Custom Design

People come to me to repurpose old engagement rings, wedding bands or jewellery that is often inherited and sentimental. The new fresh and updated piece incorporates not only the recycled materials but the feelings of the previous sentimental heirlooms. Making a new piece from your old gold jewellery can help you honour the past while embracing the present and future. The act of recreation, I have found, is also one of healing.

Interested in getting started on a special piece for you or a loved one? Please fill out the custom jewellery request form and I'll get back to you right away.

I look forward to working with you!


      

The Process

Design consultation - The creation process starts by hearing from you; from this website, by email, or phone. You have something in mind: an event to commemorate, a relationship to celebrate. You probably know you'd like to create a ring, bracelet, pendant or brooch. Booking an appointment begins the journey to the creation of your customized piece. If you are local we can meet for consultation at my Charlottetown studio (open by appointment only) or we can discuss design ideas by Skype, email, or phone.There is no charge for your personalized design consultation and sketches. Gemstones and diamonds will be sourced to suit your desires and budget; you'll receive quotes for the project before any commitment is required.

Heirloom redesign - You may have old, unworn jewellery you would like to recycle into a new piece. We can weigh the gold and determine if there is enough to make the piece we want, or if more may need to be added. Gemstones (if in good condition) can also be recycled from old jewellery. By the end of our design consultation, you will have a general idea of what the cost will be, and if I can't provide you with a quote on the spot, I will email you one for your approval.

Drawings & Quotes - Upon our first meeting, I begin with sketches--I render drawings by hand. With your input, we create the jewellery, incorporating design elements and materials that fit your aesthetic and the meaning of your piece. We decide on the types of metal (silver, gold, platinum), the gemstones and the size of the finished piece. At this point, we may decide to meet once more (or I'll email a photo image to you) for you to see the carved wax model and make sure it's the way you want it. Changes can be made if necessary at this point.

Payments - Once you are happy with the initial design, a deposit of half of the total price is required to start the work. The second payment takes place when the piece is completed. Your jewellery will be completed in 6-8 weeks depending on the time of year, the number of custom orders I receive, and the difficulty of the piece.

Your piece is made using slow ancient techniques - The majority of my work is made using the sand cast method, a technology dating back more than 3,000 years, to Mesopotamia. Your custom jewellery piece is made by me from start to finish in my studio. Once you select your design I carve a wax model then press it into sand, where it leaves a precise impression. Once wax is removed its negative space is where your custom piece will be formed.