Custom Jewelry Design Process & What to Expect
Working with Clients to design custom jewelry is a highlight for me personally, as I enjoy bringing a thoughtful & intuitive vision to meet each unique project. While there is a general process for design work, each creation comes to life at it’s own unique pace, and we will honor this. Below is a framework of the process, allowing you insight into what you can expect when we work together. Although I like to keep a steady pace when working with a Client, there is always space to pause & reassess. Creativity blooms with a bit of freedom & fluidity. Once we begin working together, your project will have my full attention & will take priority on my bench.
Let’s begin:
I’ll first ask that you fill out the design form in as much detail as possible. This helps me to get a good sense of who I’ll be working with & what I’ll be creating. This is also a great indicator whether or not the project is something I’ll be able to successfully create. If there is any uncertainty on my behalf, I’ll reach out with additional questions.
Your design has been approved!
At this point, you’ll be added to my design schedule. I’ll give you an estimated start date & will follow up once I’m ready for your project. I ask that you use this time to consider any important details you may like to add to the project & keep a running list until it’s time for us to work together. My design time is limited, but you will have my full attention during our design consultations, once we begin your project. If you deviate from your original project proposal, please understand that I may not agree to work on your new project.
Confirmation
Once I’m ready to work with you, I’ll reach out to confirm. You’ll have 3 business days to pay a $150 design fee towards your custom design. This design fee will be applied towards the total cost of your finished custom design & includes two 30-minute consults & 3 hours of design time.
Design consultation
To make the most out of our phone consultation, I ask that you either have a clear idea of what you want out of this custom creation, or allow me to take the lead creatively. The more thought & direction I have from you, the more successful I can be as a designer. I will ask you questions to get a better idea of where we’re going with this creation & at the end of this consult I should have a clear idea of where to start for our initial design concepts. We will schedule a second consult as needed.
Sketches & Design Concepts
I’ll offer detailed sketches of initial design concepts. These first sketches serve as a navigational tool, to better understand what bits and pieces inspire you. From here, I will guide you through the process as we work to narrow in on the design & make revisions as needed. If we haven’t come to a conclusion after the included 3 hours of design time, I can be hired at a rate of $45/ hour to continue exploring your design. I will keep your budget in mind while exploring all design concepts & let you know how changes may affect this. Estimates are given for final design concepts.
We have a winner
At this point, we have agreed on a design & are ready to start the production work. In the next days, I’ll calculate the time needed & materials used & will give you an estimate for your project, based off the market price for metals. I ask that you pay 50% of the remaining balance (minus your $150 design fee) to start working on the project. Please be aware that materials are not purchased until payment is received. If our specific stone has sold within the time your quote is issued & payments received, additional design time/ material sourcing at a rate of $45/ hour may be required.
Production Begins
Once materials are ordered, I should have a clear vision of our production timeline. Production will begin on your custom piece as soon as the materials arrive. You’ll receive photos & updates on the progress of your design as it comes to life & any delays will be communicated.
Your custom design is complete!
Once your custom design is complete, you’ll be able to pay the remaining balance. Your design can either be picked up in person, or shipped via UPS Ground (unless other arrangements have been made). Shipping & insurance is included with each order.