Bespoke Jewelry
A deeply personal, one-of-a-kind tribute unlike any that came before it. While TROVE allows personalization within thoughtful designs, our bespoke pieces are created entirely from the ground up to reflect the unique essence of your loved one- whether a cherished person or beloved pet.
This is a collaborative and intentional process in which we explore the stories, memories, and symbolism you wish to capture. Every element is chosen to honor your loved one in a way that both preserves those cherished memories and complements your personal style.
What sets Marlin Fine Jewelry apart is not only careful craftsmanship, but connection. Jewelry that transcends adornment; heirlooms meant to be treasured for generations
The Experience
Bespoke work begins with an application. This first step allows me to learn more about you, your story, and what you’re hoping to create together. Because each bespoke piece requires a significant amount of time and care, I thoughtfully review every submission to ensure it’s the right fit.
If accepted, you’ll receive a bespoke agreement and design retainer. Availability is intentionally limited so each piece can be approached with the attention it deserves.
We begin with a one-on-one design consultation, held over video, where we focus on intention, memory, and meaning. This is a space to share what matters most to you- the moments, relationships, and details you hope to hold close through this piece.
After our conversation, I take time to reflect on everything shared before beginning the design. From there, I develop a, thoughtful design direction that feels aligned and cohesive, with room for gentle refinement before final approval.
Once the design is approved, your piece moves into production. Each bespoke piece is crafted with care and intention, honoring both the materials involved and the story they carry.
When complete, your jewelry is carefully inspected, lovingly packaged, and returned to you along with any remaining memorial materials, ready to be worn, held, and cherished for years to come.
Your Stories
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"Motley was the absolute best. We were very much in tune and connected. He followed me absolutely everywhere and I was lucky enough to care for him for 13 beautiful years. We used to call him “Mayor Motley” because when we would take him out to the dog park or any other social setting he would patrol the area. He had no interest in playing with the other dogs, he would just protect the land. He loved to snuggle and lay in sunspots and was a sucker for carrots. He passed to the tunes of Motley Crue, his namesake"
"Rocco came to me in the oddest of ways. He initially belonged to a long haul semi driver, and when Rocco became ill he was fortunately brought to the ER I was working in. He was diagnosed a diabetic and his owner could not care for him on the road. I ended up adopting Rocco. And he symbolized my passion for being a veterinarian and helping pets and owners in the hardest of situations. My husband and I joked constantly that he used to haul salsa all over the country as a cover- because he was actually a special agent for NASA, an astronaut special agent. I miss him every day."
BESPOKE FAQs
A. Bespoke pieces are designed entirely from the ground up, specifically for you. Every detail is considered through a fully custom design process.
Trove pieces, on the other hand, are created within established designs. They offer a more streamlined path while still allowing for meaningful personalization. Many clients find this option to be a beautiful balance of intention, simplicity, and accessibility.
A. Bespoke commissions begin at a significantly higher investment than collection-based work. Pricing reflects the time, care, and expertise required to design and craft a one-of-a-kind piece, as well as current gold markets and any specialty materials involved.
Exact pricing is discussed after an initial review of your application and confirmed before any design work begins.
A. Yes. Payment is typically divided into phases throughout the process. While flexible arrangements may be available, all balances must be paid in full before a piece is shipped or delivered.
A. Because each bespoke piece is designed and crafted with care, timelines can vary depending on complexity, materials, and availability. Thoughtful design and careful fabrication take time, and this slower pace is an intentional part of the process.
You’ll be guided through each stage and kept informed as your piece progresses.
A. Design work begins after your design consultation. This allows me to fully absorb what you’ve shared and approach the design with clarity and intention.
A. You’ll be presented with a single, thoughtfully developed design direction. This approach allows the design to feel cohesive and considered, rather than fragmented across multiple ideas. There is space for refinement before final approval.
A. Bespoke work is guided by my design language and approach. While inspiration and preferences are always considered, I do not recreate or replicate existing designs. Each piece is intended to feel original and personal.
A. In some cases, yes. Heirloom stones may be incorporated into a bespoke design depending on their condition, age, cut, and suitability for the piece being created. All heirloom stones must be evaluated before design work begins, and not every stone will be appropriate for resetting.
Because heirloom stones often show signs of age or wear, incorporating them carries an inherent level of risk. While every stone is handled with great care, older stones may be more fragile and can be more susceptible to damage during setting. Clients choosing to use heirloom stones are asked to acknowledge this risk in writing prior to fabrication.
Providing your own stones does not reduce the cost of a bespoke piece. Pricing reflects design, labor, fabrication, and responsibility, regardless of whether stones are client-provided or newly sourced. In some cases, working with heirloom stones may require additional assessment or care, which is factored into the overall scope of the project.
Any heirloom stones not used are carefully returned to you upon completion.
A. At this time, I do not melt or recycle client-provided metal for use in new pieces.
Heirloom metals often have unknown compositions that can compromise the integrity and longevity of a newly crafted piece. To ensure the highest quality and durability, bespoke pieces are created using new, carefully sourced precious metals.
A. Bespoke pieces may incorporate cremated ashes, hair, fur, or other meaningful materials. Breast milk may also be incorporated when professionally preserved into powder form prior to arrival.
Liquid or unprocessed materials cannot be accepted.
A. Only a very small amount of memorial material is required. Specific instructions will be provided once your project is underway to ensure everything is handled safely and respectfully.
A. All memorial materials are handled with care and respect throughout the process. Once incorporated into a piece, these materials cannot be removed or replaced. Natural variations in color and texture are expected and embraced as part of what makes each piece unique.
Any remaining materials are returned to you upon completion.
A. Because many bespoke pieces incorporate delicate or organic materials, resizing or future alterations may not always be possible. This will be discussed during the design phase so expectations are clear from the beginning.
A. Because bespoke availability is intentionally limited, not all applications can be accepted. This is never a reflection of the importance of your story. Many clients are beautifully served through Trove, and I’m always happy to guide you toward an option that feels aligned.
A. All pieces are designed and finished with care in my private studio in Southern California, with trusted specialists assisting in certain stages of fabrication when appropriate. Every piece is overseen to ensure it meets my standards.
A. To keep the process focused and uninterrupted, progress photos and work-in-progress updates are not typically shared. You’ll be contacted if anything requires your attention, and again once your piece is complete.
A. Because bespoke pieces are designed and crafted with care, rush timelines are not always possible. If you have a specific date in mind, this can be shared in your application and considered during review.
A. Yes. While memorial work is at the heart of my practice, bespoke commissions may also celebrate milestones, relationships, or meaningful moments beyond loss.
Each project is approached with the same care and intention.
bespoke memorial jewelry inquiry
Thank you so much for your interest in creating a piece of bespoke jewelry with us. We are currently taking time to focus on our Trove collection. Please click below to stay updated on the latest releases and bespoke inquiry openings.