Frequently Asked Questions About Custom Jewelry

Every project begins with a conversation. You can bring us a clear idea, inspiration images, a gemstone, an heirloom piece, or simply tell us what you are hoping to create.

We will help define the design direction, materials, expected investment, and timing before moving into design and production.

Yes. We work with clients both in New York and remotely. A private video consultation allows us to discuss your ideas, review design options, and guide the project even when you cannot visit the atelier in person.

Custom jewelry is priced around the specific piece rather than a preset retail formula. The final investment depends on the design, metal, diamonds or gemstones, complexity, and craftsmanship required.

Because each piece is created individually, we can make thoughtful decisions about where the budget matters most instead of asking you to choose from a predetermined configuration.

Most bespoke fine-jewelry projects begin around $3,000, with final investment depending on design complexity, precious metal, gemstones, diamonds, and the craftsmanship required.

After the initial conversation, we provide clear guidance on expected investment before the project moves forward.

Most custom projects require approximately 3–6 weeks after design approval. More intricate pieces, specialized stone sourcing, or particularly complex craftsmanship may require additional time.

If you are working toward a proposal, wedding, anniversary, or another important date, we recommend beginning as early as possible.

Our process typically moves from conversation and stone or material selection into design, CAD modeling, and photorealistic renderings.

You are able to review the design before production begins. Once approved, the piece moves through manufacturing, setting, finishing, and final quality control in our New York atelier.

Yes. For many custom projects, we create a CAD model and photorealistic renderings so you can review proportions, details, stone placement, and overall design before the piece moves into production.

Yes. Existing diamonds and gemstones can often be incorporated into a new design after we evaluate their condition, proportions, and suitability for the intended piece.

Heirloom redesign can be a meaningful way to preserve the history of a stone while creating jewelry that feels personal to the person wearing it now.

No. In many cases it is better to discuss the complete design before purchasing a diamond or gemstone.

We can help evaluate options and consider how the stone's shape, proportions, appearance, budget, and setting will work together in the finished piece.

Often, yes. Client-owned diamonds and gemstones can be incorporated after evaluation for condition, measurements, durability, and suitability for the proposed design.

Sometimes, but reusing existing gold is not appropriate for every project. Old jewelry may contain solder, mixed alloys, previous repairs, or unknown metal content that can affect the quality of a new piece.

We evaluate the material first and recommend the approach that best protects the integrity of the finished jewelry.

The best metal depends on the design, desired color, durability, maintenance preferences, gemstones, and how the jewelry will be worn.

We work primarily in platinum and gold and will guide you toward the metal that makes the most sense for the individual piece.

Absolutely. In addition to custom engagement rings, we create bespoke pendants, earrings, necklaces, bracelets, milestone jewelry, wedding and anniversary pieces, gemstone jewelry, and one-of-a-kind commissions.

The design stage is where refinements should happen. We review the concept with you before production begins so that proportions, details, and overall direction can be adjusted prior to final approval.

Changes requested after production has begun may affect cost and timing depending on how far the piece has progressed.

We stand behind the craftsmanship of the jewelry we create. Aftercare depends on the individual piece and how it is worn, and we are always available to advise you on appropriate cleaning, inspection, and long-term care.

A grading report is important, but it does not tell the entire story of how a diamond looks in person. Two diamonds with similar grades can differ noticeably in proportions, light performance, transparency, shape, and overall beauty.

We consider the diamond together with the design rather than treating the center stone and setting as unrelated purchases.

Yes. We work with both natural and lab-grown diamonds and can explain the practical differences in appearance, grading, price, long-term value considerations, and availability so you can choose what is right for you.

We commonly work with diamonds accompanied by reports from recognized independent gemological laboratories such as GIA and IGI, depending on the type of diamond and the individual stone.

For important center stones, we can help you understand what the report means and, equally importantly, what it does not tell you about the diamond's appearance.

Yes. We look at the complete picture rather than maximizing every grading category. Often the best value comes from understanding which qualities have the greatest visual impact and which differences may be difficult to see once the stone is set.

We can source a wide range of shapes including round, oval, emerald, cushion, pear, radiant, marquise, Asscher, and other distinctive cuts.

Shape is only the beginning. Proportions and individual cutting can make two diamonds of the same general shape look very different, which is why we evaluate stones individually.

Yes. Depending on the project, we work with sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other colored gemstones. Suitability depends on the stone, intended setting, durability, treatment, and how the finished jewelry will be worn.

We work with established suppliers and select diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals based on the needs of each project. When sourcing documentation or origin information is particularly important to you, please tell us at the beginning of the project so we can discuss the available options.

Appraisal values can change as diamond, gemstone, precious-metal, and replacement costs change. Your insurance provider may have its own recommendations for how frequently documentation should be updated.

If an appraisal is several years old, it may be worth asking your insurer whether an updated valuation is needed.

Coverage varies by insurer and policy. Standard homeowners or renters insurance may place limits on jewelry coverage or on certain types of loss.

We recommend confirming directly with your insurance provider whether scheduled jewelry coverage is appropriate and what appraisal or purchase documentation they require.

It depends on the purpose of the document. A diamond grading report, purchase receipt, and retail replacement appraisal serve different functions.

Your insurance company can tell you which documentation it requires for coverage. If you need an appraisal for a specific purpose, we can discuss what type of documentation is appropriate.