Commissioning new jewellery

The background:  Around 50% of the work we sell is now by direct commission so here is a summary to guide customers through the process. Approaching a jeweler about a commission might feel a bit intimidating – most jewellery is still purchased from High Street outlets, and it is perhaps understandable that many people still want to see jewellery ‘in the flesh’ before they buy. However, in the last 18 years we have built up a reputation for producing beautiful bespoke pieces of jewellery, custom made to order for clients in New Zealand and throughout the world. At the end of the process (to which you can contribute as little or as much as you would like) you’ll have your own truly special and unique piece of jewellery to treasure forever……

The process: Many customers come to us having admired one of Mieke’s existing designs which they have seen either on her Facebook or Instagram pages, or on her website, with a starting request such as ‘could you make me something like that but with different stones?' Others come with inspiration from designs they have seen elsewhere that they have admired, whilst a few people come to us only with the simple idea of a type of stone that they love that they want to design a ring around. The starting point is quite literally whatever the client wants it to be -  drawings, pictures, videos -  practically anything you might have in your mind’s eye. Please note - Mieke does not work in platinum - the overwhelming majority of her work is in gold, silver and palladium/silver alloys.

Mieke then begins the process of firming up the design in close collaboration with the customer – for example finding out what type of stones are needed, what type of metals, and so on. If you are having a ring made we will need a finger size - some people already know their ring finger size (note that there may well be differences in sizing between fingers and between hands), whilst other people get a sizing from a local jeweler. Once we have an agreed design we will provide a final quote with an approximate time frame to complete the work - a 50% deposit is then due.

On completion Andy will then make a video of the new piece which is sent to the client. If the customer is happy with the result the balance is due and the piece is sent out by courier. If on receipt you do not wish to keep your new piece (for whatever reason) you can return it for a full refund (if returned in the state it was first received) within a 20 day period from receipt. 

And finally: We are financial members of the JWNZ (Jewellers and Watchmakers of New Zealand) and operate under their code of conduct and ethics – customers are also protected by all applicable New Zealand consumer law.