Studio Policies

Some moments deserve more than something chosen from a display case.

Whether you're celebrating a marriage, honoring someone you love, marking a new beginning, or creating a future heirloom, a custom piece allows us to tell your story together.

Every custom piece is designed and handcrafted by me in my Beaufort, South Carolina studio using traditional metalsmithing techniques and carefully selected materials. The process is personal, collaborative, and intentionally unhurried.

The Custom Design Journey

1. Let's Begin with a Conversation

Every custom commission starts with a complimentary consultation.

We can meet in my studio, connect by phone, FaceTime, or Zoom—whatever is most comfortable for you.

We'll talk about your vision, lifestyle, inspiration, budget, preferred metals, gemstones, timeline, and the meaning behind the piece you'd like to create. If you have photos, sketches, heirloom jewelry, or loose gemstones, we'll discuss how they might become part of your design.

The more information you can share before we meet, the better I can prepare for our conversation.

2. Developing the Design

Some designs come together during our first meeting. Others evolve over several conversations.

When additional design work is needed, I'll create sketches, explore variations, source gemstones, and refine the details until the design feels exactly right.

A design fee of $100, depending on the complexity of the project, begins this phase. That fee is fully credited toward your finished piece should you decide to move forward.

3. Your Proposal

Once every detail has been finalized, I'll prepare a detailed quote.

Pricing reflects the craftsmanship involved, your choice of metals and gemstones, and current precious metal market prices.

Small changes in gemstone selection, ring size, metal choice, or design details can significantly affect the final investment, so I prefer to provide an accurate proposal rather than an estimate.

4. Approval & Creation

When you're ready to move forward, I'll prepare a Custom Design Agreement outlining every detail of your commission.

A 50% non-refundable deposit reserves your place on my studio schedule and allows work to begin.

Because each piece is handcrafted specifically for you, changes requested after fabrication has begun may require additional labor or materials and could affect pricing or delivery.

The remaining balance is due before your jewelry is shipped or picked up.

Most commissions are completed within 4–8 weeks, although more intricate pieces may require additional time. I'll provide an estimated completion date before work begins and keep you informed throughout the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use my family jewelry or heirloom gemstones?

Often, yes—and it's one of my favorite ways to create meaningful jewelry.

Existing gold can sometimes be incorporated directly into a new design. In other cases, it may need to be refined before being reused, depending on the alloy and condition.

Heirloom gemstones can frequently be reset into a new piece, although not every stone is suitable. Durable gemstones such as diamonds and sapphires usually transition beautifully, while softer stones—including opals, pearls, turquoise, and emeralds—require special consideration.

During your consultation, I'll evaluate your materials and recommend the best approach.

Can you accommodate a rush order?

Whenever my schedule allows, I'll do my best to help.

If your timeline is especially tight, please contact me before placing your order. Some commissions may qualify for expedited production, while others—particularly those requiring special gemstones or outside services—may not be possible within a shortened timeframe.

For wedding jewelry with an approaching ceremony date, we can discuss temporary options if needed.

Can you recreate a ring from another designer?

No.

I deeply respect the work of other artists and will never duplicate another jeweler's original designs.

If there's a style or design element that inspires you, we'll use it as a starting point to create something uniquely yours—one that reflects your story while remaining true to the Resolution Jewelry aesthetic.

Is there a minimum for custom work?

Yes.

Custom commissions begin at $500, with most projects reflecting the time, craftsmanship, and precious materials involved in creating a truly one-of-a-kind piece.

Creating custom jewelry is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. It is a privilege to help transform life's meaningful moments into something you can wear, treasure, and one day pass on.

Resolution Jewelry

Where Metal Meets Intention.