The Bespoke Process

Every bespoke commission begins with a conversation. Bespoke clients are often drawn to my aesthetic - to the textures, forms, and quiet detail - but may have some specific requirements in mind.

We will talk through ideas, refine the direction, and move towards your dream design.

What to Expect

1. Enquiry & First Steps
We start by chatting, either by email, Zoom, or in person, about what you are looking for and the kind of jewel you wish to create. While I welcome images or ideas for inspiration, I don’t create replicas of other jewellers’ work, even with modifications. Instead, we’ll use those inspirations as a starting point to design something original — a piece that reflects your story and aligns with my design language.

2. Stone Sourcing & Materials
I hold special gems I have collected over the years (can’t wait to show you!) and can source Australian sapphires, Argyle Champagne Diamonds, and opals, along with whatever else your heart may desire. Recycled gold is used for all bespoke work.

I can work with heirloom stones, depending on the condition and suitability of the gem. A small fee may apply to identify stones. Any existing gold can potentially be traded for credit towards your piece, but at this stage I am not able to use client-supplied gold in the making process.

3. Design Development
I will develop your design using a combination of hand sketches, collages and 3D CAD modelling (done in-house, by me). This stage is iterative. We will explore different versions and refine the details together. Proportions, settings, and textures all take shape here.

4. Maquette Fitting
I often create a resin maquette - a working prototype - so you can try it on, feel how it sits on the body, and see its essential form, sans the finer details. This fitting helps us assess scale, proportion, and wearability. It often brings clarity and allows for feedback or refinement in three dimensions as needed. It is one of the most exciting parts of the process — nearly there!

5. Wax, Casting & Finishing
I shape your chosen design in wax. This is where the texture, intricate details, and surface quality are worked in. The wax is then cast in metal using the lost wax process.

After casting, the work is inspected and refined. I may add or subtract small nuances, bring in areas of high polish, or incorporate hand engraving where needed. Gemstones are set by my trusted stone-setter, with whom I have worked for 20 years.

6. Completion & Collection
Once complete, your jewellery can be collected in person or shipped securely. I will provide care instructions and, if needed, information about resizing or future adjustments.

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Timing & Availability

The full bespoke process usually takes 6 to 12 weeks from initial consultation to completion. This includes time for design development, prototyping, casting, and finishing.

If you require your order faster, you can choose to customise a piece from the website store.

A 50% deposit is required upon acceptance of your quote, with the balance due on delivery. If you would like to explore more than two concepts, a design fee of $750 will apply. This is credited toward the final piece and reflects the many hours of design development that lead up to the finished work.

As a one-woman studio, I only take on a limited number of bespoke projects each year. If you are hoping to mark a particular date or occasion, I recommend booking early.