DESIGN GUIDE

This page is a preview of the design options available to you when you commission a custom piece of memorial jewelry.

SECTION #1

STYLE & METAL

What type of item are we making?

PENDANT OR NECKLACE ($)

Pendants are included in the commission base price.

Chain styles, lengths and metals are nearly infinite and impossible to assign a standard cost. For this reason, chain is not included in the base price. I will source and quote the perfect chain for you in the design phase of your commission.

Click on the "NECKLACE OPTIONS & SIZING" drop down for more info.

BRACELET

Whether you like bangles, cuffs or a free flowing chain bracelet, I'm happy to work in many different styles.

I will require the proper measurement for the type of bracelet you prefer. Click on the "BRACELET OPTIONS & SIZING" drop down below for more info.

RING

We can work together to create the perfect ring for you that best fits all of your personalizations.

Click on the "RING OPTIONS & SIZING" drop down below to find information on sizing and common styles.

BROOCH

A good option if you don't wear a ton of jewelry but would still like a memorial piece.

A brooch can be pinned onto your winter coat, a nice shawl or even your work lanyard to keep your loved one close all day.

OTHER

Want a keyring, a pocket charm, a money clip or something different that I haven't considered?

I'm happy to discuss your project and see if it's feasible!

CHAIN STYLES

  • Cotton Cord (no cost)
  • Leather Cord (no cost)
  • Cable Chain ($35 - $60+)
  • Satellite Chain ($35 - $50)
  • Snake Chain ($45 - $60)
  • Paperclip Chain ($35 - $60)
  • Curb Chain ($35 - $60+)
  • French Rope ($40 - $60)
  • Unique Chain ($35 - $100+)

Prices are based on sterling silver chain in various widths and lengths between 16-28".

SIZING GUIDE

To get an accurate quote on your chain, I will need to know what length you desire.

BRACELET STYLES

  • BANGLE: A complete, solid circle. These slide up your hand on to your wrist so they have a loose fit around the wrist.

  • CUFF: Solid oval shaped bracelet with an opening in the back to hook directly onto the wrist. These have a tighter fit than a bangle.

  • CHAIN: Can have solid plates and elements, but the bulk of the bracelet is chain with a clasp closure. They have a fluid feel and fit around the wrist.

SIZING GUIDE

A bangle slides up your hand and on to your wrist. You need to measure across the knuckles at the widest part of your hand.


For all other styles, you will measure around your wrist.

RING STYLES

Rings can come in many styles. We will discuss which style best fits your preference and personalizations during the consultation.


  • Wide Shank
  • Thin Shank
  • Split Shank
  • Stacking Bands

RING SIZING

I have several different ways for you to find your ring size.


Click here to read "FINDING YOUR RING SIZE".

WHAT TYPE OF METAL WOULD YOU LIKE TO USE?

STERLING SILVER

ALLOY: 92.5% pure silver / 7.5% copper

APPEARANCE: It has a brilliant, white luster that can be polished to a high shine or given a matte finish.

SKIN EFFECTS: Generally hypoallergenic and suitable for most skin types.

JEWELERS BRASS

ALLOY: 85% copper and 15% zinc.

APPEARANCE: It has a bright, yellow-gold appearance similar to 14kt gold that can be polished to a shine or left to develop a natural patina over time.

SKIN EFFECTS: Generally hypoallergenic and suitable for most skin types.

ANTIQUE BRONZE

ALLOY: 92% copper / 8% tin

APPEARANCE: It has a warm, brownish-gold hue that darkens over time, giving it an antique look with tones similar to rose gold.

SKIN EFFECTS: Generally hypoallergenic and suitable for most skin types.

MIXED: SILVER & BRASS
MIXED: SILVER & BRONZE
SOLID 14KT GOLD ($)

ALLOY: 58.3% pure gold / 41.7% other metals, typically copper and silver.

APPEARANCE: Available in white, yellow and rose, 14kt gold offers warm tones that do not tarnish and maintains its luster over time.

SKIN EFFECTS: Generally hypoallergenic and suitable for most skin types.

14kt gold is a special option and will be quoted individually based on the current market price of gold.

You can expect prices to start at $2500.

Silver, brass and bronze are all alloys containing copper.

Some individuals may experience a slight reaction due to the copper content, resulting in a greenish tint on the skin. This is harmless, can be washed off easily.

