Mail's Coming...........
A letter opener (for the most loved) an anachronism in today's world, elegant and purposeful none the less…. Hand fabricated in 18K Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Aquamarine, and Cultured pearls. The blade is hand forged Stainless Steel.
Long-time member
A Maker who has been a valued part of this community for several years.
Fast shipper
Customers say that this Maker ships promptly after completing a project.
Great service
This Maker has consistently demonstrated excellence in craftsmanship and customer service.
Hi,
My name is Jim Grahl. I'm nearing 78 years old, 62 of those years have been continuously devoted to jewelry and industrial design. My training initiated with a Los Angeles workshop that was the contract (or outsource) manufacturer for Van Cleef and Arpels, Gump's, Pierre Touraine and many others that were the foundation of the West Coast's fine Art~Jewelry establishment. I have formal apprenticeships in Pave' setting (Gerardo Terranova) and ancillary training in platinum-smithing, machining, and antique musical restoration. My personal business ( J.Grahl Design ) was founded at the outset and has been in continuous operation for 48 years. (as of 2012). I'm a maker-builder at heart.
All of the items shown in the photographs and illustrations here, on "Custom Made", are exactly that… Custom Made. You will see many cross over categories in metal, wood, glass and illustration-art. I am deeply involved with both vintage autos and surfing, so items relating to those topics are exposed here as well. There are generally a few of my projects available for live viewing at the Museum at the Gemological Institute of America as well as The San Diego Natural History Museum. The Gemological Institute requires prior notification for a visit.
So enough of me, one's work should speak for itself.
Having a piece of work custom made is an enjoyable process if communication is clear, to that end, a phone call, short check list of objectives, mutually agreed upon budget and a few rough sketches are useful in beginning a project. To move forward accurate renderings and a deposit ( along with a delivery date) start the process in motion. A great deal of my work has been commissioned out of state and out of country, so again, clear communication has been critical to those successes.
Thank you,
Jim Grahl
J.Grahl Design
For reference,
My business offers services in the following areas;
Design
Illustration
Project and product development
Art, originals and prints (Automotive )
Automotive design (vintage restoration)
Metal smithing
Bronze, brass, aluminum, titanium, steel fabrication
Custom wood working, design, prototyping, (small scale)
Production development for line items
Pewter & white metal design & production
Cast Iron design and production
Organizing outsourced production for direct client turnover
I have a particular specialty in Natural, South Sea and collectable cultured pearls. Please view,
www.NaturalPearlSociety.org
- PR
Paul Reffett
For custom pearl necklace setting5.0Jim was wonderful to work with, I would not hesitate to use him again and I'm sure I will have another project for him in the near future. Jim seemed very attentive to detail and keept me informed on the progress of the piece from start to finish, he emaild pictures of the piece at various points during the process so that I could see how it was made. Jim always had time to discuss my concerns and worked diligently to get the piece to me at the scheduled time which was only 10 days or so from the final go ahead.
NNick
For Engagement Ring5.0Jim was absolutely amazing to work with during my first Custom Made experience. The ring I commissioned Jim to build turned out better than anything I had ever imagined. I had been shopping for over a year at the chain stores before I found J.Grahl Design. I wanted something truly unique and from the heart. With his years of experience and fine detail craftsmanship, Jim pulled of one of the most amazing engagement rings I've ever seen. (Trust me I looked at a lot!) Working with someone on the opposite side of the country worried me at first but Jim was extremely professional and very easy to communicate with. Anytime I had a different idea or new concept in the early stages of the ring design he would tell me very candidly if it would look good with my original idea for the ring, which was petite and elegant with a touch of Celtic influence. He was up for any challenge I could throw at him and judging by his other works he will always go above and beyond. I highly recommend J Grahl Design to anyone considering having a one-of-a kind piece commissioned.
- TV
Tom Van Arsdall
For small medallion for necklace based on Bee Friendly Farming logo5.0He worked well with me to create the design and quality product I desired.
KHKiwi Heilman
For 25th Anniversary - revitalized wedding ring5.0Working with Jim was a great experience from start to finish. His ability to listen and visualize the ring in context with my personality and individual design ideas was perfection. The quality of the design work, stones and end product exceeded my expectations. Every day I look at this ring and remember the creative process it took to bring it together - with a smile. Thank you, Jim!
- RJ
Rhonda Jackson
For Custom charm5.0The charm was exactly what I was looking for and was here when promised. I would recommend Jim for any job!
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