favorite pieces begin with a simple question: "Could you make something out of this?"
Maybe it's a gemstone you've been holding onto for years. An inherited ring that isn't quite your style. A handful of broken gold chains. Or an idea you've had in your head that you haven't been able to find anywhere else.
I'm Abby, the artist and metalsmith behind Mettle by Abby, and I love making those ideas happen. I design and handcraft custom jewelry in my Woodstock, Georgia studio, working directly with you from our first conversation to the finished piece.
Have something in mind? Let's talk about it.
Made for You, From the Beginning
Custom jewelry doesn't have to start with a perfectly formed idea. Sometimes all you have is a stone, an old piece of jewelry, a photograph, or a feeling you're trying to capture. That's plenty to start a conversation.
I work in solid gold and Argentium sterling silver, often incorporating natural gemstones and traditional hand-fabrication techniques. Each project is different, and I approach it that way.
Whether you're celebrating something wonderful, remembering someone important, or simply creating something you've always wanted, my goal is to make jewelry that's personal, thoughtfully designed, and built to be worn.
How the Custom Process Works
1. We Talk
Tell me what you're imagining. We can talk by email, text, or phone, whichever is easiest. You're welcome to share photographs, sketches, inspiration, existing jewelry, or gemstones you want to incorporate.
I'll ask questions, offer ideas, and help you figure out what's possible. You don't need to know anything about jewelry construction to get started. That's my part!
2. We Work Out the Design and Price
Depending on the project, I may draw sketches, discuss different gemstones or metal options, and work through the details with you.
I can often provide a ballpark estimate early in the conversation, so you have an idea of what to expect before we get too far into the design.
For some solid gold pieces, I'll give you a price range rather than a fixed number because the final cost depends on how much gold the finished design requires.
Once we're happy with the design and have agreed on the pricing arrangement, I can get started. A deposit may be required, especially when I need to purchase costly materials specifically for your piece.
3. I Make Your Jewelry
This is the part I love most.
I personally fabricate your jewelry in my studio using traditional metalsmithing techniques. Depending on the design, that might involve melting metal, forming wire or sheet, soldering, shaping, setting gemstones, and plenty of careful finishing.
I often photograph or film the process so you can see your piece taking shape. I love sharing those behind-the-scenes moments with customers, especially when the jewelry carries a meaningful story. I may also ask your permission to share parts of the process publicly, while keeping your personal details private.
4. Your Finished Piece Is Ready
Once your jewelry is complete, I'll send you a private Shopify checkout link so you can complete payment and arrange shipping.
And then comes the best part: getting to wear something made just for you.
Old Gold, New Possibilities
You may already have the materials for your next favorite piece of jewelry.
Reworking existing gold is one of my specialties, and it's something I genuinely enjoy. I've worked with customers who have inherited jewelry, broken chains, old rings, and other gold pieces that have been sitting unworn for years.
When the metal is suitable, I can melt your existing gold, cast it into an ingot, and then hand-fabricate new metal stock from that ingot. From there, I create an entirely new piece of jewelry.
In other words, the gold itself can continue its story in a completely different form.
This can be especially meaningful with inherited jewelry, wedding bands, or pieces that hold memories but no longer suit the person wearing them. It can also reduce the amount of new precious metal needed, potentially saving money.
Not every gold alloy is appropriate for direct reuse, so I'll evaluate what you have and explain the options before we decide how to proceed.
Giving Old Gemstones a New Life
Sometimes the stone is the part you want to keep.
I can often incorporate suitable gemstones from existing jewelry into a completely new design. Maybe you love your grandmother's sapphire but not its setting. Maybe you've inherited a ring that doesn't fit your style. Or perhaps you have a loose gemstone waiting for the right idea.
I'll look at the stone's condition, dimensions, and suitability for the design you have in mind. Not every stone can be safely removed or reset, but there are often more possibilities than you might expect.
Trade In Gold You No Longer Wear
You don't necessarily have to reuse your old gold in the new piece to benefit from its value.
I also accept qualifying gold as credit toward custom jewelry and other Mettle by Abby pieces.
Have white gold but want yellow gold? Want to trade old gold jewelry toward something in sterling silver? We can talk about that, too.
I offer competitive credit based on the gold's purity, weight, and current metal value. I'll explain the options so you can decide whether it makes more sense to reuse the actual metal or apply its value toward something different.
Have old gold or gemstones? Tell me what you've got.
How Long Does Custom Jewelry Take?
Most of my custom projects take approximately 1–3 weeks after design approval, depending on complexity, materials, and my current workload.
Some projects can be completed sooner, and others may need more time. Because I'm the person making every piece, I always recommend contacting me well ahead of a birthday, anniversary, wedding, or other important date.
If you have a deadline, let me know. Rush projects are sometimes possible when my schedule allows.
What Does Custom Jewelry Cost?
There's no one-size-fits-all price for custom jewelry, because no two projects are exactly alike.
The cost depends on the design, materials, gemstones, metal weight, and work involved. Using your existing gold or gemstones may help reduce material costs, depending on the project.
I'm happy to discuss ideas and give you an initial estimate before you commit. You don't need to know your exact budget or have every detail worked out before reaching out.
For projects that require costly materials, a deposit may be requested. Final payment is typically handled through a private checkout link when your piece is finished.
Want to See How It's Made?
I share videos from my studio regularly, from the first sparks of the torch to finished jewelry ready to wear.
If you're curious about what really goes into handmade jewelry, come take a look. You'll see gold being melted, metal being shaped, gemstones being set, and all sorts of interesting things happening at my workbench.
Follow along on Instagram or find Mettle by Abby on Facebook.
Let's Make Something
Whether you've got a fully formed design or just a little spark of an idea, I'd love to hear about it.
You can tell me what you're imagining, send pictures of jewelry or gemstones you already own, ask about using your old gold, or simply find out whether something is possible.
You'll be talking directly to me, the person who will design and make your jewelry.
Based in Woodstock, Georgia, serving customers locally and beyond.
Custom Work From My Studio
No two commissions are quite alike. Here are a few examples of pieces I've created for customers, from completely new designs to jewelry made using treasured materials.
Have an idea of your own? I'd love to hear it.