The Commissioning Process
“Always go a little further into the water than you think you’re capable of. When you’re out of your depth, that’s when exciting things happen.”
Working one-to-one with a client is an exciting process.
“Clients can push me, as a designer, to places that I didn’t know I wanted to go, but I am always glad when I arrive there” says Nigel.
Master Goldsmith Nigel O’Reilly’s goal, is to find you the perfect precious gemstone or diamond, or re-imagine your existing gemstone(s) and create not just a piece of jewellery, but a piece of wearable art.
It begins with a conversation.
“Whether meeting in-person in my West of Ireland studio or via remote consultation, the discussions I have with you as a client, means so much when I design” says Nigel
Nigel O’Reilly pays homage to your personal stories - these subtle exchanges direct him to make a piece of remarkable jewellery fitting of your personality and your life.
Every conversation develops into a sketch.
“For me, sketching is the natural first step to designing jewellery. I immerse myself in the individuality of ‘you’, the client. My goal is to find a state of flow that ignites those sentiments in my own subconscious, as I design for you” says Nigel
By infusing your collection with sentimental value, Nigel O’Reilly can create an emotional connection that sets your jewellery collection apart, not only in terms of design but also in terms of the stories it will tell.
From sketch to wax model.
“Working from my sketch, I design and print a 3D wax model and an understanding of the physicality and proportion of the piece begin to take hold for you, the client” says Nigel
This is a perfect time to make adjustments with your input, to get dimensions and shapes correct, just for you.
Exquisite details, refined finishing, and attention to proportion and balance are crucial elements that will amplify the impact of your high jewellery.
From wax model to metal.
“Once I’ve perfected the wax model and you have approved, it’s time to take the piece from wax into metal. This is where centuries old ‘hand-skills’, such as casting, soldering and filing metal, merge with the cutting-edge technology of laser welding and pavé setting hundreds and thousands of gemstones all under the microscope” says Nigel
Each masterpiece is hand-created with exceptional expertise.
Each precise gemstone is chosen for its colour and set with a pattern in mind. Four claws hold each tiny gemstone in position, ensuring the longevity of each piece of jewellery.
Every stone is exceptional and considered; every inch is checked by microscopic examination. Because Nigel O’Reilly hand-makes each piece in-studio, he adds notable technical details as he creates, elevating your commission to ‘high-jewellery.’
Gemstones play a vital role in creating remarkable jewellery. Nigel O’Reilly will help you to consider rare or exceptional gems that possess distinctive colours, shapes, or properties to elevate your collection. Nigel O’Reilly can experiment with unconventional cuts and settings to showcase the unique characteristics of each stone. Be mindful of the stories and symbolism associated with gemstones, as they add depth and meaning to your jewellery piece.
The anticipation of seeing your vision come to life.
Throughout the project, our dedicated team will keep you engaged by sharing regular updates. They capture the evolution of your piece through photography or video footage, allowing you to witness every intricate detail taking shape. This personalised approach ensures that you stay in the loop, giving you confidence in the commissioning process.
By providing you with these visual assets, Nigel O’Reilly gives you the opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into every piece. These images or videos serve not only as a reminder of the journey, but also as a testament to the value of the jewellery you are commissioning.
A masterpiece should be housed inside a masterpiece
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Every work of art deserves to be housed in a very special jewellery box. After taking the time to design and create each masterpiece, Nigel O’Reilly custom-designs each box with the finest artisan box-makers and veneerists in Ireland, to match the inspiration behind your jewellery commission.
The provenance of your custom-made jewellery is highly important.
For the provenance of such high-jewellery creations, Nigel O’Reilly will assemble a series of finished images, certification from our studio and a full valuation (from an independent valuer) telling the story of your masterpiece.
This documentation provides authenticity for each Nigel O’Reilly creation ensuring the long-term value of each client’s commission. We will give you these assets, on completion of your masterpiece.
We understand that investing in jewellery is more than just a monetary decision; it's an emotional one too. Our aim is to create a connection between you and your piece, deepening your appreciation for its uniqueness and craftsmanship. By witnessing the creative process we believe you gain a deeper understanding of the artistry involved, enhancing your confidence in your jewellery’s long-term value.
The moment you receive your masterpiece.
Some clients love to visit Nigel O’Reilly’s studio to collect their jewellery in-person, spending time in O’Reilly’s beautiful atelier, near the scenic Wild Atlantic Way, on Ireland’s west coast.
Nigel O’Reilly’s studio is where the magic of goldsmithing and diamond-setting creates magnificent jewellery telling ‘your’ story.
For international clientele, Nigel O’Reilly freely provides a secure courier or will personally deliver your valuable masterpiece, straight into your hands.