Custom Design Process
How long will the custom design process take?
Most custom orders take 3 to 6 weeks from our initial design session to the completed product. Check out the links below for more information on timing.
How long does custom jewelry take to create?
The Custom Design Timeline varies depending on the piece of jewelry being designed. In most cases it takes 3-6 weeks on average. For a more intricate design it can take an average of 6-8 weeks. In some special circumstances a design can be rushed. If you have a short timeline let us know as soon as possible!
Pricing, Estimates and Payment Process
Our work is custom-made and requires more attention to detail than a mass-produced piece of jewelry. The pricing can vary depending on the medium, style and design. We work with our customers on pricing and are able to design within all budgets. The most important part of the custom process is to provide you with a product that fits your personality and is worn, not stored in your jewelry box. To start the process we require a deposit of 50% of the estimated price of custom work and full payment on major stones once a design has been approved.
We meet with you to discover who you are and what your story is. Everyone's story is an adventure, how did yours begin? If you are getting engaged, where did you meet? What is the occasion? How can we make this next part of your adventure special? We work to develop the relationship with you first, and then start working with you to create a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry.
If your design requires casting, we first create an exact replica in a wax model. This allows you to see the piece of jewelry before it is cast in the metal and allows for alterations to the design. We find the wax prototype helps you envision the end product. The artistry and craftsmanship used to create these one of a kind replicas will amaze you!
After the approval of the prototype it is time to cast. We use the Lost Wax Casting process and centrifugal force to cast with the metal of your choosing. A negative mold is made from the wax prototype before the wax is burned away and metal is cast into the mold. We can repurpose your old gold or use fresh casting grain.
Hand fabrication is a process of making jewelry from nothing. We use sheet, bar stock and wire to create intricate designs. This technique takes longer than the process of casting but the result is something that cannot be duplicated using other methods. Sometimes the design will call for an entire piece or a portion to be hand made.
We can set your stones or our hand-picked stones. Each stone is measured, seated properly and hand set. This enables us to pay attention to detail and make sure the stones are secured in the setting to last.
At this stage of the process we make sure that all design elements have been included. We will add any polish, textures or finishes required.
This ring had broke in half at the solder seam. Also the top was attached with barely enough metal leading to the ring completely falling apart.
This customer wore all of these three rings together. The left ring was her three stone engagement ring, middle ring was her eternity diamond anniversary band, and the right ring was her grandmothers wedding ring that barely fit.
This was a custom designed mothers ring. The jeweler never asked the customer what they liked and this design was exactly opposite of their jewelry needs. The customer liked symmetrical, flowing lines and the color to be the focus in the mothers ring.
This ring had broke in half at the solder seam. Also the top was attached with barely enough metal leading to the ring completely falling apart.
Before
Custom 14K yellow and white gold diamond and ruby ring. This was a fun setting to create. We utilized the stones and gold from the other setting and re purposed the materials into a fun contemporary design. There are diamonds set in the profile of the ring and the ring has a European square shank.
Custom three band diamond wedding set. This setting incorporated a three stone engagement ring, eternity band, and an antique wedding band. We love a good challenge.
Custom 14K yellow gold mothers ring re purposing the customers gold and stones. This setting is exactly what the customer was looking for. With our process we created a unique setting that fit their personality and emphasized the color in the mothers ring. By the way same stones!!!
Custom 14K yellow and white gold diamond and ruby ring. This was a fun setting to create. We utilized the stones and gold from the other setting and re purposed the materials into a fun contemporary design. There are diamonds set in the profile of the ring and the ring has a European square shank.
AFTER
 Custom 14K yellow and white gold pendants. This is an orthodox cross. |  Custom Damascus steel pendants. The Damascus is custom shaped and has the batman symbol etched. |  This pendant was custom designed with the kids initials. The pendant was created using the customers anniversary band. The pendant showcases the kids initials. |
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 Custom designed sterling silver drusy pendant. This pendant is created to enhance the natural color of the drusy quartz stone. |  Custom shaped copperbrick earrings. The copperbrick is a byproduct of the copper smelting in Northern Michigan |  Custom designed St. Joseph Pendant. |
 Custom designed argentium silver earrings. Set with tanzanite and citrine. |  Custom designed argentium silver Petoskey pendant. This pendant was designed for the St. Joseph of Chelsea annual benefit. |  Custom designed sterling silver drusy pendant. This pendant is created to enhance the natural color of the drusy quartz stone. |