CUSTOM PIECE PROCESS
Designing bespoke pieces is my favourite part of my practice. Whether it's based on one of my designs with a few tweaks or it's something completely new I'll work collaboratively with you to create the perfect fit.
All bespoke pieces are created by me, so you'll be speaking directly to the maker and designer when working on your piece.
Bespoke pieces take between 6-10 weeks. But being one person there is limited availability so the earlier you can register your interest the better.
I. INITIAL CONSULTATION
Please get in touch with the studio by either filling out the online contact form or booking an online or in person consultation.
In person appointments are held at my Ponsonby workshop and showroom, I currently schedule appointments for Tuesday evenings and Thursday afternoons but am happy to accomodate other times and weekends on request.
During our appointment we will discuss design, budget, stones, ring size and timings, please bring any relevant information to our meeting (if you have heirloom stones to repurpose or a specific ring shape you'd like to explore)
Having a bespoke piece of jewellery made is a new experience for most people, you are not expected to know everything I will support and guide you through this process
II. DESIGN AND STONE SOURCING
After our initial meeting I will draw a series of initial sketches up and source possible stone options.
A follow up appointment may be booked here to view stones and discuss sketches.
Once a design has been settled on and a quote is approved a 50% deposit is required to allow me to start work on your ring and secure your stones.
If your ring is not due for a while I may ask for a $300 deposit to hold your space in my calendar before the remainder of the 50% deposit is due upon design confirmation.
III. PROTOTYPES
Depending on the chosen design I will either carve your piece in wax or have a CAD made up of your piece.
I will send videos and photos of your wax/ CAD for approval before casting in your chosen metal
Small changes are able to be made at this point but any larger changes may incur an additional cost, this will always be communicated to you before proceeding.
IV. CASTING,POLISHING AND STONE SETTING
Once the final design is approved I will cast your piece in your chosen metal.
Your piece is cleaned up, soldered, polished, stones are set by expert setters, hallmarked, polished again and any excess metal is saved to be melted down for reuse.
V. DELIVERY
Once your piece is complete I will send you photos and videos, final payment is due at this point.
Your piece will be boxed up in your chosen box (cardboard, sterling silver or classic ring box)
You can collect your piece from our Tamaki Makarau studio, Auckland Airport duty free collection or I can send your piece to you.
I use Post Haste for domestic shipping and Fedex for international parcels. These will always be tracked with signature and fully insured. For international parcels duties are not included in the price and will be your responsibility.
Testimonials
Lucciane and Ryan
" I had no idea what I wanted for my ring and felt alot of pressure to get it right becasue its such a forever decision! Holly put my anxieties at ease straight away, drawing up plenty of options to choose from, offering her opinion at the right moments, and prompt comms throughout. I felt totally supported and it was a truly collaborative process. The result was the most beautiful and unique ring, which is my prized posession and earns me so many compliments. Thankyou Holly!!!"
Liv and Duncan
"Holly was amazing to work with. She took an idea and created a piece of art! Not only did she carefully consider my fiancées preferences when designing the ring, she also artfully included some stones that had been in my family for generations. Her communication was clear and timelines were met. Our expectations were all more than exceeded and Holly’s joy in making her art is evident. It felt like a collaboration and she was so much fun to partner with! Thank you for making something we will treasure for ever - we can’t stop staring at it!"
Kate and Greig
"Working with Holly was such a special experience. I came to her for an engagement ring for my partner and she completely removed any stress I had - she is incredible at what she does and made this process so enjoyable. The result is beyond anything I (or my fiancè) could've ever imagined. We will be back for our wedding bands!"