What Is the difference between Bespoke and Custom jewellery?

Aurum Jewellers • March 21, 2026

If you have started looking for an engagement ring, a wedding ring, or any other piece of fine jewellery, you have probably come across both of these terms.

They are often used interchangeably — but they do not mean the same thing, and the difference matters enormously when you are commissioning something as important as a ring.

What Does "Custom" Jewellery Mean?

Custom jewellery — sometimes called "customised jewellery" — typically means choosing from a set of pre-designed options and making selections within those options.

You might pick the metal type, the setting style, and the stone shape from a menu of choices.

The result is a ring that is personalised, but it is still built from standardised, often mass-produced components.

Many jewellers advertise this as a "bespoke" service. It is not. It is a customised service — which is useful and perfectly valid, but it is not the same as truly bespoke.

What Does "Bespoke" Jewellery Actually Mean?

Truly bespoke jewellery starts from a blank sheet of paper — or in our case, a blank workbench.

There are no pre-made components, no standardised settings, no templates.

Everything is designed from scratch based on your brief, and then made by hand specifically for you.

This means complete creative freedom. If you want an engagement ring that incorporates a family heirloom diamond, is made from a metal that matches your wedding ring, has a profile that is comfortable for someone who uses their hands a lot, and is designed in a style that is contemporary but not fashion-led — a bespoke jeweller can achieve all of that. A customised service cannot.

The Aurum Approach

At Aurum designer-jewellers in Worthing, we have been making truly bespoke jewellery since 1985.

Every piece — whether it is an engagement ring, a wedding ring, an eternity ring, a pendant or a pair of earrings — is designed in a one-to-one consultation and then made by hand in our on-site workshop.

You will not speak with a sales assistant. You will speak with a goldsmith — someone who actually makes the jewellery. This means the conversation is informed, practical and genuinely collaborative.

If you would like to explore what is possible, we offer a free, no-obligation design consultation at our Worthing studio. We welcome clients from across Sussex, Surrey, and the whole of the UK.

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Platinum vs Gold for an Engagement Ring: Which Should You Choose?

By Aurum Jewellers • March 20, 2026

One of the most common questions we are asked during an engagement ring consultation is: should I choose platinum or gold? The answer depends on several factors — aesthetics, durability, lifestyle, and budget. Here is an honest guide from the goldsmiths at Aurum. Platinum: The Premium Choice Platinum is the most prestigious metal for fine jewellery, and for good reason. It is naturally white — it does not need rhodium plating to achieve its bright silver colour, unlike white gold. Over time, platinum develops a natural patina that many wearers come to love; it does not lose metal when it scratches, it simply moves. It is also hypoallergenic and extremely durable. Traditionally, a yellow gold engagement ring would have the diamond set in platinum, as it is the best metal for holding stones securely. Platinum is denser than gold, which means it is heavier — and historically, was much more expensive per gram. Currently gold is considerably more expensive than platinum. At the time of writing, a platinum ring will cost around the same an an identical ring in 18ct white gold. Gold: Timeless and Versatile Gold comes in three colours — yellow, white, and rose — each with its own character. Yellow gold is classic and warm; it has enjoyed a significant resurgence in recent years, particularly in contemporary bespoke designs. Rose gold has a romantic, vintage feel. White gold offers a modern, silver-toned look at a lower price point than platinum. We typically work with 18ct gold (75% pure gold) for our engagement and wedding rings, which offers an excellent balance of richness of colour, hardness, and value. 9ct gold (37.5% pure gold) is also available and considerably more affordable. Our Recommendation For an engagement ring that will be worn every day for decades, platinum is hard to beat for longevity and prestige. However, for those who prefer yellow or rose tones, 18ct gold is the natural choice. The most important thing is that the ring is made to suit you — and that is exactly what a bespoke consultation at Aurum is designed to establish. Call us for a free chat: 01903 207944.