Commissioning a piece of jewellery

Commissioning jewellery is such a personal experience...it may be for you or it may be for someone else, and it may - or may not - be to mark a significant moment in your life.

It can mean something as simple as requesting a different gem for one of my existing designs, as a lovely client did here with this jasper Balance ring...

 

Or it may mean creating a completely bespoke design which I really enjoy too. It means I get to make something totally unique, and it often pushes me in new directions too...but best of all, it's just lovely to make something meaningful for you.

So...how do you go about it?

Usually people have spotted something on my website or on Instagram which gives a starting point and something to work from.  However, this is not essential and you may have only the loosest of ideas.

We'll first discuss via email the kind of design you're looking for...Ring? Necklace? Delicate? Or chunky? Gemstones? And if so, which? Gold or silver? And of course, budget is a factor. And if you like we can also have a face-to-face meeting, or a discussion over zoom.

Then I will sketch out some first ideas.  From these sketches elements can be picked out from the different designs and swapped around; details removed or added...nothing is set in stone at this stage.

Once a design has been largely decided upon, I will then sketch different options in more detail, and at this stage give an idea of prices.

You are still under no obligation if you're not totally sure about anything! If you need time to think, then that's fine.

Hopefully, though, with a design finalised you'll be happy to go ahead and I can get to work.

It usually takes between 6-8 weeks from receipt of a 50% deposit for me to make your piece. Along with the initial to-ing and fro-ing you should expect the whole process to take at least 8 weeks, and sometimes longer. 

Finally, your jewellery is hallmarked before being packaged up in my lovely boxes...and then it can wing its way to you.

Here are the stories behind a few recent commissions...all totally personal, and all of which I absolutely loved.

 

50th birthday present to self

Kim contacted me as she'd seen some of my rings on Instagram - in particular a ring with a turquoise stone caught her eye. She wanted something special as a birthday present to herself for her 50th...

In her words, she wanted something 'different, but not too extreme'. She wanted to incorporate turquoise, the gemstone for Saggitarius, as well as amethyst and emerald which are her daughters' birthstones. 

First I sketched up some ideas showing different styles and options. 

 

Having had a chat with her daughters she decided on the style with the off-set oval turquoise...and I got to work.

The ring band was carved in wax, and cast into silver...The settings for the stones were made...And all the components soldered together...

 

 Yes, there is a stage where everything looks rather messy...So when it all comes together it's especially satisfying. This ring, with its three gemstones, really was lovely to see coming to life.

Here are some more pics of the finished piece. I just love it... and the meaning behind it makes it all the more lovely. When Kim received it she emailed saying, 'It's so me!' which was just wonderful to hear. I'm so glad I was able to make her something so special and meaningful.

Thank you, Kim!

 

Opal earrings 

Jane wanted to commission some earrings to complement her daughter's opal engagement ring. She sent me some pictures of the ring itself and we decided that a delicate design would be appropriate. 

Having sketched out some ideas, she consulted with her friends for some second opinions and the design was finalised. Clean, modern and simple, and set with beautiful Australian opal cabochons.

Such a pleasure to create these...and such a modern, pretty design. It was great to hear Jane's excitement via email when she received them...just so lovely...Thanks, Jane!

 

 

Roman coin ring

Bree was given the Roman coin by her husband, and asked me to set it into a ring. She prefers more delicate jewellery and, in her words, likes the 'rustic' look. The coin dated from 89AD so was obviously not completely bright and shiny itself! She chose to go with a signet style, but we thought it would look best if it was quite soft and organic in shape - not too 'perfect'.

This was carved in wax, and the setting carved out to hold the coin.

The underside of the setting was opened out so that the reverse side of the coin would be visible too.

The wax was then sent off to be cast into silver...and as soon as it arrived back I got to work.

I gave the silver and soft, satin finish and set the coin. You can see a little horse on the reverse side...

Couldn't resist a little try-on...

 

I think it looks gorgeous. Thanks, Bree, for trusting me with this little piece of history! 

Hope you enjoyed reading a bit about the process. Get in touch here if you'd like to have a chat about commissioning something special. I'd love to hear from you xx