CUSTOM DESIGN PROCESS

DEPOSIT

Once you decide to move forward but before I start any design sketches, I will need to know your budget and cost expectations so that I can be sure to design within your price range. 

I will then ask for a 10% deposit based on the estimated price of the piece. This is non-refundable. The deposit is a way for me to make sure that I am covering at least some of my time spent with you if you should decide to abandon the project.

COMMUNICATION

How we communicate is important. I prefer phone calls and email for all communication, although texting photos is fine as well as for setting up meeting times. Social media messages are apt to get lost!

PRE-DESIGN CONVERSATIONS

Once you have decided to move forward with a custom design and have paid the 10% deposit, but before I begin sketching, I will spend time talking with you and emailing you, working back and forth to further understand your vision.

  • Review the DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS & QUESTIONS that I will email you and  provide as much information as possible.

  • Please share anything that you think is important for me to know.

  • Photos are particularly helpful, even if it is the work of other jewelers. (Note: I will not copy other people’s designs). If you find photos of pieces that have the feel that you are after, or if there are elements within the photo that illustrate what you like, please share.

  • Review my work and let me know what speaks to you.

We will continue talking until I have a clear idea of what you desire.

DESIGN

This is when I put pencil to paper. I will prepare 3-6 quick pencil sketches to see if I’m heading the right direction. These sketches will fit within your budget. Sometimes this is all that we need, sometimes further revision is required. I will get your feedback and head back to the drawing board. Drawings will be further refined and we will go back and forth until we get a design that you love.

PRICE QUOTE, COMPLETION DATE & DEPOSIT

Once we have a final design, I will give you a firm price quote. There may be options within that quote (natural diamond vs lab grown diamond for example) giving you some flexibility. I will also give you a completion date.

A deposit will be requested at this point, when added to the original 10% deposit, that will equal 50% of the quoted price. This deposit is non-refundable and allows me to purchase materials. 

NOW I MAKE YOUR PIECE

I’ll get to work on your piece and strive to hit your completion date. Feel free to check in with me but I will definitely contact you if I’m going to miss your deadline. Be confident that your piece won’t be forgotten!

COMPLETION

When your jewelry is complete, I will let contact you and arrange final payment and shipping. Custom pieces are non-refundable and non-returnable, although if you’re unhappy for any reason I’ll work with you to make it right!