Anyone has ever done any online shopping for unique or custom-made jewelry knows, there’s an absolute ocean of information out there, but by and large it comes in only one flavor: commercial.
What if you want something different, more unique? What if you have something specific in mind that you know doesn’t exist except in your own imagination? For these kinds of needs, the field suddenly narrows down to custom art jewelry which is maybe 5% of what’s out there.
A needle in the haystack.
Finding an artist who does handmade work that you like can take some effort. Once you do, what does the custom process look like?
The answer to that question will vary from artist to artist, but here’s what it looks like for me personally.
STEP ONE: GET IN TOUCH
Call / text/ email to let me know of your intentions. If you live in or are visiting Asheville, I can meet you at our gallery location. Otherwise we can schedule a phone consultation to get some of the details about your project.

STEP 2: AT THE CONSULTATION
Weather in person or over the phone, I’ll ask you questions clarifying the nature of the project
“We’re looking to design a pendant to mark the birth of our first child”
“I want to design a ring to celebrate My victory over an adverse period in my life”
“I want to incorporate the cremains of a relative into a memorial jewelry piece”

STEP 3: SPECIFIC DESIGNS
During this phase, if you have specific drawings, images, or ideas, we’ll discuss those and how they might translate into a piece of jewelry. Things like material considerations, various techniques of construction or fabrication will be considered. This is one of the phases during which my three decades of experience really comes in handy.
A concept can seem one way while it’s in the drawing boards, but be subjected to an entirely different set of criteria during the design process that takes it from an abstract concept into an actual piece. Considerations like wearability, durability, materials, expense, design aesthetics, practicality etc all come into play.
No two projects are alike, but after having facilitated literally hundreds of these kinds of things, one develops an instinct for which pitfalls to avoid, and also for those aspects of a design that can really take a piece to the next level to be enjoyed and handed down for generations.

STEP 4: DEVELOPING AND CLARIFYING THE IDEAS
Once we have a ballpark idea of what it is we want to do, now comes the business of developing the details, the brass tacks if you will.
There are some things that simply can’t be predicted, like how fused textures will develop, patinas, and occasionally some aspects of construction. By and large however, I like to have a clear idea that we’re both working from. I like for the finished project to be within 10 or 15% of the specifications we’ve established from the outset.
Over the course of the design. I will often do a lot of quick sketches to illustrate concepts about proportions, construction, textures, scale etc. If we meet at the gallery, I’ll use work on hand to show specific examples to illustrate what I’m trying to express with the sketches. If it’s a virtual meeting, I’ll use images from the website for the same purpose.
If I encounter a fork in the road that I hadn’t considered in the beginning, I’d contact you at that point to thoroughly discuss the options. At that point we can add or subtract design ideas based on new information, or hold to the original plan as seems best fit. By the time I deliver the piece the customer should already have a pretty clear idea of what they’re going to be receiving if I’ve done a good job during the planning phase.

STEP 5: SOURCING MATERIALS
By the end of the design process, I should have a pretty clear idea of the nature and specifics of the project. At this point, in preparation for the next step I would source materials so that we have specifics on which two base our final determinations.
If there is a particular stone to be used, what’s available? What size, colors, cut, cost etc are they? How long will it take to get it? What kind of cables are chains will be incorporated? what kind of earring findings? what size bale for the pendant for specific applications? these kinds of things.
Sometimes, particularly with diamonds or other expensive stones, a client may want to have a few options to choose from. In such a case, I’d have my vendor send a small selection of a given material. I then schedule a meeting either at the gallery to see them in person, or send multiple digital images and/or video from which to make your choice.

STEP 6: GETING IT ALL IN WRITING
This is the phase where we get all the details down on paper. Things like images of stones, cost projections, time frame, other images like photos are drawings on which the design is based. All of this is synthesized into an email estimate and sent to the customer for review and approval. Any concerns or issues or clarified, and amendments made as needed.

STEP 7: DEPOSIT
Once all the details have been established, I’d collected 50% non-refundable deposit for the job, with balance due upon completion.

STEP 8: TIME FRAME
Sourcing materials aside, I typically give four to eight weeks as a time frame estimate for to be completed. Time frames can vary due to complexity of work to be performed, work volume in the studio, etc.
During this time, I’ll send periodic updates regarding the progress of your project, and my door is always open for inquiries or concerns.

STEP 9: COLLECTING THE PIECE
on completion of the piece, arrangements will be made to either meet in person at the gallery for pickup, or to ship the piece.
For shipping, I will most often use USPS first-class insured or registered mail for this purpose. For domestic shipping, most orders can be received in three or four days, add a couple of days for registered mail.

STEP 10: GUARANTEES, WARRANTIES, AND GOOD OLD-FASHIONED HAPPINESS
I put a lot of effort into every piece I make, and really take time with the communication beforehand to make sure I can deliver to your expectations before I say yes to a job. No matter the expense or size of a job, if I want to feel certain of my ability to give you 100% of your expectations before I commit.
If the finished result falls short of your expectations, I’ll do everything within reason to make the necessary corrections.
For me, the ultimate measure of success has less to do with The minutiae of the design specifics, and everything to do with how happy you are with both the peace and your experience by the end of it all.
It’s less about “did we check all these boxes” Then it is about I want you to feel like a kid on Christmas morning