Custom Design

For really special occasions, you might want to have something totally unique created just for you. Here's how we make that happen:

Custom Jewelry Design examples: an ornate art nouveau necklace; a custom engagement ring with a swooping detail; and a pair of opal earrings.

I offer custom design services, including heirloom restyles, custom engagement and wedding rings, and jewelry to mark other significant milestones. (...including just because you deserve it!) You can either have one of my existing designs customized to your specifications, or we can work together collaboratively to create something unique.

Keep in mind that, if I am making something for you, it is going to look like my style and artistic voice. (After all, you’re probably here because you like my designs!) In general I cannot copy something you found on Pinterest that was made by another designer. But we can start with elements from my designs and go from there.

Custom Bridal rings - sample sets with sapphires and diamonds, and different colors of gold (yellow gold, rose gold, and sterling silver).

 

Custom Jewelry Pricing

Pricing for custom design usually falls in the following tiers:

  • Customization - $1,000 – 3,000 – Projects at this level usually involve variations, tweaks, or upgrades to my existing pieces and core collections. Metals include silver and some gold.
  • One-of-a-Kind - $3,000 - 5,000 – Combining my core elements with some unique elements, and may also include higher-end processes that are labor-intensive. These designs are typically made in gold and may include small diamonds.
  • Bespoke – starting at $5,000+ – Truly special pieces involve designing from scratch, and may incorporate elements that I have not explored before. They require all-new models and molds. These designs are typically made in gold and may also include diamonds and specialty gemstones.

 

Ready to get started on your custom design?

Let's schedule a time to meet and discuss your project - book your appointment here: https://calendly.com/arcanametalwork/custom-design-consultation

When you book your appointment, I'll also need some basic information about what you have in mind - such as your preferences for stones and metals, as well as your budget and timeline. I'll also ask you to include a few links to pieces here on my site that you love, so I can get an idea of your style. 

If we decide to move forward, a $100 non-refundable deposit will be due at the end of the consultation. This deposit covers my time for creating drawings, sourcing stones (if needed), and any other research for your project. The deposit is applied to the final price of your jewelry.

  

Heirloom restyle: before, Grandma's ring with many diamonds; after, diamond jewelry for each granddaughter - a ring and two pair of diamond stud earrings.

Custom Design FAQ’s:

Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions that I hear….

What is the process for custom design?

When you book a consultation, I'll ask you some basic questions about the project to get an idea of what we're doing. Then, we will meet either in person or over Zoom to discuss your project; this is also the time to look at any heirloom jewelry you may want to incorporate into your piece. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at the end of the consultation if we will be moving forward to design; this covers my time to create drawings, source stones (if needed), and do other research for your project. The deposit will be applied to the final cost of your piece. Once we have finalized the design and price, a 50% payment is due to purchase materials and begin work, with the remaining balance is due upon completion.

How long does it take to get my jewelry?

Typically I ask clients to allow 6-8 weeks for production. For wedding rings, I recommend scheduling a consultation at least 3 months before your wedding date. Fully custom design can take longer, so please plan ahead as much as possible. 

How much does a custom piece cost?

This varies, depending on what you want. My base price for custom work is $1,000. Most custom projects fall in the $3,000 - $5,000 range; for fully custom engagement rings or bespoke design, the base price is $5,000. 

For wedding bands, my simple 2mm gold bands start at $400+. The ring size and width of the band can greatly impact the final price, so these have to be custom quoted for each project. 

Can you work with a stone I already have?

Often yes! It really depends on what it is though, and I always caveat that I need to inspect a client's stone(s) before I agree to take on a project. If a stone is damaged or badly-cut, it might be too risky for me to set it. Or, there may be other factors, to be determined on a case-by-case basis. I recommend that clients book a consultation to allow me a chance to look at any materials they would like to incorporate.

Are there any custom projects you won't take? 

If you are here, it's probably because you like my jewelry; so it naturally follows that anything I make for you is going to look like my style and my artistic voice. I view custom projects as a collaboration, and I want you to be completely thrilled with your jewelry, so ideally we will work together to come up with something that you absolutely love. However, it sometimes happens that what a client wants is not really something I do. And that's okay! I might even be able to refer you to a colleague who can make you exactly what you want. 

With that in mind, please be aware that I cannot copy another designer's work.

 

Any other questions? Send me a note and let's see if a custom designed piece is right for you. Or, if you're ready to schedule your appointment, you can book it right here.