Commissioning new jewellery

The background:  Around 50% of the work we sell is now by direct commission so we thought it would be useful to put together a summary to guide potential customers through the process. We understand that approaching a jeweler about a commission might feel a bit intimidating – the majority of jewellery bought in New Zealand is still purchased directly from High Street outlets, and it is perhaps understandable that many people still want to see made up 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 only rarely works in platinum (the overwhelming majority of her work is in gold and silver/silver alloys - in addition she very occasionally works with palladium). 

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 jeweller – we can also send out a re-usable ring sizer if necessary.  Once Mieke has an agreed design she will then provide a firm quote, and an approximate time frame to complete the work. If this is acceptable we then ask for a 50% deposit.

Although we carry an inventory of gemstones from around the world we are sometimes asked to source specific stones – Andy (who is the gem hound for the business) will work closely with clients to find particular gems should they be requested. We have built up an extensive network of reputable gem dealers in places such as London and Bangkok who supply us with wonderful stones to suit most pockets.

During the commissioning of your piece we will of course keep you informed of progress – such as when an ordered stone has arrived, and how the time frame is progressing. Once Mieke has completed her magic Andy makes a short video of the new piece - this video is then sent on to the client. If the customer is happy with the result the balance is due and the piece is sent out by track and trace/signature on arrival courier (Andy tracks the parcel and checks on its safe arrival). 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 undamaged (ie 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.