What costs are involved?

The initial consultation is complimentary; whether at the studio, online or by phone, I’ll give you up to 40 minutes. We’ll discuss whether you’d like something similar to a piece I’ve made already, or whether you’d like to transform unworn, damaged or broken sentimental pieces into new Jewel Narratives that are personal to you and yours.

We can talk about what’s most important to you and why; what’s real gold, what’s likely to be plated.

It’s really important that you work out what the commission is worth to you, in terms of the sentimental value of the elements I’ll use, the memories they’ll prompt, as well as in terms of the financial budget for the commission. I’ll need to know this so that I can design appropriately. What’s it worth to you?

If you’d like something similar to a piece I’ve made already, the price will often be very similar, or perhaps £200–£500 extra in silver depending on added complexity. Prices for gold items similar to those I’ve already made will be worked out individually, and you’ll be given a time frame within which to decide.

If you’d like me to make one of my existing designs, re-using your gold and gemstones, you’ll be looking at about 20% less than my listed price for that piece.

Bespoke commissions made in silver using your sentimental elements start at around £1250. Commissions using your gold and sentimental elements start at around £2,250.

There’s a design fee of £295 per item designed, payable upon completion of the initial designs. This fee is deducted from the balance payment of the subsequent commission.

Commissions are based on a day rate, plus costs, such as hallmarking, and materials.

What precious metals do you work with?

Any heirloom items you supply for re-use must be hallmarked 18ct, 22ct or 24ct gold. I’m happy to use your platinum as long as it is in a project that I can design and have cast. I’m also happy to combine your high carat gold with appropriate fine and sterling silver bullion. These metals will still be recycled, just not by me as it is not cost-effective for me to do so.

Any of your silver or 9ct and 14ct gold may be sold for scrap and the equivalent value put towards the cost of the bespoke commission I make for you.

What gemstones and other materials do you work with?

We’ll look at what’s in your cache... sometimes the most worn or repaired items are the most sentimental and I enjoy treating these elements as jewels in their own right. I’ll work with any gemstones suitable for your commission.

I’ll do my best to advise you appropriately; if a stone is considered too ‘soft’ for use on a ring to be worn every day, we’ll discuss using it on a pendant, brooch or earrings instead.

Please also note that whilst every care is taken when I dismantle your jewellery, gemstones may have become fragile after many years of wear or even poor storage, and occasionally may chip or break when taken apart. This rarely happens. However you must accept the responsibility and risk as a rare but inevitable possibility when working with old pieces.

Is it worth remodelling or recycling old jewellery?

The cost of buying new gold and gemstones is high. If you commission me to work with your metal and gems to create something you’ll wear, we are repurposing metal and gems that have already been mined, so yes, it’s worth doing.

What, even this old, odd, worn, broken thing?

Let’s face it, many of us do not inherit serious rocks... I’ll give your pieces the space they need. I’ll present them in a way that will elevate them and give them a new lease of life, a life with you, outside the drawer.

Please note that I don’t offer formal valuations, that’s another specialism. I’ll take great care of your jewellery. I’ll photograph it at the various stages and make notes. It will be stored in a locked safe. However if any of the elements is particularly valuable, you should have it valued and covered under your own insurance policy while in my care.