Commissioning a piece of jewellery remotely from as far as Texas

In today’s world, finding love online is the norm. Not too long ago this would have been unheard of, but dating sites have normalised it and, as jewellers, we meet so many couples that have met online today that the rare ones are those who have actually met in the wild.  

Not too long ago, commissioning a bespoke piece of jewellery was only done face to face.  Many high end jewellers actually used to visited their customers in their own homes and even spent days with them, such is the case of Jacques Cartier and the Maharajas of Patiala. Cartier would probably be seen as an extreme example today but back in the day it was ok.

But there is no need for that anymore, thanks to technology as we can work remotely with our clients and even hold face to face meetings via zoom or google meets. 

So, I was not surprised when my client S contacted me all the way from Houston, Texas to commission a beautiful necklace for his girlfriend.  As a Wimbledon, south west London, jewellery designer I have the privilege to do custom jewellery work with clients all over the world.

How exciting to be the Venezuelan jewellery designer of his choice.

What did surprise me was the reason he chose me.  He was interested in working exclusively with a Venezuelan jewellery designer as his girl friend is Venezuelan. He had googled Venezuelan jewellery designers and several came up but he liked my designs bests.  To say that I am honoured is an understatement!

As a Venezuelan jewellery designer, I definitely take inspiration in my roots, I draw from my experiences of growing up in Caracas and having the Caribbean Sea as my back yard. I spent long summers on the island of Margarita, where my father was born.  The underwater world and its wonderful coral reefs of the Caribbean are my main source of inspiration.

Venezuela is source of wonder to me, it never fails to surprise me, from its beauty to its horrors. A land full of colour and passion, surreal and magical at times. 

More than just a pendant necklace

He loved one of my pendants but wanted it in 18 carat yellow gold and more importantly he wanted to have it engraved with a very personal message:

He said, "I would like it to say "I love you more today than yesterday”, but in Spanish. And not just any Spanish.

His girlfriend is Venezuelan, but not just Venezuelan: she is a proud “Maracucha”. As in from the city of Maracaibo in the "almost" independent republic of Zulia.

The "Maracuchos" have their own slang and grammar rules. So, as a Caraqueña, I needed to lean into my Maracucha friends to get this phrase right. After a few rounds of intense whatsapp messaging we got to "Mi amor por vos, es más mollejuo hoy que ayer..”

There was no way I could get this wrong, Zulianos are proud of their roots, their customs and traditions and I was not about to be the Caraqueña who let the side down.

After a few zoom meetings, emails and texts we decided on the design. I sourced a gorgeous smooth London blue topaz cabochon. After finding the perfect gemstone, I hand carved the pendant in wax and had it cast into 18 carat yellow gold.

Once the casting came back, I cleaned it, set the stone and had one of the wonderful and talented engravers in Hatton Garden, London’s jewellery district, engrave the special message on the back of the pendant.

An engraving on the back side was ideal, as it was clear, yet also a little secret she could carry with her, always close to her heart.

Last but not least the pendant was sent off to the London Assay office to verify the quality of the metal and the full assay marks were hallmarked onto the pendant. I love how the UK has this legal requirement, not all countries do and it really does give my international client a reassurance that they are getting what they paid for.

After gift wrapping it as beautifully as possible, the pendant was sent to the USA from London via DHL (link), who are by the far the safest and most convenient way to send jewellery abroad. 

Despite my initial thoughts that most couples meet online, these two met in real life, through mutual friends at the local gym they go to.  So there you go, a couple meeting real life with a virtual jewellery designer. I am delighted to have played a small role in their love story.

I hope that every time she sees it, it brings a huge smile to her lovely face.

Personalised, custom made jewellery is the best way to express your love. I would be happy to explore ideas with you.  I take great pride in assuring you that that every piece is created my Wimbledon workshop with some help from the best craftsmen in Hatton Garden, London. This gives me the ability to make sure your jewellery is 100% British made. 

Seeing a bespoke jewellery commission come to life is an exciting process. The end result sometimes even takes us by surprise, the outcome being even more amazing than even we could imagine. 

Would you like to find out more about how to commission your own piece of jewellery?

Militza Ortiz

Jewellery designer and maker, based in the Wimbledon, London, UK.  Envisioning and hand crafting future heirlooms for 20 years.

www.militzaortiz.com