A guide to our
Custom Jewelry
Inquiry + Consultation
Send an email to start a conversation about the type of piece you are looking for. Fill me in on any details about the design, your vision, and any important deadlines. I’ll have answers and info about the custom design process, including metal types, stone sourcing, and incorporating heirloom/vintage pieces. This step is all about education and getting on the same wavelength.
Initial Design + Planning
To start working together, I ask you to book a meeting (online or in-person) . After our discussion, I ask for a $200 deposit for the initial design and planning. This amount is non-refundable. Your project will be put into my calendar and we’ll begin to fine-tune your design with the help of emails, conversations, Pinterest, Google Drive Folders, sketches, and photos. We’ll share ideas and work collaboratively to hone in on your dream piece.
Design Proposal
I’ll create a design with specs on metals, stones, and finishing details and send you a document with a design outline. Edits on the design are limited to 2 iterations. Once we agree upon a design, I ask for a deposit that is a minimum of 50% of the total quote to begin creating your custom piece. This enables me to acquire stones, metal, and transform the idea into its final form.
Models +Updates
Your design starts as a model. I hand carve models from wax or design a CAD model that is printed in a resin. You’ll receive pictures of the 3D form over email and you can schedule a meeting at the studio to see and touch the model. This model phase is a great tool for you to see the proportions and stone arrangements.
Constructing, Casting, Setting, Polishing
The real dirty work begins in the studio. Sit tight as your piece comes to life!
Photo + Final Invoice + Delivery
I’ll snap photos of your custom creation and email your final bill with the total cost and remainder due. Due to the ambiguous nature of custom work, I have a +/- 20% contingency from the initial estimate. Upon payment, I will ship or arrange a studio pickup for your finished piece.
Pricing + Timeline: This process typically takes between 8-10 weeks and up to 17 weeks depending on the complexity of the design and the sourcing of metal and stones. Our custom projects begin at $2,000. Custom engagement rings average $4,500 depending on stone selection and material.
Materials: For rings with gemstones, I accept custom designs for 14k, 18k, and 22k gold or platinum. I do not offer plating on custom designs and if you are looking for Rhodium plated white gold, I instead offer solid Palladium White for it’s similar luster, durability, and better longevity.
Plain band rings are available in solid or bi-metal gold, platinum, and steel. I work with a small shop that provides a selection of Damascus steel patterns and will require a longer timeline for completion. My signature 50/50 gold and steel band rings are created from 14k or 18k gold and blackened mild steel. These can be customized with different colors of gold.
Recycling Metal: If you have old gold jewelry that you’d like repurposed for your new design, this is available on a case-by-case basis for band rings without stones. Most gold is alloyed uniquely by its manufacturer and my casting house does not accept gold from outside it’s own trusted sources. If you want to recycle some of your existing jewelry, I can arrange to send it to a trusted refinery and apply its useable value as a credit to your final invoice. The costs of refining and shipping are deducted from this credit.
Vintage and Heirloom Stones: For jewelry worn daily, like bridal and ceremonial rings, I work with heirloom sapphires, diamonds, rubies, and moissanite. Each has hardness and durability that stand up to regular wear. You are responsible for having these existing stones appraised before contacting me about incorporating them. Local Portland clients follow this link for my recommended appraiser.
For softer gemstones (Mohs hardness of 7 and below) like moonstone, sunstone, and opal, be advised they are at a higher risk for damage and fracturing. Rings with these stones require more attention and care. They need to be removed when active, while showering/washing hands, and will likely need to be replaced and re-set in the future.