Creating A Bespoke Band
I. Your Brief
After an opening correspondence you are invited meet (either in person at The Goldsmiths Centre, at Jessie’s home in E8, or digitally, depending on what suits you best) to discuss your initial ideas, design direction and any precious stone and metal preferences you may have.
Based on the complexity of design, bespoke bands generally take 4-12 weeks from concept to completion, with prices starting from £500, inc. VAT for a simple 9ct Gold Band and £1,000 for a 9ct gold fitted ‘fluid’ band (as per image to the left).
II. Where to Start
Depending on what you’re looking for from your band, there are three main paths we can take.
The first (and most simple) being a lathed band. These are generally popular options for mens bands and come in a range of profiles and widths.
The second option is a hand carved band. Perfect if you’re after a more fluid, or organic feeling band. These can also work really well as an option for a fitted wedding band.
The third method, for more intricate, fitted designs, or those using precious stones, is to create the band using CAD.
III. Design Presentation
For more complex, or fitted wedding bands you will be offered a selection of hand drawn, to scale designs of both the band options and your existing ring.
Given the time intensive nature of these initial stages, if you decide not to proceed with your ring following your drawing presentation, please note that a £300 design fee will issued.
Should you decide to proceed with the same design at a later date, this design fee will be deductible from your balance 50% invoice upon completion of the piece.
IV. Your Final Design
Once the final design is approved we will set in place a provisional delivery date and based on your quote ask that a 50% initial payment be arranged*, with the balance to be paid upon completion.
Once work has started on your bespoke piece, we reserve the right to charge an additional fee to cover the costs of any major alterations or design changes. At this stage, we cannot exchange or return any precious stone(s) agreed upon. *As this payment will allow us to start covering the costs of materials and services, it will therefore be non refundable.
V. A Fitted CAD Band
If your band is being made using CAD, we will create your ring digitally, sending over renders to allow you to see your ring in 3D, alongside the existing ring that it is being made to fit alongside.
VI. A Printed Wax Band
For CAD created bands, a 3D resin or wax print will be offered to you, to try on against your existing ring.
This will eventually be cast in the metal of your choice but ahead of casting it’s very useful to use the print to test the scale/fit.
VII. A Hand Carved Band
Carved wax bands will be hand crafted in the studio, using your existing ring as a guide for the fit if required. You will be sent images and videos of your band as the carving process progresses and are welcome to visit and try the band ahead of casting.
These bands can be amended if necessary, to alter the fit and to slim them down. We will normally start with the band being made ever so slightly thicker than discussed as it is possible to remove material to create the shape, rather than to add wax back onto the band.
If you would like your band to be made thicker again, it might be necessary that a new band is carved for you. If this is the case, we reserve the right to charge an additional fee to cover the time costs of this process.
VIII. Your Finished Bands
Once cast in the metal of your choice, your band will be cleaned up, set with stones if required, polished and hallmarked. We also offer the option to have your band laser engraved with a special phrase of your choosing.
Once complete, we will arrange with you a time for the collection/postage of your piece. We will provide you with any relevant grading reports alongside your receipt and jewellery care and insurance advice. Your ring will be presented to you in our custom box and dust bag, ready for you to enjoy.