Custom Jewelry Design in Minneapolis

What Makes Our Custom Work Different

At Johantgen Jewelers, custom jewelry means creating something that doesn’t exist anywhere else. We combine genuine design collaboration, skilled in-house craftsmanship, and the time needed to do it properly.

Genuine Design Collaboration 

We work closely with you throughout every decision, from the initial concept to the final details. Your feedback shapes the design at every stage until it’s exactly what you envisioned.

Skilled In-House Craftsmanship 

Our jewelers do the work right here in our shop. We don’t outsource production. Every piece is built by craftspeople who take pride in their trade and understand how jewelry should perform over decades of wear.

Traditional Skill Meets Modern Technology 

We use a mix of traditional hand wax carving as well as CAD software to show you detailed renderings before any metal is touched. Five generations of hands-on experience inform every design decision.

Time to Do It Right 

Good custom work takes time. Design revisions, proper stone sourcing, careful fabrication, and quality finishing. We take 4-6 weeks for most custom pieces because that’s what it takes to create something exceptional.

Types of Custom Jewelry We Create

Every piece tells a story. Here’s what we can create together:

Custom Engagement Rings 

A custom engagement ring means designing something that fits her style, your budget, and how she actually lives. Maybe she works with her hands and needs a lower profile. Maybe she loves vintage aesthetics but wants modern durability. Maybe you have a family stone that needs a new setting. We’ll help you create a ring that’s perfect for the person wearing it. Every custom engagement ring we make is designed for daily wear and built to last generations.

Custom Wedding Bands 

Your wedding band should complement your engagement ring, not compete with it. We create custom-fitted bands designed specifically for your setting, matching metals precisely and ensuring comfortable everyday wear. For couples who want matching bands with personal touches, we can incorporate meaningful details that connect your rings. We make bands that work for your relationship.

Heirloom Jewelry Redesign 

Grandmother’s ring carries decades of meaning, but the style doesn’t fit your life. Heirloom redesign lets you honor the original while creating something you’ll actually wear. We can reset family stones into modern settings, combine elements from multiple inherited pieces, or transform old jewelry into entirely new designs. The sentimental value stays, but you get a piece that reflects who you are today.

Custom Pendants and Necklaces 

From simple, elegant pendants to statement pieces, we design necklaces that work with your wardrobe and your style. Custom pendants make meaningful gifts: birthstones, initials, coordinates of special places, symbols that matter to you. We’ll work with you to create something personal.

Custom Earrings 

Studs, drops, hoops, or something unique. Custom earrings let you match your other pieces, balance your face shape, or simply have something nobody else has. We pay attention to weight and comfort because earrings you can’t wear all day aren’t worth making.

Custom Bracelets and Bangles Tennis bracelets, cuffs, charm bracelets, bangles. We design wrist pieces that fit properly, look beautiful, and hold up to real life. Proper fit matters enormously with bracelets. Custom means getting it right.

How We Create Custom Jewelry That Becomes a Family Heirloom

Step 1: Design Consultation

We start by listening. Bring your ideas, inspiration photos, family pieces, rough sketches, whatever helps communicate your vision. We’ll talk about style preferences, lifestyle considerations, budget parameters, and timeline. This is a conversation about what you want and how we can create it together.

Step 2: Design Development

Based on our conversation, we create initial designs. Whether we use a traditional hand-carved wax or more modern CAD technology, you’ll see exactly what your piece will look like before any metal is touched. We refine the design together until it’s exactly right.

Step 3: Stone Selection

If your design includes stones, we’ll source options that fit your specifications and budget. We work with trusted suppliers for diamonds (natural and lab-grown), colored gemstones, and specialty stones. You’ll see actual stones, not just certificates. We explain what matters for your specific design and help you make a confident choice.

Step 4: Detailed Proposal

You receive a comprehensive quote covering design, materials, labor, and timeline. We explain exactly what’s included and why things cost what they cost. The price we quote is the price you pay.

Step 5: Wax Model or 3D Print 

When casting a fully custom item, we create a physical prototype you can hold, try on, and evaluate. This step catches any fit issues or design adjustments before final production.

Step 6: Expert Fabrication

Our jewelers craft your piece in-house using techniques refined over generations. Whether cast or fabricated, every step happens in our workshop by craftspeople who take pride in their work.

Step 7: Stone Setting and Finishing

Stones are set by hand with precision that ensures security and beauty. Final polishing, texturing, and finishing bring your piece to life. Every surface is inspected. Every prong is checked.

Step 8: Final Presentation

You come in, try on your finished piece, and see the result of our collaboration. We walk through care instructions, discuss any maintenance needs, and answer your questions.

Why Minneapolis Families Trust Johantgen for Custom Jewelry

We’re Jewelers 

When you ask us about a design or technique, you’re talking to someone who actually does the work. We can show you how things are made, explain why certain approaches work better than others, and provide guidance that only comes from hands-on experience. This is our craft, and we’ve spent five generations mastering it.

Family-Owned Since 1896 

We’re a family that’s been making jewelry in Minneapolis for over 130 years. Your neighbors are our neighbors. Our reputation is personal, and we protect it by doing beautiful work for every client. When you work with Johantgen’s, you’re working with people whose names are on the door.

In-House Craftsmanship 

Everything happens right here in our shop, by jewelers we’ve trained and trusted for years. That means quality control at every step and the ability to make adjustments quickly if needed.

Traditional Skill Meets Modern Technology 

We use both traditional handmade wax carving as well as CAD design and 3D printing to show you exactly what you’re getting before production starts. But technology doesn’t replace craftsmanship. Our jewelers still work by hand, using techniques passed down through generations.

Education at Every Step 

We’d rather you leave more informed than when you arrived. Understanding what makes jewelry valuable, durable, and beautiful helps you make better decisions. We explain things clearly and answer questions honestly.

Quality That Lasts Generations 

We build jewelry that’s meant to be passed down. Solid construction, secure settings, quality materials, proper finishing. Fair pricing for exceptional work.