Heirlooms are Meant to be Worn
Did you inherit a family ring you never wear? Have a necklace passed down that's outdated or just not "you"?
Our new streamlined commission process allows us to work with your precious stones and heirlooms locally and virtually across the country.
How it Works
Every project we take on is completely different.
We work with your existing diamonds, gemstones, rings, and other pieces of jewelry to create an equally sentimental heirloom you can wear every day.
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Our design process simply starts with your ideas.
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After an initial consultation, we hand-sketch multiple design options as a starting point to guide the conversation to a final design.
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Once a design is decided on, we create a digital rendering to accurately assess and portray the piece through a realistic lens. To help ease any hesitations, we can even have a 3D wax model created for you to assess and try on before the casting and creation process begins.
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As soon as you give your final approval on the design - and we source any additional elements (such as gemstones, chains, etc.) that your accessory may require - your new heirloom will begin the creation process.
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The creation process will take around three weeks from start of casting to the finished, end result. Keep in mind this time frame does not include the initial consult and design renderings, so be sure to allow enough time to talk through ideas if you have a specific end date in mind.
Check out our ongoing project diary and read our client's stories on our blog for a look at our latest commissions.
FAQ
How do I reach out to you about starting the process?
Simply fill out a message through our CONTACT page, let us know what you have to work with, if you prefer to meet in person or virtually, and we'll be in touch with openings to schedule a consult!
How do consultations work?
Everything starts after we receive your initial email and schedule a consultation. During the consultation, we'll discuss your design ideas, preferences, and how you wear your jewelry to better sketch designs that suit your preference as well as function.
How much do custom fine projects cost?
Every project is different and depends on what the client wants in a final design. Our average commission for a simple band generally starts at $1,500. Our average engagement ring design begins around $3,800. These averages are a baseline and go up depending on the design, size, how much gold is needed, if we source additional stones, etc. Keep in mind that the scope of each project is different and may require more or less work.
How many designs do you initially sketch?
It all depends on the scope of the project along with what is discussed in our initial consultation. Every project looks different, and some commissions may require more designs than others.
I live across the country from your studio in Nashville, how would the commission process work virtually?
We love working with our clients from all over the States! We're always happy to schedule a phone or video call to start the design process. From there, you can ship your heirlooms to our studio or we can create an insured, pre-paid shipping label for you to wrap up your items and safely send our way. We can even ship a 3D wax model of your new design to you to see, hold, and try on before the casting process starts.
If I have an old ring and want to redesign the stones, can you use the same gold from the old setting in the new design?
Right now we cannot use the exact same gold from an existing piece of jewelry to cast in your new design, but we can credit you the precious metal's value in weight toward your commission total.
Can I bring other gold jewelry to get a credit towards my commission?
Absolutely. We only give gold scrap credit for solid gold materials such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings or other fine jewelry pieces. We do not give credit for silver or gold plated materials. Many clients bring broken or unworn accessories to receive extra credit toward their commission total. However, we do not buy or give credit for gemstones.
Does the design process cost extra?
At this time, all initial consults are free of charge. However, to move on to the sketching process there is a $400 deposit that will be credited back to your final invoice. This $400 charge pays for our designer's time in thoughtfully sketching designs specifically to your design preferences discussed in the initial consult in the event you wish to not move forward with the creation process.
Do you require payment upfront?
Once you approve your new design, we require a 50% deposit of your commission total upfront before we send your project off to begin the casting process. We require the remaining 50% upon the project's completion.
What if I don't have any inherited precious stones - can you source them for me to create a custom design?
Absolutely! We're more than happy to work with you and within a particular budget to create a design you have in mind. We can source ethically mined diamonds and precious stones, antique stones, and the highest quality of lab-grown gems as well.
Does my new ring come with an appraisal?
We do not offer certified appraisals at this time, but we are more than happy to arrange one for you through our contracted partner, at an additional cost, before we send your finished ring to you.
Do you work with materials other than gemstones for fine jewelry commissions?
At this time we only work with gemstones in fine jewelry projects. For health and safety reasons, we will not work with bodily or animal remains such as ashes, teeth, or hair.
