HOW DO WE START THE CUSTOM JEWELLERY PROCESS?
Fill out the Custom Jewellery Enquiry Form, or get in touch to book an appointment at my Christchurch workshop.
Click here for the Custom Jewellery Enquiry Form.
Click here to book an appointment, or to make a general enquiry.

 

HOW LONG DO CUSTOM PIECES TAKE TO GET MADE?
Good things take time. A custom jewellery project can take between 4 and 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and current wait-list times.
Generally, the closer it is to one of my own designs, the sooner it can be made. 
If you would like to have it by a certain date, let me know as soon as you can and I will do my best to make it happen.
Rush orders are subject to availability- there may be an additional fee.

I REALLY LOVE A RING ON YOUR WEBSITE BUT WOULD LIKE IT MADE IN A DIFFERENT STONE OR METAL. IS THIS POSSIBLE?

Any gold pieces on my website can be recreated using alternative gems or gold variations. If you would like to begin the process, please fill out the Custom Jewellery Enquiry Form.

 

CAN YOU RECREATE A PIECE OF JEWELLERY FROM A PHOTO?

Photos are a great starting point for a custom-made piece. We can use pictures as 'inspiration' for your new jewel, and take elements from different designs to create your unique piece.

Bear in mind that I only make jewellery in my own organic aesthetic and will not recreate a piece of jewellery identically to a picture. Every piece of jewellery I make is unique.

 

I HAVE AN EXISTING RING, CAN I GET IT REMADE AND REMODELLED INTO SOMETHING NEW USING THE STONES AND / OR METAL? 

Re-purposing of gems and metals is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Generally, it is possible to re-use diamonds, sapphires and rubies, or other gems of similar hardness (ie. an 8 or above on the Mohs Hardness Scale).
Gems will need to be assessed in my workshop to make sure they are suitable to use.

I am generally not able to re-use or 'melt down' metals for use in my pieces. This is because I use special alloys which are freshly made to ensure a good quality result. The contents of customer's gold can contain unknown metals and solders which can create impurities in the casting. By using fresh metal, we make sure the new ring will last a lifetime.

A large portion of the metal I use is recycled- precious metals can be traded in for a credit toward the new piece. Metals will need to be weighed and assessed in my workshop before recycling. 

 

I'M AFTER AN ENGAGEMENT OR WEDDING RING THAT I'LL WEAR EVERY DAY - WHAT STONES AND METALS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND FOR DURABILITY? 

If you're planning to wear a piece of jewellery every day over a long period of time, it's a good idea to consider how durable the materials are.

METALS:

I recommend 14ct and 18ct gold (yellow or white) as they wear very well over time. The higher gold content means these metals resist tarnishing and corrosion.

If the ring is to be worn next to another ring, it's best to match the metals to make sure they don't wear unevenly.

GEMS:

I recommend diamonds, sapphires and rubies for a piece that will be worn every day (ie. an engagement ring). This is because they are the hardest gems and will fare much better long-term against everyday knocks. 

Other good options:
Moissanite
Spinel
Topaz
Aquamarine
Garnet
Tourmaline

These gems are softer or more fragile, and best for occasionally worn rings:
Opal
Pearl
Emerald
Amber
Quartz
Amethyst
Citrine
Peridot

All jewellery must be treated with care to keep it looking its best. See here for jewellery care instructions. 

 

I DON'T LIVE IN CHRISTCHURCH. CAN YOU STILL MAKE A CUSTOM PIECE FOR ME? 

Yes, I often create bespoke jewels for nationwide and international clients. We can communicate via email, phone and video calls. I take lots of photos and can keep you up-to-date throughout the process.  

 

CAN I CHANGE OR CANCEL MY CUSTOM ORDER?

Custom pieces are made especially for you, and cannot be cancelled once they have been confirmed and a 50% deposit paid. Please choose carefully as I am unable to offer refunds once work has begun. 

Changes to a design may be possible during the earlier stages of the custom-made process. If you would like to make any changes, it is important that you let me know as soon as you can. Any significant changes may incur an additional cost in labour or materials- I'll always let you know before we go ahead.

Custom pieces may not be returned or exchanged.

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