FAQs – Custom Design
Custom Designed Jewelry FAQ
With custom jewelry design, we get a lot of questions. Read through our FAQs below to see if we’ve answered them all. If we haven’t just schedule a time to call us, do a virtual meeting, or come into the shop.
No problem.
WHO ARE YOUR CLIENTS?
Anybody with a vision or unique piece that they would like to design themselves. If you are in the process of working on a jewelry or accessories design project and need the help or guidance of professional jewelers and designers and/or 3D CAD services. Gittelson Jewelers will get you started on your design from first prototype (be it even drawn on a napkin) to finished product.
- Engagement ring clients.
- Unique fine jewelry clients.
- Rings, pendants, and other fine pieces.
- Mother's rings, anniversary rings & more.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
Custom jewelry design can take as little as one week or as long as several months. On average, most projects are completed in a 4-6 week time frame. Because every person’s custom design journey is different we recommend leaving extra time for the project to be completed. For example, if you are thinking of proposing, we always recommend leaving yourself a 3-month window of time between the start of the project and the day of the proposal to ensure that you have enough time to finalize everything and make it just right!
We will give you an exact window of time once we discuss your project in detail to help you plan an accurate timeline. In special situations, the project can be expedited if working on a tight timeline.
IS CUSTOM JEWELRY DESIGN MORE EXPENSIVE?
Not always. We will custom design a piece on just about any budget from $500 on up. Of course, price is based largely on the design and what gemstones, diamonds, or metals we are using to make your piece. Estimates are free and we are happy to maximize ‘bang for your buck’ with every custom design project.
ARE CUSTOM DESIGN ESTIMATES FREE?
Yes. We do not take deposits on custom designs until our client is satisfied with the computer design and ready to move into casting their one-of-a-kind piece. Sometimes we are able to nail the design on the first draft, other times we do need a few edits until the design is exactly perfect. All of the designing is done prior to any deposit being made, so yes, effectively estimates are free and are zero-risk to the client.
CAN I GET A FREE CONSULTATION BY PHONE?
At Gittelson Jewelers, we provide a FREE consultation for all of our clients. Though we don't have a "time limit" we'll keep it to about 30 minutes. You can come into the store, you may call the store, you can have a virtual consultation via Zoom or you can schedule a time to do any of the above.
WHAT TYPE OF JEWELRY DO YOU WORK WITH?
We work with and design all types of jewelry and accessories such as engagement rings, wedding bands, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, pendants, etc. We are capable of intricate and complex jewelry designs. And though people often think of diamond engagement rings when they think about custom design, that is not a limitation. Many people design engagement rings and other pieces of fine jewelry with morganite, rubies, sapphires, and other gemstones.
I HAVE MY OWN DESIGN. CAN YOU HELP ME FROM HERE?
Yes. Oftentimes this is where we begin - with your own design. Some people have it designed digitally, but most people have it in their head and draw it when they get here. Some couples have drawn on it a bar napkin during an intimate evening of dreaming and we sculpt their vision from there.
CAN I SUPPLY MY OWN DIAMOND OR CENTER GEMSTONE?
We are happy to consider designs that incorporate diamonds or gemstones that you already own. We want to check the soundness of these items before we would be comfortable incorporating them into the design (to ensure they are in good condition to be set into a new piece). We would also need confirmation about measurements/weights etc. of those stones to ensure we are designing the piece custom, to fit the exact specifications of those diamonds or gemstones.
These consultations are usually best completed in-person, to begin with (with the stones in hand) to ensure accuracy of the custom design. Oftentimes we can move into email and phone consultations after the initial meet if the client prefers.
WHAT ARE THE STEPS FROM A SKETCH TO A FINISHED PRODUCT OR PROTOTYPE?
We create a 3D Cad file based on your sketch and dimensions.
- 3D wax printing
- Mold making
- Casting in any metal (silver, gold, platinum)
- Assembling, cleaning, and polishing
WHAT IF I DON'T LOVE IT?
The custom design process is tailored to you and your specifications at every step of the process. Because it is so personalized, we are able to make sound decisions together without customers worrying about design and pricing before going to production and completing a final piece. This allows us to minimize the question ‘what if?’ If for some reason, the final product isn’t right we will work with you to make it right.
HOW DO I PAY AND WHEN?
We work on deposit terms for all projects to get them underway. When the project is complete we'll settle the final balance with you when you pick up or ship your piece. We accept payments via credit cards and cash.
HOW RESPONSIVE ARE YOU?
We are always here for you to answer any questions or inquiries via email or phone; you will get a reply within one day. We are very responsive to all of our clients throughout the design process or any sales process at Gittelson Jewelers. If you are an engaged couple or bride-to-be, we guarantee our timeliness, responsiveness, and customer care.
HELP! I DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT DESIGN IS BEST FOR ME. CAN YOU MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS SINCE I'M NEW TO/UNSURE OF THE PROCESS?
Absolutely! We would never custom make anything we wouldn't wear ourselves so our advice and guidance is a big help in making sure your finished project is exactly what you wanted (even if you aren't sure what that is right now!) Discussing over the phone or in-person is a great way to hone in on this more, that way we can coax out the useful information you have in your mind to make the design process smooth and easy.
I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via phone or email. You can simply scroll down and schedule an appointment to chat if you'd like.