BornReal journal

How to Order a Custom Photo Pendant: Step-by-Step Guide

A custom photo pendant turns a picture—a loved one, a pet, an album cover—into a wearable piece. The final result depends mostly on what you send at the start. This guide walks through the process and how to prepare.

How the process works

  1. Send your request. Share your photo, the pendant style you want and any text through our custom jewelry inquiry page.
  2. Get a quote. Price depends on size, metal, stones and finish; see how custom pricing works.
  3. Approve the design. Our team prepares a design for your review; production starts only after you approve.
  4. Production. The piece is made, set and finished. Custom pieces need additional production time beyond our standard 3–5 working day processing.
  5. Shipping. Orders ship with tracking from our warehouse in Shenzhen, China. See Shipping & Returns.

Choosing the right photo

  • High resolution: send the original file, not a screenshot or a social media download.
  • Clear face and good light: avoid heavy shadows, filters and motion blur.
  • Simple background: it is easier to isolate the subject.
  • Front-facing: straight-on photos reproduce better than strong profiles.

Decisions to make

Option What to decide
Size Pendant height, e.g. 1"–3"; bigger shows more photo detail
Metal 925 sterling silver or 10K/14K/18K gold
Finish Yellow, white or rose gold plating/vermeil on silver
Stones Iced frame or border, stone type and color
Text Names, dates or a short phrase, and font
Chain Style, width and length (see our sizing guide)

Before you order: checklist

  1. Original, high-resolution photo.
  2. Exact text spelled correctly.
  3. Size, metal, finish and stone preferences.
  4. Chain choice and length.
  5. Any deadline (birthday, memorial, event) so we can tell you if it is realistic.

FAQ

Can I return a custom photo pendant?

Customized products are excluded from returns, which is why we confirm the design with you before production.

Can I add a photo to the back?

Ask our team—options such as engraving on the back depend on the pendant design.

Can you work from an old printed photo?

Yes, scan or photograph it flat in good light at the highest resolution you can.

Ready to start? Send your photo through our custom jewelry inquiry or browse custom pendants.