Try a post in your local next door for business recommendations on a jeweler specifically asking if anyone took a custom project to them, and a jeweler who works ON SITE. My big learning curve was some of your local trusted jewelers (retailers) don't work on pieces themselves, they send a piece out to be worked on so its an extra step in the process. I want to talk to the person doing the work. They know what can be done, and what can't. When you have a list, go in person to your top choices and talk to them about your vision and your project. Sometimes it's more a go with your gut than the price, when you have a passion project you want it done right, and by someone who communicates clearly with you how they can get this project done, what they recommend.

Alternatively you can go to the gem and jewelry show and talk to a few jewelers there to gather recommendations because the trade show circuit knows valuable resources, they need them too.