Abstract: A fully automated system is provided for “virtually” creating an object having two or more variable characteristics. A user is prompted to select a value for each of these characteristics, whereupon the system accesses a database to determine the cost, on a real-time basis, for each of these selected values to thereby determine the total cost of the created object. An image of the object as created by the user is automatically provided and updated each time the user changes a value, as is the total cost. A price point match feature is also provided to allow the user to enter a target price point to thereby allow the system to create a product whose total cost is as close as possible to the target price point. The system is particularly useful in the design of jewelry.