Commissioning Information
Please allow sufficient time if you want custom-made jewellery by a specific date.
The process is very straightforward. If you know precisely what you want, and are able to convey your wishes through drawings, photographs etc and have a reasonable idea of your budget please get directly in touch. Please note that I do not copy other jeweller's work
Equally, I'm pleased to design for you provided you give me some idea of your likes, dislikes and an approximate budget. A good starting point is to browse my online portfolio and then give me some starting points for the piece I am to design for you and we will then work together from there.
Stones are obtained on approval from the very reputable stone merchants I have dealt with for many years and you are able to make your choice from a range. I am also happy to use your stone/s or recover them from old pieces you want to bring up to date.
In general, allow six to twelve weeks for designing, sourcing stones and materials, making and hallmarking. It can, however, be be as little as four weeks if you know exactly what you want and the materials are easily available and my workload allows.
In some instances I make a prototype to ensure the piece is exactly what you are expecting.
If you live in South Wales or within travelling distance we can meet if you wish but, if not, we can work perfectly well by email, telephone and post.
There may be delays in sourcing the perfect stone/s or during October, November and December when hallmarking can be slow and demand higher. Please order early for Christmas.
Costs
You will naturally be interested in costs. This is a difficult area as stones of the same kind vary a great deal in cost according to their quality. However, to give you some idea of cost, the Celtic influence rings No 76, which does not have stones, would currently cost as follows:
in silver - £120
in 9ct gold - £340
in 18ct gold - £460
Silver rings with a stone, such as a 6mm diameter peridot No. 209, would currently cost approximately £240 in silver; in 9ct gold £380; and in 18ct gold approximately £490. Please note that prices vary according to the current cost of precious metals.
I am pleased to give you approximate costs for any pieces which include precious or semi precious stones and a final price before bench work is started.
The advantages and disadvantages of commissioning
Advantages
You can be involved in the design process if you wish, or you can select an item from the portfolio of my previous work as a starting point.
- You are able to choose stones and pearls from a range which has been sourced from leading stone merchants - or you can provide your own.
- You get a high quality piece that is hand-made exclusively for you.
- You are buying direct from the maker with the significant cost advantage this brings. This is particularly so with higher priced items.
- Throughout, you get the finest craftsmanship and a quality piece that you would not usually be able to obtain on the high street.
Disadvantages
From initial contact, the time span from start to finished product varies depending upon complexity. Hallmarking can sometimes take as much as two weeks, particularly around Christmas.
- If you are not able to be specific about your likes and dislikes, this approach is probably not for you.
Click here to make an initial contact or you can Click the Contact me about .... link displayed with each product to send a more specific query about a particular piece.