Positive love force Husband | Engagement ring designer | Podcaster | Author | Collaborator @LessardCoutuJewellery
I am a second generation custom jeweller. I listen to people's story and turn it into a piece of jewellery that exceeds their expectations.
Lessard Coutu Bulletin
Nick Coutu
About: Our Custom Jewellery Atelier at Lessard Coutu
About: Our Custom Jewellery Atelier at Lessard Coutu
Welcome to our custom jewellery workshop—proudly led by our family of custom jewellers and master craftsmen. At Lessard Coutu, we specialize in turning your unique vision into a timeless treasure. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the artistry of yesteryear endures in our modern atelier, why custom work matters, and how we combine tradition with advanced techniques to bring your ideas to life.
Table of Contents
A Glimpse into the Past
What is a Custom Jewellery Atelier?
Our Process: Bringing Your Vision to Life
What Does It Cost?
Product Spotlight
Author: Meet Nick Coutu
FAQ
Summary
What's ideas do you have for your piece?
A Glimpse into the Past
In the 1800s, if you wanted a ring, you visited your local jeweller, who would ask questions about your style and preferences before crafting a piece by hand. Mass production was still nonexistent, so every creation was unique, heartfelt, and carried a strong sense of authenticity.
Over time, the rise of large-scale manufacturing shifted consumer habits toward off-the-shelf items. While convenient, this trend often robbed jewellery of its individuality and “soul.” However, a select number of artisans—such as our team at Lessard Coutu—have preserved the spirit of those earlier days. We’re proud to operate a custom jewellery workshop that balances traditional savoir-faire with modern innovation, ensuring each treasure we craft retains that special, personal touch.
What is a Custom Jewellery Atelier?
An atelier is the French word for workshop or studio. In the context of custom jewellery, an atelier refers to a creative space where artisan jewellers bring their customer's imagination to life. Rather than selling you a mass-produced item from a glass case, we collaborate closely with you, shaping one-of-a-kind designs that capture your personal story.
Three Key Characteristics of an Atelier:
Personal Touch: Every design reflects your preferences, from metal choice to gemstone selection.
Transparency: You’re welcome to learn about the entire process, from CAD modeling to final polish.
Artisanal Expertise: Master jewellers use their skill to ensure each piece achieves the highest quality.
At Lessard Coutu, each project unfolds through a series of carefully orchestrated steps that blend old-world craftsmanship with modern technology. This approach maintains the authenticity of custom jewellery while offering precision and speed not available in bygone eras.
1. Consultation & Conceptualization
Listening to Your Vision: Whether you have a detailed design in mind or a simple spark of inspiration, we’ll help shape your ideas into a cohesive plan.
Sketches & Discussion: Our experienced designers refine the initial concepts and make suggestions on metals, gemstones, and overall style.
2. CAD Modeling & Rendering
Realistic Previews: We use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software to generate a 3D rendering of your piece and grow it with our state of the art 3D printers. This step reveals every angle, ensuring you’re confident in the design.
Adjustments & Final Approval: We welcome feedback, making refinements until you are completely satisfied.
3. Casting & Setting
Precision Casting: Your chosen metal—be it platinum, yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold—is heated to its molten state and poured into a specialized mold based on the CAD model.
Gemstone Placement: Our experts then set the selected stones (diamonds, rubies, sapphires, or other gems) with care, guaranteeing both security and brilliance.
4. Polishing & Finishing
Hand-Finished Details: After casting and setting, we polish and refine to achieve a flawless finish.
Quality Checks: Each piece undergoes a final inspection to confirm it meets our atelier’s rigorous standards, and lifetime guarantee
What Does It Cost?
A common myth about custom jewellery is that it must be prohibitively expensive. At our atelier, we challenge that assumption. Our base design fee starts at $750, before materials (such as precious metals and gems). Off-the-shelf retail rings often cost just as much—if not more—yet lack any personal touch or story.
For those who are especially price-sensitive, you can even bring your own materials—family heirloom gemstones, scrap gold, or diamonds from an older piece—to help reduce costs. This solution adds sentimental value while allowing you to lower the overall expenditure on your new custom jewellery piece.
Three Factors Influencing Price:
Metal Choice: Platinum, gold, and other alloys vary in cost.
Gemstone Selection: Diamond cuts, clarity, and alternative gems like emeralds or sapphires come at different price points.
Complexity of Design: Intricate details or extra settings can increase labor time.
