Custom orders come in all shapes and sizes, and everything that comes through our office is handled and created by either myself (Austin) or Shasta.  So how do we handle custom orders? below I have outlined how most orders are handled and what you can expect.

Most people that come to us already have an rough idea of what they want.  Perhaps they lost a ring that they once had, and want it remade. Or maybe they saw a pendant in a movie and now they would likk to commission to have a duplicate made.  Or even read about a cuff in their favorite novel and would like to see it come to life.  All of these situation have come across my desk, and each one has found life in our hands.

When doing custom work.  Having a clear understanding of what you, the customer, wants is the most important thing.  For this reason, I prefer to communicate via email so that pictures and drawings can be sent back and forth to ensure that we are both on the same page in terms of the design and layout of your piece.  Here are a few examples of a set of drawings I did for a customer who wanted a lapis pendant, but didn't know what the design should look like:

And here is the result; as you can see, she chose the first option.  We also agreed on a peridot ring, which you can see in the back ground:

Often times I already have items in my shop which are very similar to what you want.  This is great for several reasons:

First: I already know that I can make your item. Obviously I've done it once, and I can do it again.

Second: By looking at the price of the original item in my shop, you can get a pretty good idea as to how much a custom item like it will cost.  Just remember to take into account that different stones and other details can add or subtract to a price very quickly.

Third: It is in my comfort zone.  As an artist, there are things I like to make, and things I don't like to make, and the best results happen when I am doing what I am best at.  But I'll talk more about this in a little bit.

For now, to keep your interest, another picture!

This ring was designed based off of a current ring design that I already had in my shop.  That made the design phase of this project go quickly and smoothly.  The ring in the drawing photo was the ring we based the opal ring from.

A little bit about creative license: I love it when a customer comes to me and says that they simply want me to make them something wonderful.  Perhaps they point to their favorite ring or pendant and say "Make me something like that!"  We agree on a price, and any stones involved and away I go!  Usually my best work comes from arrangements like these.  

So Now you're wondering, how much will it really cost me to have my own piece of handmade custom jewelry?

First Step: Do a bit of homework first, try to get a good idea of what you want, do a drawing or find a picture of something similar.

Next: Try to see if I have anything like it in my shop, this will give you a clue as to how much your piece will cost.

Questions to ask yourself: Does the piece have a stone set in it? If so, how big, what kind, is quality important, or is price a determining factor.  Make sure you have a budget in mind.

Next: Ask! After we agree on a design, and any stones that may be involved, I will always give you an out the door price.  I will include any shipping charges, taxes and anything else that may be involved so that you will know what the finished price will be before anything is made and there is never any obligation to have it made once we have a price.

To give a rough idea of pricing here are some prices for items with customer provided stones. A simple ring with a narrow band and a prong setting for a calibrated gemstone will start at about $30.  A bezel setting on a simple ring will start around $40 for a smaller cabochon. A Simple Pendant with a Calibrated gemstone will start at around $30 and a Simple bezel style pendant will start at about $40 for a small cabochon.

So perhaps you have a stone already and you need it set.  No Problem.  We do this all the time! It can be a calibrated gemstone or a cabochon, or even an oddly shaped rock.  Here is an example of a star sapphire Ring where the customer mailed me the stone and I set it based on a design which we had discussed via email:

Here is a more complex project where the customer sent a stick of topaz, a few moonstones, and some peridot and I supplied the fire agate and rainbow moonstones and we created a beautiful multi-piece necklace for her.

So How long does it take? The best answer is "It Depends".  If I already have everything in stock that I need, then Usually your piece will be made in a week or less.  If I do need to order a setting, or a special stone or more material such as orders involving gold, then add another 6-10 days for my order to arrive so that I can begin work on your project. If you are supplying the stone, then It will need to be sent to me so that I can measure it and set it.  If you don't know how large the stone is, then I may be delayed in starting if it is not a calibrated size and special settings are needed to be made or ordered.  There is of course also the delay while the stone is in transit from you to me.  Bottom line, Along with a final price, I can usually also give a ball park estimate as to how long it will take. Rush Orders are also available upon request.

And Finally, what if you are not utterly thrilled with the results? This has only happened... Umm, maybe once in my memory, but I realize that it is always a possibility.  Here is the procedure: Once a custom item is finished, I will send you several pictures of the finished item from different angles.  (This is another reason why email is important!) When you receive the pictures, please let me know at this time if there are any problems.  Assuming there are none, I will mail you the item once I have your approval.  Once I mail you the custom item, unless it is damaged in transit, then it is yours to keep.  Forever.  Now I am human, and I can make exceptions. If your custom item is something that I might have normally made, then I may offer you store credit in exchange for the return of the item.  No cash refunds are given for Custom Work.

We encourage you to view our Custom Work and Sold Items Gallery.  See some of the amazing things people have requested and which we have made.  It never ceases to amaze me what the imagination can come up with. We do Hope we will be hearing from you soon to design your very own custom jewelry!

Thank you,

Austin Moore + Shasta Palmer