An customization system and method in which a user can establish user indicia content, such as an image or text (e.g., a map, picture, address, name, etc.), onto a user selected indicia surface of an item or product, such as an item of jewelry or textile, and then view the customized product before purchasing the customized product. The item of jewelry may be selected, design, viewed and ordered or purchased automatically through the computer interface where the user interface and indicia designation creates both a visualization mask and indicia manufacturing designation code without further operator input. Such an automated system and method may include a selection module, a design module, an editing module, and a purchasing module for allowing a user to design and purchase an customized and/or personalized jewelry item having a unique engraving such as a map of a significant location with a gem stone as the specific identifying marker all according to a consumer's input. Users may navigate through various user interface screens or modules to view and select jewels and jewelry for use in their design. The jewels and jewelry of interest may be arranged together on a virtual screen so that users may view, compare and arrange the jewels and jewelry to aid in the selection and design process. The action of creating, selecting, and designating indicia content on an item creates manufacturing instructions for direct transmission to a manufacturer absent further modification.