Phase 1: Scoping + Initial Ideas
1a/. An initial consultation + scoping will set out your personal project brief answering among other questions:
- What you would like made
- In what materials
- How you anticipate wearing the jewellery and with what other pieces
- Any recycled gemstones in the design and advice surrounding that
- What your deadlines are
- Whether you would like wax, resin or metal models pre-final manufacture
- An indication of budget
1b/. We make some very quick initial idea sketches or photos if needed and an indicative price range for approval. These sketches/ photos check we are on the same page and are not 'final' - more checking we're on the same wavelength. This stage helps us focus on what you'd like and a style, and makes sure we are aligned with your budget.
We will check to see if we can find any pre-existing patterns. If using your gemstones, whether they are standard sizes and would fit. This can often be a cost effective option.
No fee is incurred in this stage. You can see some rough project indicative pricing below. A design fee of £75 per design is required to move on to the next phase though, where we provide better illustrations and a firmer budget - enough to agree to bring your creation to life. Any design fees are deducted from your final full project budget, once proceeded.
Phase 2: Designing
Once you’re happy with our indicative range, we proceed to full design in two steps – each project is unique and we treat it so.
A £75 fee is now due and is for drawings only (not models) along with a more specific budget, and is deductible from a proceeded full make up project. Any design fees are deducted from your final full project budget, once proceeded.
2a/. Images of the proposed design are produced before committing. These may be pencil or 3d computer generated. Refinements are made and more accurate or final budget are provided.
2b/. if you're happy to proceed, we can revise and provide further photo realistic and/ or accurate hand drawings for refining, a final accurate price for your approval. Fine tuning may include make wax, resin or metal models pre-final make up, leading to project design sign off. These models may be chargeable, typically £75, but would be deducted from a proceeded project.
A 50% deposit is due to proceed to the next phase.
Phase 3: Making
3/. Make up – A final piece is then created bespoke for you, after you have signed off the design.
Each project is different but a typical timeframe is between four and six weeks from proceeding in phase 2. You can view some examples of our work in our portfolio, it’s not complete and many items are ‘client confidential’ but it’s a good start – click here for the Jacobs bespoke commission design portfolio.
For your total assurance and confidence we have a clearly defined process in place with frequent face-to-face and / or email communication with clear explanations/ updates an essential element of the design process. We know it can sometimes be anxious or feel a risk commissioning a piece of jewellery – be assured you’re in safe and responsible hands!
For more information contact us to make an appointment.
