COMMISSIONS
What does it mean to Commission a piece of Jewellery?
Commissioning a piece of jewellery, means you are asking the designer to handmake a bespoke/one off design. Whether that be a ring, pendant, bracelet, earrings etc.
People seek out Commissions because they are very personal and meaningful.
Commissions can signify important milestones in someone’s life e.g. a birthday, anniversary, engagement/wedding, academic achievements and so on.
How do Commissions work?
Commissions work in stages. Here is an outline:
Stage 1 - Initial contact from the customer via email, letting the jewellery designer know their thoughts and ideas for commissioning a piece.
Stage 2 - Contact is made from the jeweller and a more detailed discussion is had (via email) regarding their ideas and requests. Sketches are made (if needed) and emailed across for the customer to decide. As well as discussions regarding choices of metal and Gemstones. A 50% payment of the full price is then paid. This allows the jeweller to purchase metals and Gemstones.
Stage 3 - The piece is handmade with weekly updates via email in the form of photos.
Stage 4 - The design is finished and ready to be sent to the recipient. The remaining 50% balance is paid and the commission is dispatched by Special Next Day Delivery.
How much are Commissions?
Commission prices vary so there is no exact cost to a piece. It is based on the cost of the metal at that time (eg as metal can fluctuate in price). The cost of any Gemstones involved. The cost of sketches drawn up by the designer, if needed e.g. some customers like a design already on the website but would like it slightly tweaked or a Gemstone or two added. And the hours of workmanship involved in bringing the design to life.
It is more expensive to commission a piece of jewellery than to purchase a piece already on the website.
How long does a Commission take?
Generally a commission takes between 6 - 8 weeks from first point of contact to being delivered.
However, in busier times such as Christmas it can take up to 10 weeks.
If you are looking for a piece to be commissioned for Christmas, I would highly recommend getting in contact no later than the end of September. Most jewellery designers close their books during this time due to the length of time each commission can take.
If you would like to commission a piece of jewellery for a loved one or for yourself, please get in touch via the contact page and we will get back to you as soon as we can.