FAQ
How do I order a custom ring from you?
Generally I need to know the ring size and the kind of ring you’d like (signet, word, engagement, wedding bands, etc). I will send you a drawing of the project to visualise the Ring. As I carve the jewelry from hand in a special jeweler’s wax (see image below) i can then send you images and videos of the completed ring before it is cast. Casting is the next part and is not done by me but by one of two foundries I use in Switzerland. They both use recycled gold and silver.
How much are custom rings?
A custom ring in silver is CHF 600.- (incl. MwSt./VAT) for the creation casting and finishing of the ring. If you’d like a silver ring with gemstones the ring will be CHF 700.- plus the cost of the gemstones (+ plus MwST/VAT).
A custom ring in 18K yellow gold is about CHF 2500-3000.- It really depends on the price of gold vs the size of the ring (ie. the weight of the ring). As soon as I have the design done in wax I can give you the exact cost of your project. Obviously if you want a ring with gemstones the cost of the gemstones will be extra.
How does the payment work?
Lets say you want a custom ring. As soon as I send you a wax ring design you re happy with it I will send you an Invoice for the amount owed. If it is a silver custom Ring you will have to pay the full amount, with gold i need a 50% non-refundable advance prior to sending off the wax model. Your final payment is due before picking up your completed jewelry.
You can pay via bank transfer or paypal. Other payment modalities TBD.
What materials can I choose from?
Most of my jewelry is in 925 Silver. Most of my custom work is in 18K Gold. White, yellow or red (rosé) gold. Some work is in 14K yellow gold – as it is a bit easier on the budget, while still being desirable. I have also made rings in bronze and platinum. 18K gold is the standard here in Switzerland. 18K gold is compromised of 75% Gold and 25% other materials (silver copper nickel palladium). 14K gold is compromised of 58.5% gold and 41.5% other materials (silver copper nickel)
How does it work if I want a custom Pendant?
Custom pendants are a cool gift and I love making them. Send me your idea, I will send you a sketch, then a design in wax, if its that kind of pendant (I usually make gemstone pendants right in the metal). A custom pendant in silver is 300.- (VAT incl.) The price for a custom pendant in gold depends on the weight and size of the pendant.
How do I measure my ring size?
You re always welcome to come by my studio to have your ring size measured. If you live far away or abroad I recommend going to a store or mall and find a large jewelry chain brand like Claire’s, Pandora or Thomas Sabo for example – they will definitely be able to measure your ring size. Feign some interest in a ring and then “think about it” 😉 They will survive you coming in just for a quick measurement.
How do I measure someone else’s ring size?
Its always best to temporarily “steal” a ring the person wears on the right finger. Then I can measure their ring size with a dedicated tool at the studio (or for sure at a jewelry store somewhere). If this is not possible you can check on which hand their rings fit you. If they don’t fit you at all, see to which phalange (bendy part of the finger) the ring fits to – if the ring size is bigger than your fingers then maybe use a ruler to measure the diameter. It is possible to easily resize rings (depending on the design).
Together we can find a good solution.
Can I bring old jewelry to be “restyled”
This is in general possible, yes. What I cannot do is send your old jewelry to my caster as they only use refined materials to ensure quality. But we can definitely use the gemstones in your old jewelry and in a few cases I have used the gold from the rings to make beautiful new jewelry.
Do you fix broken jewelry?
Yes! Depending on what is broken I have had great success in restoring old and broken jewelry.
The cost heavily depends on what needs to be done.
Can I pay using old jewelry?
I do not really take gold or jewelry as payment, maybe we can work something out in special situations. But generally, as a small business cash/Twint/Paypal is king.
Wait, if i order a chain from you, you didn’t make it?
That’s right. I order the chains from 2 separate (Swiss) chain manufacturers which only sell to professional jewellers. The good thing is that i don’t need to have a huge stock, but i can order chains to show you, usually within 24 hours. As chain making is tedious work, having professional manufacturers I can thus make sure to offer pretty much the best prices on very high quality chains.
Do you make “normal” Rings?
Sure I do, I’ve made many “normal” & “regular” wedding bands & other rings.
