Starting Points
First, Amanda will work with you to determine the design brief.
Starting with a blank canvas?The idea of creating a piece of ethical jewellery 'from scratch' can be daunting, but also incredibly rewarding. Drawing on her skills as a goldsmith and background and design expertise as an architect, Amanda will work closely with you to establish your design brief and, using your inspirations, create a beautiful piece of jewellery that reflects your story.The first stage is to create a mood board capturing and expressing your passion and style, from art and design to poetry and music, important places and favourite objects, fashion, film, architecture, games, pets, plants, colours, textures and patterns. Amanda will then translate this into design options.
Do you have existing fine jewellery you would like to repurpose?Great! Amanda can create a new piece by reusing your precious material(s). Gemstones can easily be reset, and existing gold or platinum can often be repurposed. Please feel free to send Amanda details and photos of your pieces to find out what may be possible.
Like one of Amanda's existing designs?Inspired by one of the ethical jewellery designs you see on the design gallery or Amanda's Instagram? Amanda would be happy to discuss adapting these designs to make it your own. She also has a range of samples available to see and try on at her studio. Please get in touch to book an appointment and get started.
Time & Budget
How long?Ethical wedding bands typically take between 6-8 weeks. Bespoke pieces can range from 4-16 weeks. As Amanda's jewellery is handmade using responsibly sourced materials and often a collaborative process, time is needed to develop and agree on the design as well as make it. If you have a specific date in mind, please get in touch with Amanda, and she will confirm if your deadline can be met.
How much?As commissions are made to order, each piece is individually priced based on the type and amount of materials used plus the time needed to make the design. Amanda will be happy to put together a quote based on your individual criteria and offer a range of options. If there is a budget you are working to let us know; Amanda can offer suggestions on what materials and design options will be possible.
Commissioning Process
Design developmentThe fun part! There are many ways to start the conversation. Feel free to email or phone Amanda with your ideas or, if possible, make an appointment to visit her Hatton Garden studio. There Amanda will discuss the process and show samples of designs, precious metal colours and responsibly sourced diamonds and coloured gemstones.With rings, Amanda will review proportion, size, metals (colour, carat, certified Fairtrade, Fairmined or recycled) as well as optional gemstones, textures, and finishes. She really enjoys showing people how personal a piece of ethical jewellery can be, teaching you about the craft and materials while working out how best to capture your story and personality in the piece.
Design options & quoteThe first stage is to create a moldboard capturing and expressing your passion and style, from art and design to poetry and music, important places and favourite objects, fashion, film, architecture, games, pets, plants, colours, textures and patterns. Amanda will then translate this into design options. Once the final brief is established and the set of design options finalised together, Amanda will prepare a quote.
Final cost estimate & depositOnce the final design and cost is agreed, Amanda will send an order form confirming all the details. At that point, a 50% deposit is payable, typically via BACS (wire transfer).
Making the designThis is where it all becomes real! Amanda will craft your piece of ethical jewellery by hand in her studio and complete it by your agreed deadline. Time permitting, Amanda may make a silver mock-up of the piece to confirm the final design and fit. Click here to find out more about the making process.
Final paymentThe remaining balance will be due upon completion of the piece.
The completed piece of ethical jewelleryYour piece will be presented in its own gift box, which can be collected in person or posted via insured delivery (additional costs may apply).
Ring resizingWe offer a complimentary resizing within one year of purchase. It is important you are sure it feels right through the summer and winter months.
International & RemoteCommissions
Amanda has worked with many clients who live around the globe, or where it is better for the conversations to take place remotely, rather than in the studio.
The process works as outlined above, but meetings take place over video or phone calls, and the brief can be worked up over email.
To help with visualising your ethical jewellery design, Amanda can create computer drawings to scale, and offers documents to print out which can be used to see how the proportions of the width of the ring will look. Click here to find these on the FAQs page.
While your piece is being made by hand in the studio, Amanda will document the process and can send you images and video clips as part of the final package once your design is complete and delivered.
With international commissions, you won't need to pay UK tax, but you will be responsible for your local import duty. Your final piece will be sent using insured international shipping with Fedex, and Amanda can talk through the tax implications and delivery for your particular country.
Examples of international commissions:
Book an appointment to discuss your ideas with Amanda.