THE BESPOKE PROCESS
Each moment appreciated.
Reflected in something precious, tangible and wholly yours.
Elements to consider when dreaming of your Custom or Bespoke piece include:
METAL
I offer a choice of Sterling Silver, 9ct or 18ct Yellow White or Rose Gold.
GEMSTONE
A selection of curated gemstones from my personal collection are available to choose from to adorn your piece in the Gemstones Gallery.
I also have a global network of diamond and coloured gemstone suppliers and can do my best to source your dream gemstone. A gemstone sourcing fee of AUD$75 is redeemable agains the cost of your project.
RING SIZE
If you are having a ring crafted, knowing the recipient's size is preferred. If your Custom or Bespoke ring is not quite the right fit, your first re-size is at no cost—but due to the detailed and nuanced textural features, many of my designs cannot be resized seamlessly. It is always better not to need a resize at all.
DESIGN
Custom and Bespoke Alicia Hannah Naomi jewellery is crafted to reflect my design aesthetic. You are encouraged to be inspired by my existing body of work, as well designs in the Past Works Gallery, in order to help define the aspects you wish to bring to life in your piece.
BUDGET
Custom pieces have no minimum spend.
For Bespoke pieces, there is a minimum spend of AUD$750 for a simple, one-of-a-kind ring without any gemstones in Sterling Silver, and AUD$1,250 for a simple, one-of-a-kind ring without any gemstones in 9ct Yellow Gold.
TIMEFRAMES
Clients should allow a lead-time of 6 weeks for custom projects and 12 weeks for bespoke projects. Not all projects will take this long but many do. If you need a piece faster than this you are encouraged to consider ordering from one of the many Ready To Wear designs in the collection with shorter production timeframes.
Once you have a clear idea of the project requirements, you can submit a Customisation Request or Bespoke Booking Enquiry.
CONSULT
Once you have submitted your booking request, you may be invited to complete a short questionnaire to scope the finger details of your Bespoke project idea. You will be invited to submit design references, and outline your preferences on the elements listed above for Alicia to evaluate.
The studio will reach out to you within 3 business days of receiving your booking request.
Most consultations are conducted via email in response to your questionnaire.
Initial 45min consultations can also be arranged via Zoom, or in person at a location in close proximity to the studio by private arrangement.
CONCEPT
As your jeweller, it is my pleasure to educate and facilitate in order to realise your ideal outcome. During the concept phase we will discuss at length your options for metal choice, gemstones, and what is possible for the design of your piece.
When the details of your dream design have been confirmed, I will provide either sketches or photos of a wax model to illustrate the intended outcome for your approval.
A minimum of 12 weeks lead-time is preferred for a completely bespoke project—especially if a unique gemstone needs to be sourced for your project.
CREATION
A 50% non-refundable deposit is required to secure the materials and commence your project. Once received, I can begin creating or refining your wax model to the terms of the design that has been agreed upon.
You will be sent photos or a video of the wax model prior to casting for approval. Only minor changes can be requested at this time.
After your design is cast, it is lovingly hand-finished in my Melbourne studio. When completed, the balance is due and the piece is either ready to ship or can be collected upon private arrangement.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What's the difference between a Custom and Bespoke piece?
A Custom piece is a design based off an existing piece in my Ready To Wear collection, but with alterations such as but not limited to:
· Stone size or shape
· Setting style
· Metal alloy
· Additional gemtones
· Engraving
A Bespoke piece is the creation of a completely new design.
How much does a Bespoke piece cost?
There is a minimum spend of AUD$750 for a simple, one-of-a-kind ring without any gemstones in Sterling Silver, and AUD$1,250 for a simple, one-of-a-kind ring without any gemstones in 9ct Yellow Gold.
Pricing covers more than just the materials needed for the project. I want you to have the very best outcome for the project - a future heirloom beyond your expectations. Pricing also covers us discussing the project in detail, sourcing gemstones if required, time needed liaising with suppliers, and the labour involved in hand-carving your model, casting, gemstone setting and finishing it to perfection.
What if those prices aren't in my budget?
Custom designs have no minimum spend. Customising works with the addition of gemstones or engraving to my existing designs is also a nice way to add a unique touch to a piece and can be a more affordable alternative to a completely Bespoke project.
I also have an extensive catalogue of pieces in my Ready To Wear collection that you can choose from at a lower price point.
I'm based in Melbourne, can I come visit your studio to discuss my project?
I run a closed studio and do not take consultations or client visits on-site.
However if you are based in Melbourne and would prefer to meet in person to discuss your project, face-to-face consultations can be arranged. An initial in person consultation may be beneficial if you are supplying your own heirloom jewellery or gemstones for remodelling.
What is the best metal to choose for my project?
For information on the differences between metal alloys visit the Meet Your Metals page.
Can you incorporate my own gold into the project?
This is not currently a service that I can offer in my studio, however I can offer a refining (recycling) credit from the existing gold towards your new piece.
Can I supply my own gemstone/s for the project?
I love working with client’s stones. They are always full of history and sentiment that ultimately enriches the finished piece of jewellery.
However—because I did not personally source the stone—I cannot guarantee it for defects during manufacturing. If you wish to bring your own gemstone/s to a Custom or Bespoke project you must agree to the provision that I accept no liability for the stone whilst in my care.
Sometimes heirloom and inherited gemstones turn out to be a different material to what was understood by the family. While optional, I strongly recommend having the stone independently assessed for a nominal fee, so I know what I am working with and how best to work with it.
It is my pleasure and my privilege to craft for you, and I put my entire heart and soul into every project. There are no shortcuts or rush jobs or cut corners.
To realise your vision, every care and caution and full extension of the resources available to me are taken. It is deeply appreciated when clients are able to give theirs in return.
