Inside the Custom Jewellery Atelier at Lessard Coutu

Our family’s work at Lessard Coutu Jewellery began in 1990. As a second-generation jeweller, I want the design to begin with a clear understanding of the person who will wear it.

The atelier brings that conversation together with sketching, digital tools and the work of making jewellery.

Craft and Technology

Jewellery has long been made through both individual craft and organised production. By the early nineteenth century, factory-made components and machine techniques were already helping jewellery reach a wider market.

Custom and ready-made jewellery offer different ways to choose a piece. In our atelier, we use bench skills alongside CAD and 3D printing to develop and make the design.

What an Atelier Means Here

An atelier is the French word for workshop or studio. For us, it is a place to work through an idea with the person commissioning it.

We discuss what the piece should look like, how it will be worn and which details matter to you.

The choices include:

• Design—The proportions, setting, finish and any personal details.

• Materials—The stones and metal, including any existing pieces you want to consider reusing.

• Practical requirements—Comfort, strength and the way the piece will be worn.

From Conversation to Finished Piece

A custom piece develops through several stages.

1. Conversation and sketching—We discuss your ideas and develop a sketch to give them form.

2. CAD and 3D printing—The design is developed in computer-aided design software, and a model is printed for the manufacturing process. Design previews help us discuss the proportions and details before the piece is made.

3. Casting and setting—A mould is formed from the model for casting the metal; the gemstones are then set.

4. Polishing and finishing—The piece is finished and polished, with attention to the surfaces and details.

The finished piece is inspected before it is handed over.

What Does It Cost?

The cost of custom jewellery depends on the design, materials and work involved. Discuss the budget early so it can help guide those decisions.

If you are planning an engagement ring, explore our engagement ring experience to see how the design conversation begins.