Our Custom Process

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  First Steps

  We love working with customers on personal and meaningful projects. We pride ourselves in work that combines ethically sourced materials, unique design, and handcrafted finishes, and we strive to be accessible to a range of budgets. If you’re interested in pursuing a custom project, please fill out our Custom Design Questionnaire. We strongly encourage making an in-person or virtual appointment.

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  Getting an Estimate

  After filling out our Custom Design Questionnaire or meeting with us at one of our locations or virtually, we’ll discuss your plans and offer our initial design suggestions. We love when clients come to us with references and ideas, but we do not replicate other designers’ work. At this time, we’ll review our contract and policies and provide a basic estimate.

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  Design Direction and Approval

  Once we’ve settled on a design direction, the next step is to sign the contract and provide payment. From there, we’ll begin sourcing your stones and finalizing the design.

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  Gemstone Sourcing and Layout

  We stock a gorgeous array of gemstones of the highest ethical quality. However, you also have the option to seek out ethically sourced non-stock stones and cuts. We can’t start production until all the stones are in-house, so remember that sourcing that just-right gem of your dreams does extend the lead-time. Similarly, design changes and additional models can increase the lead-time. We love designing highly crafted, durable jewelry that is truly special for each client, and we promise that the time and effort will be worth it once you see your finished piece.

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  Making a Model

  We will send you photos of available stones in layouts. These layouts help visualize the design, while additional images show you the settings, shanks, and finish details. We try to provide the most accurate photos, but keep in mind that gemstones become slightly darker or more saturated once set and that colors in photos may vary on different screens. You’re also welcome to make another appointment at one of our locations to view the layout in person if we have the gemstones in stock.

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  Moving Into Metal

  Now that you’ve approved your design, your jewelry will be made into wax by 3D printing or through a molding process and then cast into metal using a centuries-old method. We do an initial cleanup on the jewelry before setting your stones.

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  Setting Your Stone

  It’s time! Our setting specialist will set your selected gemstones, ensuring that the stone is positioned evenly and securely by manipulating the setting as necessary and finishing it for a refined look.

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  Final Touches

  Before your ring can make its way to you, we make sure it’s perfect. We’ll apply a final finish as well as any additions, like engraving. The jewelry then travels through our quality control process, where we check the specs, setting, size, and finish for a final assurance that it’s just right.

  We photograph our custom work for our archive and to use as inspiration for future customers! Generally, this is when we gather around your ring to “ooh and aah.” Then we carefully package your jewelry before it’s shipped out or picked up by you.

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  Receiving Your Jewelry

  Wear your jewelry with pride, knowing that it was made with profound dedication. Using the best available ethical materials supports sustainable design, traditional craft, and a commitment to supporting artisanal mines worldwide. We are proud to be a part of your story, and now you are a part of ours — creating a more ethical jewelry industry one handmade piece at a time.