This article is a great introduction for anyone new to custom jewelry or feeling a little unsure about the process.
If you've never had a custom piece made before, I'll walk you through exactly how it works at my shop.
Step 1: Book a Consultation
The first step for any custom jewelry project is scheduling a consultation. This is required for custom designs but not for loose gemstone purchases, Off-the-Shelf Settings, Ready-to-Ship pieces, or Made-to-Order listings.
These meetings are relaxed and low-pressure. We'll talk about your ideas, the design process, timelines, and rough pricing. You don't need to have every detail figured out—there's no expectation to make final decisions during the consultation.
You don't need to turn your camera on; just have a working microphone and screen. I'll share my screen, ask questions about your vision, and walk through options with you.
Inspiration photos, Pinterest boards, sketches, or any reference images are highly encouraged! Having them ready helps us make the most of our time together and get your project off to a great start.
Step 2: Deposit When you are ready to start, a deposit is required to start work. I ask for 4 Installments for custom work. Should clients need more installments, then we can discuss details and payment timeline before we start.
This includes: -Place in my queue -Rough stone/gem material held for project (this does not include stones in my shop that are pre-cut. Clients are required to purchase their Ready To Ship stone so they are off the market) -3 drafts of our ring via 3d Computer Software Modeling (or CAD) Between each draft, clients and myself will be emailing back and forth to ensure each draft has the adjustments and tweaks they are wanting. - Email correspondence
Deposits are partially non-refundable under all circumstances as they are intended to cover work completed, including but not limited to:
Research specific to the project
CAD/computer modeling
Drawing and illustration
Email correspondence
Consultations
All physical and intellectual labor
Step 3: 3d Ring Shipped When the 3 Drafts are finished and we are at the final version of our jewelry, I will send my clients a 3d plastic ring model so you can ensure fit and proportion.
Step 4: Casting Metals After clients have confirmed the 3d model they receive, we are ready for casting. This requires a minimum of 50% paid of the entire project. Deposit and other credits are typically applied to the last installment and do not 'roll over’ to the 50% mark.
Once 50% has been paid, the fun begins and we will start the metal work for your project.
Step 5: Finish Once casting has been finished, I will spend a few weeks sanding and polishing the metal of your choice, and work on setting our stones. This is a very fun period of the project as we get to see the product come to life. At this point, installment 3 of 4 is due. Everything is done in my studio and I will send a progress photo around this time.
Once our ring is done, you will get natural daylight and studio lighting professional video and photos of your item. At this point, the final payment is due alongside shipping.
