In 2019, when Jameel Mohammed was still an undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania, he designed his first custom design for a special client under his jewelry brand Khiry. Still a young brand at the time, as the business has gained traction (his designs have been worn by the likes of SZA and Ciara), so did his private client base. Customers who resonated with the brand’s precise craftmanship and mission statement turned to Khiry to create special pieces that spoke to them. Recognizing the increase in demand, Khiry has now officially expanded into the business of custom jewelry.

“It’s definitely grown slowly but surely,” said the designer over Zoom. “I feel like I’ve built a business in some ways for scale, and what I’ve found is that scale is a moment. The real viability of your business is who are you relating to over time and who feels truly connected to your brand. I think that custom is the big get for those customers.”

The process is deeply intimate and suited to the client’s needs, either moving as fast as a few weeks or stretching over the course of months. Starting with a custom consultation, meetings about design begin to isolate the person’s individualized taste and perspective. Once there is a strong concept in mind, Mohammed moves into sketching options to present to the client. From there, 3D modeling is created to present for final approval before going into production.

Mohammed welcomes to the opportunity to collaborate with clients and create something personal, finding joy in the constraints that the process brings.

“I like real constraints. Constraints often stoke some of my greatest creativity,” he said. “At the same time, I would say that I think my approach is pretty poetic in that I’m listening. When you tell a story about how you met your partner or you want the pair of earrings that you had as a child remade in 18 karat gold, I’m looking for poetic phrase that you might use or just ways that you’re creating metaphors to interpret your own experience. I will often come up with a visual in my own design language that I think is a physical representation of that metaphor.”

While the brand offers demi fine pieces in their core collection, custom jewelry is crafted in fine jewelry materials made to last.

“In some ways solid gold, platinum, and fine materials really encapsulate the kind of extreme kind of legacy building that I’m doing as a brand. My clients are people coming to me often for engagements or self-purchasing to mark a personal or professional milestone. Each of the pieces I make are so rich with meaning rich, and play a role in families and building legacy. When people are buying fine jewelry, they’re never going to just throw that away,” said Mohammed.

Take for example the work done for a client’s engagement this year. Entitled ‘Diamonds on the Road To You,’ the special ring was crafted for a Brooklyn-based couple, Tani and Rob. Inspired by the centuries of family stories of the two, the design incorporated heirloom diamonds from their two families. The diamonds are set in a gradual fashion that builds up to the center stone, a vivid black opal that Mohammed sourced. Now, the designer has even formed a friendship with the couple and frequents their house for dinner.

“There’s almost no experience that’s as satisfying as starting from a sketch or a reference photo to seeing the client’s smiling face. It’s the most rewarding lifecycle as a designer. I would say custom is my favorite.”

Head to Khiry.com or email team@khiry.com to inquire about your Khiry custom project.