Commissioning a custom coloured-gemstone piece — the SkyJems process

A custom piece from SkyJems is a conversation that begins with a person — the wearer — and ends with a gem-set object designed around that person. Every commission is led personally by David Saad with the SkyJems gemmology and design team (Leila Haikonen, GIA Diamonds Graduate, AJP; Ella Masciulli, FCGmA Certified Gemologist).

The seven stages

1. Consultation

A first conversation — in person at the Toronto office or via video call. The goal is to understand who the piece is for, what it marks, how it will be worn, and what the budget can be. If you have an existing gem or heirloom, bring it. If you have reference images, bring those too. At the end of the consultation the project has either a brief or a clear reason it should not proceed; both are good outcomes.

2. Stone selection

SkyJems proposes gemstone options drawn from the in-house inventory — sourced directly by David in Bangkok, Sri Lanka, and (through the family network) Bogotá. Every candidate stone comes with its treatment status disclosed in writing and, for significant stones, an independent laboratory report (usually GIA). The client sees each candidate in person or on high-resolution video under controlled lighting. Time is taken here because the stone determines the piece, not the other way around.

3. Design brief and sketches

Hand sketches and reference imagery to establish direction. David reviews every brief. Multiple design directions are common at this stage — the point is to converge on one that is right, not to rush to the first one that is acceptable.

4. CAD modelling

The chosen direction is turned into a CAD model in Rhino or similar. The client receives rendered views — top, side, three-quarter, on a hand — for review. Revisions at this stage are cheap; revisions after manufacture are expensive. Nothing moves forward until the CAD is approved in writing.

5. Wax or 3D-printed prototype

A physical prototype — either a traditional carved wax or a high-resolution 3D print — is produced and shown to the client. This is the last chance to adjust proportions, negative space, or comfort before commitment to metal. Clients often change their minds at this stage; that is exactly what the prototype stage is for.

6. Manufacture and stone setting

The piece is cast in the specified metal and karat, finished, and the stones are set. The centre stone on every significant commission is set under David's personal supervision. Smaller melee and accent stones are set by the workshop.

7. Quality control and delivery

Final inspection under magnification. Cleaning and polish. Photography for the client's records and, with permission, for the SkyJems portfolio. Delivery — in person where possible, by insured courier otherwise. An independent appraisal or additional laboratory certification can be arranged at this stage.

Typical timelines

If a commission has a fixed deadline — a proposal, an anniversary, a specific event — the timeline is worked backwards from that date, with the stone selection stage set first so that a suitable gem can be secured and certified in time.

What a SkyJems commission costs

Custom pieces do not have list prices. The cost depends on the gem, the metal, and the complexity of the setting. As a rough frame of reference:

A full written quote is provided before any payment is requested.

Design competitions and student collaboration

SkyJems runs the Skyjems Design Competition at George Brown College — an ongoing competition open to Jewellery Arts students, in which submitted designs are evaluated and the winning design is produced as a physical piece. The 2022 winner, Yoojeong "Bella" Jang, had her pendant design manufactured as a physical trophy. Student collaboration is part of how SkyJems keeps the design perspective fresh and gives back to the program David himself came through.

How to start

Last updated: 2026-04-19. Author: David Saad.