Having a piece of jewellery custom made is an incredibly unique experience, and you may never have had it done before.
So, how does it work?
What should you expect when you embark on the journey?
Susan has spent over 16 years developing her signature custom process which can be done either in person, or completely online. There are lots of moving parts that happen behind the scenes, but rest assured that we’ll guide you through the fun of it all, in the best way we know how.
It all starts by getting in touch
Send us an enquiry via the contact page and simply tell us that you’re keen to know more about having something special made. We’ll send you an email back that contains all of the information and prompts you’ll need to start the enquiry and design process. It will include a pricing guide to help you work out your budget and the best experience for you, plus all the necessary links you might need to gather your inspiration.
The design process
When we’ve received your feedback on initial ideas and thoughts, you will be placed on the waitlist or in the queue for your first round of ideas and quote estimates. Sometimes that includes hand drawn sketches, photoshopped ideas, gemstones to look at (either in person or by video). Think of it like a high end show and tell. We have loads of images and visual cues to help you imagine, even if you’ve never been one of those ‘visual’ people. Seriously, Susan probably spends more time on sketches and emails explaining things so it’s not too obscure than she’d care to admit.
After the initial discovery consultation, it typically takes 1- 3 rounds of your feedback and Susan’s design changes to get to your final design and the final quote. Accepting the final quote and paying the deposit will secure your place in the production schedule. Susan will help you make decisions when you feel like you can’t, and will offer any education that she can based on her skill and expertise, and also based on what she would recommend for your particular idea.
When do you pay?
Estimates on the project are discussed with the first round of general design ideas, and are usually free of charge. With the exception of having gemstones custom cut, or ordered on loan to have a look at and then deciding to pass on it, there are no upfront fees for simply getting some ideas and estimates down on paper. The first payment is made when the final design and quote has been agreed (or when gemstones have been officially selected and ordered) and then the final balance is payable upon completion of the piece, prior to collection or shipping. It is a 50% deposit and then a 50% balance. With the deposit invoice you will also receive a Service Agreement to read through. We promise it’s not too long and boring!
How long is it going to take?
Let’s face it, it ain’t no “we’ll just whip it up” kind of scenario. A hand crafted piece is exactly that; hand crafted with Susan’s own two hands. The design and production process can be complex and due to the amount of work involved we generally allocate 8-12 weeks per project. Timeframes can vary depending on work load or if waitlists are in place. If there is a special date that you need the piece for, please let us know. But put it this way, don’t leave it until the last minute. No one likes a stressy jeweller! During the making process, we’ll be in touch with some progress for you. With the final invoice we’ll send you some exciting images and videos of it.
For what it’s worth …
A custom made piece of jewellery is an experience. Oftentimes, you invest your ideas, sentimentality, and personal style into something that could become your most cherished and significant possession. It might be a bit scary to go through with, it might feel a bit risky even, but we promise that it’s worth it. And Susan will make you feel as comfy as she can through the whole thing.
But don’t just take our word for it, have a look below at what Susan’s customers have said about the custom made experience…
