Commissioning Work
It sounds rather grand, doesn't it: "I've just commissioned a special piece of jewellery". Tell that to your mates next time you have a pamper day at Champneys.
On the other hand, you could just ask me to make something just for you. Same thing.
It doesn't have to be studded with diamonds and finished with filigree wisps of platinum. Nor does it have to be expensive. This little pendant was made for someone to give as a present to a keen windsurfer (yes, that's the shape of a windsurfing sail).
That simple item probably sums up for me what it means to commission something: it's getting something that is personal to you.
It may even be possible to incorporate something you already have: an existing piece of jewellery for example. Maybe it could be re-shaped or even melted down and reworked. Maybe we could take the stones from an existing piece and re-set them in something more modern.
On the other hand, you could just ask me to make something just for you. Same thing.
It doesn't have to be studded with diamonds and finished with filigree wisps of platinum. Nor does it have to be expensive. This little pendant was made for someone to give as a present to a keen windsurfer (yes, that's the shape of a windsurfing sail).
That simple item probably sums up for me what it means to commission something: it's getting something that is personal to you.
It may even be possible to incorporate something you already have: an existing piece of jewellery for example. Maybe it could be re-shaped or even melted down and reworked. Maybe we could take the stones from an existing piece and re-set them in something more modern.
This brooch was made using some stones that the lady had bought while on holiday. We worked on the design together to bring something that was also quite personal to her.
If you have browsed around my site, you will be getting a feel for the sorts of thing that I do. You'll also get an idea of the price from looking at my one-off pieces. As a guide, add maybe 20% more to cover extra time for design and communication.
If you have browsed around my site, you will be getting a feel for the sorts of thing that I do. You'll also get an idea of the price from looking at my one-off pieces. As a guide, add maybe 20% more to cover extra time for design and communication.
How to Go About It
Start by giving me a call. The hardest part of a journey is often the first step. I don't bite.
Then what?We get together and talk. That will probably be on the phone. Or we exchange emails.
You'll tell me what you think you want and we'll bounce a few ideas around. We'll also talk about how much you are prepared to pay to give me some parameters to work within. Then I'll go away and do some sketches, we'll come back and discuss and refine. I will make suggestions on how any design can be improved to simplify the fabrication process: that is usually where the majority of the cost will come from. If needed, I'll then do a final sketch and specification and we'll agree a final price. I might ask for a deposit to cover materials if I'm making something very specific and/or need to buy some special materials or gold. If you decide not to go ahead, no problem. Equally, once we are past this point, you are committed. Changes to the design will often not be possible after this stage. Not without extra cost, anyway. I will usually take payment before delivery, and will suggest doing this via Paypal. That way you get some reassurance of support in case of disputes. |
TimescalesI do need to set some expectations about the length of time it can take to complete the whole process.
Some of it is down to you in the amount of effort you put into understanding what you want and making decisions. It may also take time to source and special materials (like stones), so it could be up to a month before I cut any metal. Fabrication may only take a few hours, but I have to allow for having other work on as well. One other factor that can affect both cost and timescale is if you want your piece hallmarked (or it has to be). I can get an item hallmarked the same day, but it costs around £30. I'm happy to do it, but will obviously pass the whole cost on. On the other hand, if I can send your work in with several other pieces, I would usually only budget a charge of £10. There may be a few weeks delay there. So please allow a total of 8-10 weeks to get an item made. I'll try to be quicker, of course, but we have to be realistic. (Guys, that rules me out for getting your wife's present on Christmas eve. Yeah, I've done it too.) |