Custom designs are getting too simple, and it's a shame

Lately, I see a lot of jewelers pushing for very plain, minimalist custom pieces. Everyone seems to think that's what customers want now. I think we're losing the beauty of detailed work. For instance, a client asked me to copy a basic band instead of adding the filigree she once loved. That kind of skill should not fade away. Simple has its place, but so does the art of making something complex. We should not let trends make us forget our craft.

4 comments

4 Comments

blairsanchez3d ago

My friend’s custom pendant got simplified into a boring circle.

the_derek3d ago

Tbh, @nguyen.xena's point about deconstructed food changed my view on how much skill a simple circle can actually take.

haydenburns3d ago

In Tokyo, some designers only use circles and squares for pendants. But calling it boring misses how hard it is to make a perfect simple shape. That deconstructed food trend is the same thing, putting ingredients apart needs skill too. Maybe the friend just wanted something easy to wear every day. It's not always about fancy details... sometimes plain works.

nguyen.xena3d ago

It's like how fancy restaurants now serve deconstructed food that's just ingredients on a plate. The skill gets hidden when everything trends toward bare basics.