Bario Neal
Sponsored
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-May 24, 2022
A Bespoke Brooklyn Jeweler Puts a Fresh and Sustainable Spin On Custom Heirlooms
Let’s face facts: Every season is a good season to give or receive jewelry. After all, a little sparkle and razzle-dazzle elevates any ‘fit.
Beyond confidence (and drip), gems and jewels are timeless. Odds are, you might have a very special bauble or two that’s sitting in your jewel box. But what if that precious heirloom jewelry is well…less than aesthetically pleasing?
Shiny, faceted, or something glowy—jewelry makes a statement, and it should make a splash that represents your own style and individuality. Not your great aunt Linda’s, your grandmother’s, or even your own mom. Enter Bario Neal, the bespoke jeweler that unites creative, social, and environmental passions by taking old heirlooms and transforming them into new, one-of-a-kind creations.
Speaking of bespoke, many folks may zero in on engagement and wedding bands (yep, they make those too), but the jewelers hone in their beauty and skill around elevating precious hand-me-downs (think, a vintage emerald and white sapphire necklace). One part sustainability (hello, recycled gems) and one part cosmic creativity, Anna Bario and Page Neal reimagine jewelry with ethical practices, mindful production, and natural elements.
So—how does the custom heirloom process work? First up, you’ll book a free consultation at Bario Neal and stroll on over to their Grand Street location (P.S. virtual appointments are available too). Next, you’ll fill out a questionnaire during a one-on-one consultation with a team member to get an inside look at the jewelry you’d like to revitalize. During the custom process, you’ll discuss the symbolism of the piece (and what it represents for you), in order to make it feel super personal and powerful.
Whether you have a vision in mind for the bauble or you’re working totally from scratch, Bario Neal will lead the helm on drawing out the most impactful and meaningful design. Not sure what direction you want to go in? The team recommends bringing reference photos to steer the ship in a stylistic direction.
And if you’re afraid of making sweeping changes, fret not, the innovative jewelers will also tweak and update a piece to your liking. At the end of this consultation, you’ll get a chance to review contracts and price estimates before approving the design direction. Once approved, production begins. This brings us back full circle to eco-conscious practices—aside from your heirloom—as Bario Neal stocks an array of gemstones of the highest ethical quality. FYI: Clients can request ethical stones not in stock, but that will adjust lead times.
With the stones in place, Bario Neal’s jewelers get ready to cast. Then, your jewelry will be made into wax by 3D printing or through a molding process and then cast into metal—choose from recycled or fairmined gold (and in-stock jewelry)—using a centuries-old method. It’s a bit of science meets poetic alchemy, if you ask us. At the finish line, the stone is set and the final touches are placed (aka, engraving). Your revamped jewels are ready to be oohed and ahhed over, as they’re deeply connected to your personal mythology. All made with ethical, eco-friendly processes mixed with traditional craft. Now, that’s the real cherry on top.