These effects can be minimized by keeping your metal clean and dry.

The copper content in silver, brass and bronze will cause the metal to naturally patina over time. This can add to the beauty of your piece by adding additional depth.

However, I choose these metals because they are easy to maintain at home. Light polishing will restore the original finish without the need for professional cleaning or replating.

SECTION #2

FINER DETAILS

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE AS THE FOCAL POINT?

ENAMELED PHOTOGRAPH

Use your favorite photo as a unique centerpiece on your jewelry.

The iron in the ink of your photo reacts to the heat of the kiln while at the same time the layer of glass underneath melts encapsulating the image. The result is brick red with an antique look. The color cannot be changed.

I work from digital files, your original photograph is not harmed in the process.

GEMSTONE ($)

Shop my stockpile or let me source your favorite gemstone to set the tone for your whole piece.

Prices range from $20 - $50.

OTHER

Do you have a different vision? I'd love to hear it! I am open to working with your creativity whenever possible.

DETAIL GALLERY

STANDARD ENGRAVING

This is my default style of engraving. Laser cut with clean lines and deep enough it won't wear away.

EMBOSS ENGRAVING

The opposite of standard engraving, embossing removes the negative space resulting in a raised image.

ENGRAVED BEZEL

The bezel is the metal that holds your gemstone or your enamel photograph in place.

I can engrave this wire with your own handwriting or simple graphics. Keep in mind this is a narrow space. Very swoopy or tall graphics will be difficult to see.

FANCY BEZEL

The bezel is the metal that holds your gemstone or your enamel photograph in place.

A fancy bezel is any style of bezel that isn't a standard rectangular shape. They come in an array of styles that we can discuss during in our consultation.

ACCENT GEMSTONE ($)

These are smaller stones, from 2-5mm, that can be set around your piece. They are great for representing birthstones or simply adding a pop of color.
Prices start at $12 a stone for man made options.

KEYHOLE CUT OUTS

These can be small or large and in any shape.

A key hole cut out is any metal removed on the back or underside of your piece where the back of the gemstone shows through.

PIN HAMMER TEXTURE

This speckled texture holds oxidation well, adding interest and depth.

PLANISHED HAMMER TEXTURE

This technique adds tiny facets to the surface of the metal. It results in metal that catches the light at different angles.

ACCENT BALLS

Little beads of metal strategically placed to add interest.

CHARMS / GEMSTONE DROPS ($)

These are specific to necklaces and in some occasions bracelets. Add a wire wrapped gemstone briolette or create a charm necklace style piece by adding personalized drops.

Prices on this can vary wildly from $15 up depending on your desires. I will have to quote components for you during the design phase.

SECTION #3

PERSONALIZATION

POSSIBLE PERSONALIZATIONS

HANDWRITING

Engrave your love notes and written sentiments. All languages are welcome.

As everything becomes digital, this is becoming harder to find. Read "WHERE TO FIND HANDWRITING" if you are having trouble locating your loved one's writing.

PHOTOGRAPH

Save your photographs in enamel.

I will not engrave photos. In my experience, photo engravings are shallow and will wear away quickly.

PRINTS

Handprints, footprints, fingerprints, paw prints and nose prints are all possible options. Some prints work better than others.

Read "ENGRAVING YOUR FINGERPRINT" for more information on good and poor quality prints.

DOODLES

Simple line doodles engrave well and always end up being my favorite engravings because they are so unique.

FONT ELEMENTS

If you have a quote, dates, initials or something else you would like engraved, but do not have handwritten, I am happy to provide font options to find something that fits your personal style.

MONOTONE ART

Black and white, simple graphics work well either engraved or encased in enamel.

For example, you would like to incorporate a butterfly into your piece because it reminds you of your person, you are welcome to provide artwork or I can help you design a butterfly that will work well on your jewelry.

JOIN THE WAITLIST

Ready to request a custom?

In order to give your commission the attention it deserves, I only work on a couple pieces at a time.


Hop on the list. It's not a final commitment.


Once your spot opens up, you'll receive a deposit invoice. If you would like to accept the commission spot at that time, you'll have 15 days to pay the invoice and start the design process.

Spots not claimed within 15 days will be forfeit to the next person in line.

The waitlist is not a marketing email list. You will only be contacted regarding your commission request.