Custom Jewellery FAQ

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MADE-TO-ORDER AND CUSTOM DESIGN?

Made to order/ Build Your Own:

This is recreating the design of a pre-existing SDJ ring. We can customise it by changing the centre stone, the gold colour, carat and the ring size.. Made to order rings take approximately 6-8 weeks from order confirmation to handcraft in our Christchurch workshop.

View our core collection of build-your-own styles here. Other ring designs, and gemstones, are available on request. Please get in touch to discuss your ideas. 

Bespoke / Custom Design:

This means you are designing a completely customised ring, in Sophie's style, from the ground up. This service includes sketch design work, and much more in-depth consultation and follow up quote. 

To get this process started, it’d be best to book a consultation with Sophie via our 'services' page.

HOW DO WE START THE CUSTOM JEWELLERY PROCESS?
Fill out the Custom Jewellery Enquiry Form, or get in touch to book an appointment at our Christchurch shop via our booking platform here.

If you're not in Ōtautahi you can book a virtual consultation which will be held over Zoom. 

Click here for the Custom Jewellery Enquiry Form.
Click here to book an appointment.

 

HOW LONG DO CUSTOM PIECES TAKE TO GET MADE?
A custom jewellery project can take between 8-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design and current wait-list times.

If you are on a tighter timeframe, but would like a customised piece, our build-your-own rings can be made in around 6-8 weeks. 

If you require something right away, our readymade collection of rings are in stock and ready to ship. 

If you require a tighter turnaround time on any made-to-order or custom piece, please let us know. We will always do our best to accommodate, whenever possible. A rush-fee may apply to urgent orders. 

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

Any gold rings on our 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 or see our Build-Your-Own ring collection.

If you have a specific type of stone in mind for this piece please get in touch to discuss as we have many more stones not listed on the website, as well as the ability to source from our trusted gem suppliers.  

 

CAN YOU RECREATE A PIECE OF JEWELLERY FROM A PHOTO OR PIECE MADE BY SOMEONE ELSE?

We only make jewellery in Sophie's own organic aesthetic and style and will not recreate a piece of jewellery that is identical to a picture, or to mimic someone else's work. 

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 (i.e.. 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.

 

CAN YOU MELT MY EXISTING RING AND TURN IT INTO A NEW ONE?

We are not able to recycle or 'melt down' metals to reuse into a new piece, including rings. This is because our foundry uses special recycled gold alloys which are freshly made to ensure a good quality result. By using fresh metal, we make sure the new ring will last a lifetime.

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:

We 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:

We 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

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

DO YOU WORK WITH POUNAMU?

We do not work with pounamu / New Zealand Greenstone. 

DO YOU MAKE CREMATION OR MEMORIAL PIECES? 

We do not work with human or animal ashes, hair or any other organic matter in our pieces.

We are happy to help you to mark the loss of a loved one through customising any of our existing designs e.g. specific birthstones, engraving, gemstone remodelling. 

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

Yes, we often create bespoke jewels for nationwide and international clients. We can communicate via email, phone and video calls. Please book a virtual consultation via the website link, and we can start discussions over Zoom.

CAN I CHANGE OR CANCEL MY ORDER?

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

Custom and made-to-order pieces cannot be returned or exchanged.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE FREQUENTY ASKED QUESTIONS.