The Custom Design Process

Why would you choose custom designed jewelry?

• The possibilities are endless.
• You get exactly what you want.
• You receive something specific and distinct.
• You get to be a part of the design process (if you want to be).
• The process of purchasing jewelry becomes an experience as unique as the jewelry itself.
• Custom jewelry is extremely personal and meaningful.

Why choose Chaya Studio to be your custom jeweler?

• We are passionate about what we do.
• We are jewelers with over 13 years experience.
• We use only high quality materials and high quality craftsmanship.
• We are excellent at translating your ideas into jewelry.
• We take a holistic approach to design (we talk more about this in the Process section below).
• We have an abundance of ideas and skills to contribute to any design.
• We do our best to be accommodating to any budget from tight to grand scale.
• We LOVE working with YOU.

View our custom design gallery

What exactly is the Process to get something custom made?

The entire custom process from start to finish averages around 6-8 weeks assuming everything is done in a timely manner. A rush can be put on any order for an additional fee. A rush order is placed at the front of the production list. The additional cost will vary. Please contact us for more information.

The first step is to contact us in order to schedule an initial consultation either in person or via telephone. We will ask a large variety of questions during this first meeting. Our goal as designers is to listen for anything that will help us design the most perfect piece. Often the most important information is not the dimensional details but the personal qualities of the person who will wear the jewelry. Because of our holistic approach to design, it is important for you come to this meeting prepared to answer some or all of the following questions:

• What do you want to have made (i.e. ring(s), bracelet, pendant, arm band, earrings, etc.)?
• What size does it need to be?
• What materials do you want to use?
• What stones (if any) do you want to include?
• Who is it/are they for? (Husband? Wife? Partner? Mother? Father? Son? Daughter? Best Friend?)
• What are some of the person’s preferences? (i.e. thick/thin, dark/shiny, conservative/free spirit, white/yellow, favorite stone(s), young/old, classical/contemporary, etc.)
• What is the person like? (i.e.: are the athletic? Spiritual? What kind of work? Likes music? Food? Poetry?) We want you to come prepared to share with us qualities about the person the piece is for.
• Do you want to be a part of the design process?
• What is your budget (if any)?
• Is there a specific due date for the piece(s)?

The initial consultation will take about an hour. To begin the design process, we require a $150.00 non-refundable deposit.  We spend a good deal of time in the design process to give you a beautiful, unique piece. We will create some preliminary drawings based on your information and a budget range. If you are not local, we will send these drawings to you in the form of an email or fax. 

To give you an idea of price, pieces generally begin at $750.00 plus materials.  This price can vary depending on complexity.  We will also use any of your own stones you may want to include in the piece.

During the second meeting we will review the drawings and financial estimates. An additional deposit may be required for further models/drawings, extensive stones searches, multiple estimates, etc. However, this rarely is necessary.

Once you have approved of a design and price estimate, you will be asked to sign and return a copy of the project work agreement with a 50% deposit on the order. Your signed copy can be faxed or mailed to us. The work agreement will specifically outline the scope of the project and cost.

Once the project is complete and ready to ship, the remaining 50% payment will be due. We accept payments in Visa, MasterCard, Discover, Cheque or Money Order. All custom order sales are final.

Do you have further questions? Are you ready to place an order? Contact us! We can't wait to share this wonderful journey with you! Also, don't forget to visit our custom design gallery...

"Chaya created a lovely necklace for me from her I Ching line. It represents two hexagrams, Peace and Contemplation."

"Chaya was very open to my ideas for this piece, and we worked on it together."

"She is a meticulous designer and her pieces reflect that. Every nook and cranny is beautifully executed and finished."

"Chaya is so talented and a pleasure to work with! The whole process was wonderful from start to finish."
- Client, Kate Moon