Hello, I’m Nick Coutu, your dedicated custom jeweller at Lessard Coutu. I’ve been immersed in the art of custom jewellery design and creation since I was a kid—living above my parents' boutique—Maison Lessard Coutu. My passion is fueled by witnessing the wonder on a client’s face when they see a dream transformed into a sparkling reality.
I believe jewellery should tell a story—your story. Each piece, be it a ring, pendant, or bracelet carries your sentiments, traditions, and personality. Through meticulous craftsmanship, attention to detail, and the use of modern technology, I strive to ensure every piece we create together becomes a cherished heirloom for years to come.
FAQ
Q1: How long does it take to create a custom jewellery piece? A: Timeframes vary based on design complexity and materials, but most projects take between 2-5 weeks from the initial consultation to the final polish.
Q2: Can I bring my own diamonds or gemstones to the atelier? A: Absolutely. We strongly encourage you to do so! You can repurpose your existing stones, precious metals, your whole jewellery box if you wanted to! Helping you save costs and preserve sentimental value is something we've repeated hundreds of times since 1990.
Q3: Is custom jewellery a good investment? A:Custom jewellery can hold both emotional and monetary value. A unique, high-quality piece is less likely to depreciate, especially if it features premium metals and well-chosen stones.
Q4: What if I need a redesign later on? A: We welcome redesign projects and can make modifications if your style evolves or you wish to add more stones or details in the future.
Summary
Historic Roots: From the 1800s to today, custom jeweller artisans have upheld the belief that jewellery should be individualized and meaningful.
Modern Atelier: Technology such as CAD rendering elevates traditional craftsmanship, ensuring precision without sacrificing artistry.
Accessible Pricing: A base design fee of $750—plus the option to supply your own gems or metals—can make a custom jewellery piece comparable to typical retail prices.
Personal Touch: Every sparkle, facet, and flourish is chosen by you, reflecting your distinct story and style.
What's ideas do you have for your piece?
Ready to start your own custom jewellery journey? Contact us today or visit our atelier at Lessard Coutu to begin designing a piece that will capture your personality and last for generations. We look forward to making your dream jewellery a reality!
Thank you for reading! Be sure to explore our other blog posts for more insights and inspiration on creating custom jewellery that truly resonates with you.
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FAQs
Are lab grown diamonds considered “real” diamonds?
Yes. Lab grown diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties as natural diamonds, making them 100% real in every sense.
What is the biggest difference between lab grown and natural diamonds?
The most significant difference between lab grown and natural diamonds is their origin. Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled conditions, while natural diamonds form underground over billions of years.
Will lab grown diamonds lose their value over time?
The value of any diamond—lab grown or natural—can fluctuate based on market factors. Historically, natural diamonds have had more established resale channels, but lab grown diamonds continue to gain acceptance, which could influence future value.
Is it safe to use household items like toothpaste for cleaning jewellery?
Generally, toothpaste is too abrasive for metals and softer gemstones. Stick to mild dish soap, glass cleaners (for diamonds), or specialized products.
How often should I clean my engagement ring?
We recommend a gentle at-home cleaning every two weeks and a professional cleaning at least every six months.
Can I use an ultrasonic cleaner for all gemstones?
Not all stones can withstand ultrasonic vibrations. Pearls, emeralds, opals, and porous gems may be damaged. Always check with a professional first. Send us a message!
Does swimming with my jewellery harm it?
No. 10 karat gold and higher are not affected by salt water, chlorine, and similar chemicals. However, it is best to remove all jewellery before swimming for a different reason—it's easy to lose your jewellery as your body becomes slippery and your hands shrink, which makes it very easy for strong waves or even a jump in the pool to swallow up your precious pieces.
What if I notice a loose stone?
Stop wearing the item and visit a jeweller immediately to secure the setting and prevent further damage.
What is the most important C among the 4 Cs of a diamond?
Many experts rank Cut as the most critical, because a poor cut can diminish the diamond’s sparkle regardless of other attributes.
How does setting affect the 4 Cs of a diamond?
Settings can enhance or mask certain qualities. For instance, yellow gold may reduce the appearance of color, while a halo setting can make a smaller diamond appear larger.
Should I always choose a GIA-certified diamond?
Yes, reputable certifications like GIA or AGS ensure that the diamond’s listed 4 Cs are accurate and trustworthy, protecting your investment.
What if I have a limited budget?
Bold advice: Focus on Cut, and compromise slightly on Color and Clarity. A well-cut diamond can appear more brilliant than a larger, poorly cut gem.
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