Commissioning Information>> Commission Process
Bespoke Commissions - Commissioning Process
Commissioning Process
- General Information about Commission
- Design Consultation: Design, Customising & New Designs, Precious Metals, Gemstones, Prototypes, Unusual Shaped Rings & Time-scale
- Quotation & Confirmation
- Delivery / Collection
General Information about Commissions
Design Consultation
I work with you to discuss the ideas you may have. This might be discussing customising one of my existing designs to your requirements, whether that be in a specific combination of metals, of adding or using different gemstones etc, to changing type leaf shape for instance, or other aspects of the design.
Customising a Design
If you are interested in a particular design, in the first instance, please get in touch via the Bespoke Enquiry Form, where you can include a link to the page or the title of the piece as well as other details that you might like to discuss, like a different combination of colours of gold or alternative types, sizes of gemstones to be included. This provides an excellent starting point to discuss things further. The price of gold fluctuates so I can give you an approximate cost for a piece and then an exact quote when we have discussed the details of your commission.
New or Adapted Design
If you have a particular idea in mind you are welcome to send me ideas/drawings/photos etc which will act as a good starting point to give me a sense of what you have in mind. If there are a few of my designs you are drawn to and/or a number of elements within different existing designs, please let me know. The more information you give me, the better idea I will have of what you would ideally like to achieve. Other information is also helpful, such as which precious metal you would like it to be made in and if you require gemstones to be incorporated (the type, size and colour etc).
Other things to be considered, when creating an engagement ring for instance it is a good idea to think about how a wedding band will sit alongside the design too.
Sketches & Prototypes
When creating new designs and initial ideas and budget and timeframe have been discussed, I usually recommend either working on more detailed drawings or more often than not working on a prototype of the new or adapted design.
These are a great way to make sure that we are both happy with the design before proceeding to create the final piece and if needed any tweaking of the design can take place at this stage.
Prototype Deposit
At this stage of the processes (if required), a non-refundable deposit is required, usually around £75 for a drawing and £200 for prototypes. However, if you proceed with the final piece the deposit is then used towards the total cost of the commission. To discuss the details further please do not hesitate to get in touch via the Bespoke Enquiry Form.
Unusual Shaped Engagement Rings
I often adapt my designs to fit with existing engagements rings which don't always fit with a plain traditional wedding band. Creating a prototype to fit it is often the best way of working before making the final piece. If this is something you would like to consider please get in touch via the Bespoke Enquiry Form and then it would be a good idea to send me a few photos (from different angles if possible) of your engagement ring so I can initially determine if it is feasible. Examples of other designs I have created like this can be found on the 'Shaped Wedding Rings' of the 'Bespoke Gallery'.
Bespoke Rings - additional information
Width & Profile of Band
When creating bespoke rings, if you have an idea of what width and style of band suit you this is good to know. If you are unsure, to give you an idea, 2mm is generally the narrowest width I create but in general I've found 3mm is the most popular of the women's sizes. I'm often asked to make men's bands around 5mm to 6mm in width, but a wider 8mm width band has been a popular choice too. I have also made ones which are wider, so there is no hard and fast rule. The beauty of having something made especially for you is that it can be tailored to what you want. With regards to the shape of the band (it's profile), I tend to create more rings with domed shaped bands as I find the rounded curves lend themselves best to my organic style. However, if you would prefer a flat profile band this is of course possible.
Sizing Information
Sometimes rings are created as a surprise gift or for a proposal, or a proposal may have already taken place and the hunt for the perfect ring is underway with both parties involved. However, if yours is surprise then you will need to know what size is required. For further information regarding sizing, please visit the Sizing Information page.
Budget
This is factor which can have a bearing on the design, on what precious metals can be used and the type, size and quality of gemstones if incorporated. Therefore it is a good idea to have a rough indication of your budget as this may dictate what is possible within it or I may be able to make suggestions on how to tailor a design to suit.
Time-scale
With regards to time-scale, please let me know if there is a date that you require it for and I will advise you of what is possible. Time-scale is also dependant on a number or variable factors including my order book at the time, the specifics of the commission, and when you decide to proceed. Rings are handmade to order and require various processes to complete, as well as requiring hallmarking at the London Assay Office. Typically a commission will take eight weeks to complete, but timescales can depend on the intricacies of each commission. However where possible I can advise you if I am able to meet a more urgent deadline.
Quotation & Commission Confirmation
Quotation
Once the details of your commission have been finalised I will work out a quote for you to check and approve.
Confirmation
To confirm a commission I require a non-refundable deposit of 50%. This can be carried out via card, bank transfer, cheque or cash.
Delivery / Collection
Once the piece is complete and the outstanding balance paid I will be in touch to arrange a date for delivery or collection.
Presentation & Packaging
Each piece of jewellery is presented in its own 'Georgina Ettridge' branded gift box and supplied in a gift bag and tissue paper. Also, enclosed with my compliments will be jewellery care cloth and photo-business card.
P&P and Delivery:
All orders are delivered by insured and signed for postage, in a protective, damage proof mailing box.
Delivery UK & International
Order within the UK are sent via the Royal Mail 'Special Delivery' insured & signed service and International orders are sent via courier. For further information, please see the 'Delivery' page.
You may also find some of the other
'Commissioning Information' pages of interest including 'Commissioning Process', 'Sizing Information', 'Precious Metal & Hallmarks', 'Gemstone Information', 'Heirloom Redesign' and 'Enquiry Forms'.
I hope these have been of help and I look forward to discussing your commission.
For inspiration please also visit the 'Bespoke Gallery' pages.