Custom Commissions
Jewellery for your special moments,
or something special just because.
The main thing that really drew me to jewellery and metalsmithing as a practice is the way these traditional craft techniques connect us as humans across the world and through history. Everything I know, I know because generations of metalsmiths learned and taught these skills to one another over thousands of years—person to person, hand to hand. I work with metal to connect with humans, and that’s why custom work is my favourite thing to do; collaborating to realize your ideas in metal is a special kind of magic!
Jewellery is so personal and such a part of our energetic presence in our day to day life; you deserve to have something special that was made exactly, specifically, personally to reflect your heart and vision.
How does it work?
Every custom piece begins with a free consultation where we discuss your idea, timeline, and budget. Please prepare reference photos, sketches, mood boards, or a verbal/written description to help express your idea. If you have a clear picture of what you want, I will advise you on any design elements that may need modification to function well for a lifetime of wear, or material options to work with your budget. If you only have a vague idea or don’t know much about jewellery, I will use my knowledge to suggest how your concepts might be visually realized as a piece of jewellery. (If your proposed project is outside my scope of expertise, I will do my best to recommend another local jeweller who may be better suited for your project.) If you’re interested after we chat, I move on to preparing sketches and price quotes.
To move ahead with a custom commission, 50% of the price is due upon ordering, with the remaining 50% due upon completion of the piece. Prices for custom work vary widely dependent on materials and design, and please note that the prices of precious metals are currently at record highs. My custom projects begin at a minimum of $200, you should be prepared to pay at least $200-$300 for custom work in sterling silver. (The only exception to the $200 minimum are custom coin settings, which can range from $115-$215 depending on size, material, and setting style.) Prices for engagement/wedding bands in gold with higher end stones can be in the range of $1500-$3000 or more. I will use my expertise to advise you on the best material and design options for your budget. Timelines for individual projects will be discussed and laid out in individual purchase agreements. Custom work will not be shipped/delivered until paid in full.
I try to accommodate preferred communication styles in my consultation process—we can do a virtual call (with or without video), chat over email, or even get a coffee in person if you can meet in the downtown Halifax area.
I’d love to co-create something fantastic with you, learn more about my custom services and get in touch below:
Let’s work together
including but not Limited To…
Engagement - Commitment - Ritual
Overwhelmed thinking about getting the right engagement/commitment ring? Getting a custom design from a jeweller is one of the best ways to make sure your ring is just right! My favourite part of designing this type of jewellery is talking to you to learn about your partner and your relationship, and making suggestions of what kinds of material/stone/design choices would be symbolic and special.
The custom ring pictured here features a chunky 18k yellow gold bezel around a gorgeous parti-coloured sapphire—the pale grass green and deep ocean blues in this stone reflected the couple’s journey from the prairies to the west coast. Always one to march to the beat of her own drum, I chose a hand-forged 18K green gold band to reflect this bride’s unique and playful style.
Memorial - Reliquary - Commemorative
My jewellery work has always been heavily inspired by reliquaries and mourning jewellery, as my own experiences of grief and loss were a large influence in my path to becoming a jeweller. One of my first real jewellery pieces I made myself (pictured here) is a reliquary with some of my mother’s hair and other mementos set under clear quartz.
I can work with physical mementos (ashes, teeth, hair, fabric, pet whiskers, etc.) to create reliquary pieces, or collaborate with you to design a symbolic piece with meaningful material and design choices to commemorate a loved one.
lovers - friends - family
The nostalgia of a childhood BFF necklace set, but elevated and grown up! These are one of the most worn items in my own personal jewellery wardrobe.
I love to create matched/coordinated sets of charms, perfect for lovers, best friends, siblings, etc. If you tell me a bit about yourself and your special person/people I can treasure hunt for the perfect stone/coin/charm to represent your relationship. What I love most about these sets are that they’re a perfect token to remember one another when you’re apart, and to wear when together for peak adorable matching vibes.
Unusual Object setting service
Something I love to do on the more “art jewellery” side of my practice is work with found objects; I can create (wearable or wall/desk display) frames for all sorts of things. If you have some sort of small sentimental object you’d like set into some sort of metal frame, I would love to do that for you! It can be as simple and streamlined or maximalist and fantastical as you like.
Custom Coin Settings
If you have a sentimental coin of your own you’d like a custom setting for, I can make that happen! Choose a material, setting style, and bail fully customized to your own preferences, upgrade to a solid gold setting, or add stones.
I always have a stash of coins on hand, feel free to reach out if you’d like to take a virtual peek through my collection and pick something out for yourself.
Whatever You Fancy
The fun thing about custom jewellery is you can get anything you want made for whatever reason you like! If there’s something in the shop you’d like recreated in a different stone/shape/material, we can make a plan for that, or if you have a design or concept in your head you want realized I’d love to hear your ideas.