Services
We offer a comprehensive jewellery design and manufacture service, tailored to each client's individual needs. These include the following:
Commissioned Pieces
After the initial consultation you will receive a formal quotation for the work to be done based on the hand drawn sketches discussed. The consultation itself is obligation free, but no 3D modelling or manufacturing will be done until the required deposit has been received. Deposits are usually at least 50% of the total invoice value, depending on metals handed in and stones sourced. This will be stipulated for you on the quotation. For pieces with diamonds larger than 0.50ct, we require the diamond to be paid in full as deposit.
If additional stones or metal is needed which has not been quoted for, the client will be contacted before any changes are made to the agreed upon design.
Due to fluctuating metal prices and the US$ exchange rate, quotations not accepted within 5 working days will be re-quoted. Only receipt of the required deposit will be deemed as acceptance of the quotation.
Payment of Balances & Valuation Certificates
The balance payable on any commissioned piece can be paid either in cash on the date of collection or by EFT, as long as EFT payment reflects before the item is collected. The service includes the issue of a valuation certificate for insurance purposes, free of charge.
Workmanship Guarantee
We take immense pride in each piece we produce. If you experience any trouble with an item we made due to a manufacturing defect, please bring it back and we will gladly alter, or even remake it if necessary. We do not, however, guarantee against the loss of stones. Precious metals are soft, and jewellery articles are exposed to a great deal of general wear and tear, which can cause settings to catch and open etc. Please insure expensive stones against loss due to accidental damage. We also recommend returning the item to our studio once a year for a ‘check-up,’ see General Maintenance. Each case, however, is unique, and we always try our best to assist wherever we can, so come in for a chat.
General Maintenance
Please bring your jewellery article back at least once every year so that we can check the settings and ensure that all the stones are still secure. This will include a light polish and cleaning free of charge. You are also welcome to bring your old valuation certificate for an update, also free of charge on articles originally manufactured by us.
Repairs & Alterations
We will always happily assist with general repairs (due to natural wear or accidental damage), at a market related charge. Please contact us with images of the article which clearly shows the damage.
While we do offer a remodeling service on old jewellery pieces, in which case the entire piece is redesigned into something new and the old metal handed in for credit, we do not generally do alterations to existing pieces we did not manufacture, but get in touch with your idea and we can discuss it.
Things we will consider purchasing:
• Old jewellery - specifically jewellery made from precious metals
• Secondhand jewellery equipment
Things we do not buy:
Are you thinking of getting engaged soon?
Book a free consultation (in person or via Zoom) and let me help you bring your idea to life. Free nationwide door-to-door shipping is included on all orders over R1500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work? Where do I start?
The best place to start is with the gemstone that will be the central feature of the ring because this dictates many of the other proportions of the piece. For a detailed breakdown of the process, click here.
Can I bring my own diamond or other gemstones?
Yes, you are more than welcome to do that. Many people inherit a stone from a family member or would like to reuse a stone they bought on another occasion. That is perfectly fine with me.
What metals do you work in?
I work in all precious metals commonly used for jewellery, so that would be sterling silver, argentium silver, yellow gold and white gold (9K, 14K, 18K), and platinum. For more information on precious metals and the difference between them, click here.
What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
Platinum is an element on the periodic table, a metal in its own right, while white gold is an alloy of pure yellow gold and other metals. Here is a bit of history:
In the late 19th century bench jewellery was revolutionised by the invention of the
pressurised oxygen tank, or liquid oxygen, which for the first time became
commercially available at affordable prices. This led to the development of the
oxyacetylene mixing torch, invented in France by Edmond Fouché and Charles
Picard, and for the first time made possible a flame that could reach the
temperatures required for solid platinum (Pt) jewellery manufacturing.
Platinum quickly emerged as the new darling in the world of fine jewellery, with its
brilliant white colour it complimented white diamonds, which thanks to De Beers
were having a moment at the same time too, and its fantastic tensile strength
made extremely delicate designs possible for the first time in history.
With the end of the Edwardian era and the start of WWI, platinum all but disappeared in
jewellery, due to its usefulness as a catalyst in explosive devices but
experienced a brief period of resurging glory (the Art Deco period) between the
great wars, mostly thanks to the discovery of the Merensky Reef, a platinum
deposit which stretches from northern Gauteng into Mpumalanga and Limpopo.
During WWII the US government declared platinum a metal of strategic importance, and almost
completely banned its use in anything outside of military applications. This
led to the development of a new gold alloy we know today as white gold.
White gold is a mixture of pure yellow gold and other metals such as silver, copper and
zinc, which are common in other gold alloys, but with the addition of palladium
or nickel to bleach out the yellow colour. Because its base is still yellow
metal, it isn’t quite white and is usually plated with another, whiter metal to
create the crisp white finish consumers expect. This used to be done with
rhodium (Rh), but after that metal’s price skyrocketed in recent years, it has
been replaced by other metals.
Nickel alloys have almost completely fallen out of use because most people are
allergic to them. It perseveres in mass production white gold jewellery though,
so be sure to ask before you make a purchase. My preferred alloy contains 10%
palladium. Although the palladium content makes it quite a bit more expensive
than the nickel alloys, it has good tensile strength, is unlikely to cause
allergic reactions, and has a white enough finish for it to still appear white
even without the plating.
Because it contains gold (Au), white gold alloy fineness (purity) is expressed the same
way as yellow gold, in karatage (9K, 14K, 18K) or parts in 1000 (375, 585, 750). In South Africa platinum jewellery is usually 95% pure Pt, with a 5%
copper or ruthenium alloy.
You can read more about the composition of white gold here.
Can I buy a diamond from you?
Yes, I source quality diamonds based on your requirements. During your consultation we can discuss the pros and cons of both natural and laboratory-grown diamonds. I usually call a few options for you to view before making your decision. I do not keep diamonds on the premises for security reasons, so you will need to book this viewing in advance. For more information on how to choose a natural diamond, click here. For more information on laboratory-grown diamonds, click here.
What if I don't want a diamond?
I get you. There are plenty of other options. Moissanite is increasingly popular as a replacement for diamond, and lots of people are opting for coloured gemstones instead. I can source whatever you need. Click here to browse a selection of coloured gemstones I offer on behalf of a third party seller. Like with diamonds you will need to book viewings in advance because I need time to request the stone from the supplier.
What is moissanite?
Moissanite is a man-made gem which has very similar properties to diamond, although not quite as hard. Click here to read more about this affordable alternative.
What other services do you offer?
Other services include remodeling of old jewellery and insurance valuations. For a list of my services, click here.
Can I see some of the things you have made?
My social media accounts are really the best place to see this, but I have a small gallery on the website which you can find here.