Custom Designs // Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How long does it take to make a piece?
A. It can take me anywhere from a few hours to 80+ hours to complete a piece. Simpler designs with minimal details may take only a few hours, while elaborate custom designs can take 50+ hours. It all depends on the project at hand.
Q. How are your jewelry designs made?
A. The majority of my creations are fabricated by hand, starting with raw wire, sheet metal & natural gemstones. I occasionally make designs which are created in a computer program & 3d printed in wax, then cast these into metal. I also have the capability to hand-carve designs in wax & cast into metal. It depends on the project as to which approach I will take
Q. I like a design that has sold. can you remake it?
A. Yes, I would be happy to remake a piece for you. This is typically approached as a custom creation, but without the extensive design time needed. I am happy to explore other color variations within designs as well. Fill out the form here to start the conversation.
Q. Can you repurpose my old jewelry
A. Absolutely! Repurposing karat gold into a custom design is a wonderful way to design a special new piece while keeping costs relatively low. Silver designs, however, tend to be more costly if we repurpose your old silver due to the time it takes to refine & mill the metal. When we work with your materials, you are only charged for hourly labor rate & a small studio fee to cover solder & other studio needs when making your piece.
Q. What metals do you work with?
A. I work with sterling silver & karat gold.
Q. Where do you get your gemstones?
A. Most of the larger gemstones that I work with are cut & polished by myself in my studio. The gemstone slabs I work with have mostly been picked up at gem shows or rock shops while traveling. Most of my small faceted stones from a gem manufacturer out of India, and diamonds come from a reputable jewelry supplier that are certified conflict-free.
Q. Can you incorporate stones that I already have?
A. Yes! Most of the time, I can work with stones that you would like to use or repurpose, whether faceted gemstones or polished cabochons.
Q. Can you use the raw stones that I have?
A. I can work with many tumbled gemstones and slabs to make cabochons for your custom design. I typically do not work with found rough stones (unless we absolutely know what material we’re working with), as experience has shown that they often don’t shape up nicely due to varying densities & they often gunk up my machines. If you have questions about a potential stone you’d like me to shape, please be in touch. I can be hired for lapidary work at $50/ hr as my schedule allows.
Q. can you repair my jewelry?
A. Yes- If it is something that I have created for you, then I am happy to repair your jewelry. Otherwise, no, I don’t take on repairs or resizing rings.
Q. How do you price your work?
A. The price of a piece is determined based off the materials used & the time it takes on my bench to complete the design from start to finish. My rate is $50 per hour.
Q. Does your jewelry contain nickel?
A. No- All of the metals I work with are nickel-free.
PRICING: Designing a special piece for a client requires extra time & attention to detail. The price for a custom creation will directly reflect the conceptual design time, bench production time & material costs. Please understand that it takes more hours to design something special when working with a client, & expect to invest in this loving creation. Because of the extensive design time it takes to work with a Client, I am currently only accepting projects over $1000.
PAYMENTS: To begin the conceptual design process, I do require an initial design fee of $150. This amount is non-refundable & includes 2 30-minute consultations and 3 hours of conceptual design time (sufficient for most designs). After the 3 hours of conceptual design time, I may be hired for additional design work at $50/ hr. (Billed as needed)
TURNAROUND: Typically, the entire design process takes a couple months from first consultation to final product. Although, it is possible for a quick turnaround with certain projects along with steady communication from the Client. I accept a limited number of custom designs per year, so it's best to plan ahead.
DETAILS: I take extra care to make sure your design is completed to the best of my abilities and that all specifications are met with accuracy. Please browse my collections, as the aesthetic of your custom creation will be comparable to what you see on my website. You'll receive sketches and/or renders of your design before production begins. If anything is unclear, please ask for clarification before I begin production. All sales are final, but if you are unhappy with the outcome, we will work together & find a solution. If the design was made to the agreed specifications & the Client would like a revision, this can be explored on a case by case basis, and will be billed hourly to modify.
HOW TO HIRE ME: Submit your DESIGN REQUEST first, with as much detail as possible. We will schedule a design consultation from there. I respond to EVERY design request within 5 business days, so please check your spam folder if you haven’t heard back.
I look forward to working with you! -Ann Kathryn