Custom Wedding, Commitment & Ceremonial Rings

Custom project FAQs

What types of projects will The Smithery consider for a custom project?

We take on custom projects that are in the wheelhouse of the techniques and styles in our jewelry line.

We value old school traditional techniques, and therefore we do everything by human hand, without the aid of computer designs. With this in mind, not all projects will be suitable for our studio.

You can see examples of the types of settings, textures and materials we work with in the gallery on this page, as well as the jewelry throughout our website

Using these existing designs, along with your inspirations, we encourage you to mix and match elements from different pieces you see to create a one of a kind piece for you!

What materials do you work with for custom projects?

All the jewelry made in house is made with nickel free SCS certified recycled precious metals. Recycled metals are generated using scrap precious metals from various sources which are purified, through a refining process, to the same high level and purity as mined gold. We work with American refineries which follow strict policies of social and environmental responsibility. 

14K, 18K Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold
14K, 18K Palladium White Gold

We are committed to sourcing gemstones that are ethically sourced and conflict free, including Canadian mined diamonds, lab grown diamonds, natural rose cut diamonds, as well as diamond alternatives including Moissanite.
 We can source a variety of colored gemstones.

How long will my custom project take?

Lead time can vary from 3 - 12 weeks depending on the complexity of the project and our current workload. Please get in touch with plenty of time before your desired completion date. We will be able to give you a time estimate for your specific project once we have finalized details.

What are your policies for custom projects?

A non-refundable 50% deposit is due when a design is chosen. Once this is paid, work will begin. The balance will be due upon completion prior to delivery. 

All custom jewelry sales are final as these pieces are made to your specifications and cannot be exchanged or refunded.

At this time we do not accept international custom orders outside the US.

What will my custom project cost?

Pricing for custom designs starts at $1000.

Several factors are considered when pricing a custom project including material choice, complexity, and labor. The cost of a custom project can be more than purchasing a ready-made piece that has already been designed. This is due to the creative problem solving and engineering that often goes hand in hand with creating a brand new idea. 

We will do our best to work within your budget for your custom project. Be sure to mention your budget prior to a design consultation so we can have a better idea of what is possible.

Can I repurpose existing gold and gems?

We are happy to consider repurposing your existing gold and stones in the making of a new piece of jewelry. This is done on a case by case basis. In most cases, we can work with clearly marked karat yellow gold of 14K or higher.

We do not repurpose other gold alloys (white, rose) due to quality concerns that can come up when these metals are reworked. They can become brittle, unworkable, and have surface pitting. 

Stones are considered on a case by case basis. There are risks involved in removing gems from old settings. We would recommend getting an appraisal done on your gemstones to inspect them for quality prior to reusing them. 

As a rule of thumb, we work with stones that are higher on the Mohs hardness scale (diamonds, sapphires) to avoid any possible damage that may occur with wear, or in the re-setting of the stones. If the stones are unknown, this is a risk that you will have to consider. We will not accept a project we are not comfortable with doing and reserve the right to decline using any stones at any point in the process.

We suggest to our customers to consider repurposing gold and stones moreso for the sentiment, and not as a cost saving measure. Oftentimes, using new materials come at a lower cost than reusing your materials. There is quite a bit of labor to remove stones from old settings, and many steps to process your existing gold into a new, usable form.

We love to give a new life to your older jewelry so that you can wear something that suits your style! Feel free to reach out and we can discuss what is possible.

Can you cut or reshape my stone, or other material?

No, we only work with stones that are already cut in a finished state. (i.e. faceted, rose cut, cabochon)

We do not work with stones in their natural raw form, and do not drill, cut or reshape any stones, glass, shells, etc. Nor do we do any inlay (i.e. stone, wood, enamel, resin).

This may eliminate some stones as good candidates for custom work.

How do I begin the process for a custom project?

The first step, is to reach out to us via our Custom Jewelry Inquiry form. This will allow you to share your idea with us, along with the budget and timeline you have in mind. On this form, you are able to upload photos that will help illustrate your ideas. 

Once we receive your inquiry, we will get in touch with our initial feedback and start a conversation with you if it looks like a good fit.

Not all projects will be the right fit for our studio, so we are selective in the projects we are able to take on. When able, we may offer a referral to a studio that might be a better fit.

We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about your idea!

Gallery