{CUSTOM DESIGNS}

There are times when only a one-of-a kind piece of jewelry suits the occasion or person. One of my favorite things about being a jewelry designer is working with clients to create custom handmade jewelry. If you can't find exactly what you want in my collections, just contact me for a complimentary design consultation. I will be happy to collaborate with you to create something unique and different. Often your ideas inspire me as much as I hope mine will inspire you!

email:

about Custom Designs

phone: 800-770-2802 or 847-563-8858

fax: 847-563-8867

To begin the custom design process, please read the information below and then contact Laura for a complimentary consultation.

{custom ideas}

Below is a list of those occasions when only a one-of-a-kind piece will do:

Commemorate an anniversary, birthday, graduation, first communion, bat mitzvah, athletic victory, academic achievement, or any other milestone.
Give a truly distinctive gift for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Eid al-Adha, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or teachers and coaches
Upgrade one of my designs to 14k or 18k gold (yellow or white) for a family heirloom that will sparkle for generations to come.
Create unique wedding jewelry for brides and/or the wedding party, or as a bridal shower party favor for guests or the hostess.
Celebrate a birth with jewelry using the baby's birthstone for a new mother, or give as a party favor at a baby shower.
Surprise Mom with jewelry featuring her and her children's birthstones.
Honor Grandma with jewelry made from her grandchildren's birthstones.
Remember an important relative or friend by using components of their jewelry or birthstone to create something new for you and others.
Renew an outdated family heirloom into something new and wearable.
Transform jewelry you never wear into something new & just your style.
Complement a favorite necklace with new coordinating bracelet or earrings, or create a matching necklace to go with earrings you love.

{custom questionnaire}

Before you get in touch, please take the time to complete as much of the questionnaire below as possible. If you are unsure about gemstones, metal selection, or sizing, just go to customer care for more information.

Who is this jewelry for (you or a gift)?
What occasion is the jewelry commemorating (see below)?
When do you need it?
What is your budget?
What is your or the recipient's favorite color? Favorite gemstone?
When is your/their birthday? What is your/their birthstone?
How old is the recipient?
What style of jewelry do you or the gift recipient like best (gold, silver, chunky, delicate, trendy, classic, simple, ornate, pearls, gemstones, etc.)?
Do you or the recipient wear mostly earrings, necklaces or bracelets?
Do you or the recipient need custom sizing (i.e. petite or plus)?
Does the recipient have pierced ears?
Do you want sterling silver, 14k gold-filled, or 14k gold (yellow or white)?
Are you or the recipient allergic to any kind of metal (esp. for earrings)?

{custom gift certificates}

Sometimes it is difficult to shop for that special someone in your life who would love some unique jewelry, but has very particular taste! The perfect solution is to give her an online gift certificate, which are available for any amount over $25.00. She will be thrilled to work with me to design exactly what she wants!
When you purchase a gift certificate, just remember to include a note at checkout indicating that you would like the recipient to use their certificate for a custom design. Your gift certificate will be emailed or gift wrapped and mailed (see gift certificate wrap & ship) to her with a note letting her know that your gift is to be used for custom jewelry.

{custom timeline & prices}

Initial free telephone consultation. Agree or decline to proceed.
Agreement to proceed with design ideas.
Deposit of $50.00 per piece of jewelry is paid by customer.
Pictures, sketches or fabric swatches are sent by customer.
Design and prices are approved by customer in writing (email okay).
Completion date is agreed upon between customer and designer.
Invoice is sent and payment is processed (full balance due).
Design work begins after payment.
For redesigned jewelry, design work begins after the original item is received (sent by customer).
Design is completed and customer is notified.
Items are shipped to customer (either standard or rush—see below) and received on or before agreed upon completion date.

{custom order fulfillment}

Your custom order will typically take approximately 2-4 weeks to complete after received. The turnaround time depends on the quantity and complexity of the jewelry and/or if any materials must be special ordered. Please keep in mind that each piece of jewelry is custom made to order by hand, so the length of completion time is also dependent on the volume of orders.

{holiday orders}

During busy holiday seasons (November, December, February, May and June), custom designs may take as long as 4-8 weeks to complete, so please order early during these months to ensure you will receive your items in time.

{rush orders}

Additional charges will apply to custom designs needed within two weeks or less (see shipping information under customer care), including shipping transit time. Additional standard or expedited shipping charges are supplementary to rush order charges.

{custom jewelry prices}

As a guideline, custom earrings start around $50.00, bracelets around $75.00 and necklaces at around $100.00. However, the prices for custom jewelry are as unique as the designs, and are subjective to the complexity of the design, cost of the materials, and number of hours required to complete.
You will receive a price estimate for approval before custom design work begins, and a $50.00 deposit for each piece of custom jewelry will be required once you have approved the design proposal and cost.

Please note that all custom designs are final sales and cannot be returned or exchanged.