A piece of jewellery can begin with something small: a colour you love, a memory you want to keep, or a design you have never quite found.
You do not need a finished drawing to commission custom jewellery. It helps to know what matters to you—and to understand which details need to be agreed before your piece is made.
At Gal Bora, we create made-to-order jewellery by hand in Sri Lanka, without casting. Here is how to approach a commission, from your first idea to the final fit.
1. Start with what you know
Perhaps you know exactly what you want. Perhaps you only know who the piece is for.
A photograph, sketch or saved image can help explain a shape or detail. You can also begin with a description: a small pendant for everyday wear, a ring in a particular colour, or a gift that carries a private meaning.
Tell us which parts of your inspiration matter most. Is it the outline, the gemstone, the setting or how delicate the piece feels? A reference image gives us a starting point for a conversation; it does not establish the final dimensions, materials or quotation.
If you prefer a little structure, you can explore our starting designs and personalise a piece from there. If your idea needs a different approach, we will discuss it with you.
2. Share your budget and how the piece will be worn
A budget helps us consider suitable materials, proportions and design choices. It is useful information to bring to the conversation, even if you are still exploring.
Think about the person who will wear the piece. Will it be worn most days or kept for particular occasions? Does it need to sit comfortably beside another ring? Would a lighter piece suit them better?
Those details help shape the design. An engagement ring, a pair of earrings and a pendant can each have different practical considerations, even when they share the same gemstone or metal.
There is room for a personal commission at different budgets. We will discuss what is possible for the piece you have in mind.
3. Choose the metal and gemstone together
Colour is often the first decision. The next questions are about the material, the finish, how it will be worn and the care it may need.
Ask which metals suit your design and budget. If you are considering plated silver, understand the difference between a surface finish and solid gold, and what maintenance involves. Our metals guide is a useful place to begin.
For gemstones, discuss the stone’s identity, size, colour, any disclosed treatments and the certification applicable to that particular choice. Ask what is known about its origin rather than assuming a sourcing location proves where it formed.
Gal Bora offers natural coloured gemstones, alongside natural and lab-grown diamonds. Our gemstone guide explains the choices in more detail.
If you do not know the technical terms, describe the look you love. We can help you ask the next questions.
4. Understand what affects your quotation
There is no single price for custom jewellery. The quotation follows the piece: its metal, gemstone, proportions and the work needed to craft it.
A larger-looking stone is not enough information to compare two quotations. The material, dimensions, setting and other agreed details also matter.
For a starting design with configurable options, the website can show a price for the selected combination. A commission based on your own inspiration needs a personal quotation.
Before confirming, make sure you understand what the quotation includes. If a material, stone or design detail changes, ask whether the price or timing changes too.
You can read more about pricing and payment before beginning your enquiry. The payment terms for your custom commission are confirmed in its quotation.
5. Agree the details before crafting begins
Before you confirm your order, make sure you and your jeweller share the same understanding of the piece.
A useful confirmation checklist is:
- The agreed design, including any important dimensions.
- The metal and finish.
- The selected gemstone or the specification still to be confirmed.
- The ring size or other measurements, where relevant.
- Any engraving or personal details.
- The quotation, advance, balance and agreed timing.
Ask how the proposed design will be communicated and which details you are approving. Where a render is used, it is a guide to the design; it should not be mistaken for a photograph of your finished piece.
If you do not know your ring size, say so. You can begin the conversation first and arrange help with the final fit.
6. Allow for sourcing, crafting and personal confirmation
Tell us your occasion date early, particularly if you are planning a proposal, wedding or gift.
Timing depends on the design, its complexity and the materials required. Some stones may need additional sourcing time. Crafting begins after the necessary advance, design and size confirmations.
Our availability calendar lets you explore a preferred date to discuss with us. Choosing a date does not reserve a production slot or confirm delivery; we agree availability and final timing personally.
You can also arrange a visit at our Colombo showroom at Nemlanka Jewellers, Level 4, Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange, World Trade Center. Please wait for confirmation of your appointment before travelling.
When your piece is ready
At collection or delivery, check the fit, the agreed details and any applicable gemstone documentation. Ask how to care for the particular metal, finish and stone you have chosen.
Keep your quotation and confirmation details, and make sure you understand the aftercare available for your piece. A personal commission should leave you knowing both what you are receiving and how to look after it.
Your beginning can be simple
An idea, a photograph or a few words is enough to start a conversation. Bring a budget if you have one, and tell us when you hope to wear or give the piece.
Begin with your idea, and we will explore the possibilities together.