After years of working with people across the US and around the world, I am pursuing a method of processing custom orders that will help ensure I am providing each and every client with the best customer service experience available. Laying out the expectations and the order of progression in the custom jewelry making experience is what my objective is here in this section. Please read this before you fill out a custom order form. I strive for us to maintain congruency with our communication and our expectations, so this will answer a lot of the questions you may have in regards to how this works. Below are my ten easy steps to creating custom jewelry.

1.) Filling out the Online custom order form.

When you fill out this form, it provides me with your contact information, along with the answers to my initial questions regarding your order. Please be sure to tell me when you are wanting your custom piece delivered, if there are any occasions that will require the jewelry, such as your wedding.

2.) After filling out the form and submitting it, I will email you back to confirm I have received your order.

I would like to set up a time to have a 10-15 minute phone call so we get to know each other and answer any questions we may have for each other. I love to hear from all of my clients! So please, don’t be shy to talk with me.

3.) Following our phone call, I will send another email that confirms the details of what we discussed in order to establish congruency of ideas and communications.

4.) Send Reference photography or other visual inspirations for your custom designed jewelry.

Email me any styles, motifs, or illustrations you believe will strengthen your communication with me regarding the design of your piece.

5.) Sketch Approval.

After you have submitted reference photos, I will sketch a design for you, at scale. I hand draw all my designs, so the purpose of the sketch is to visually communicate design layout more than it is a representation of the rendered product. I keep things analog and low tech, as opposed to doing CAD. It’s just my style of doing things and keeping my work hand made. Once I have your approval, we move forward to the next step.

6.) Deposits.

Custom work always starts with the design process. Once I’ve received your custom order form and we have communicated about the details, I require a $100 design deposit. This will be worked into the final cost of your custom piece and gets you invested into the project we will be creating together. I work on a “half down-half when finished” basis with payments. Once the design sketch is approved, I’ll provide price quotes based on metal type, gemstones, and the degree of complexity involved with the design. Based on that price quote, I’ll divide that into two payments, with the first one due upon approval of the sketch and the second payment due upon completion. With custom jewelry, I cannot offer refunds, but I can most certainly offer you a great experience with excellent quality jewelry made with top-quality craftsmanship. Your satisfaction is my number objective. That’s why communication is so crucial in this process.

7.) Time to Create!

The design has been approved, the price has been established, and the first deposit has been made. Now it’s time for me to put my talents and skills to work to create your one of a kind piece of jewelry. This is where my artistry comes alive! I will keep you updated with photos on the progress of your piece, as well as to discuss any minor changes that can still be made at the time. (i.e. engraving details).

8.) Finishing

After fabricating, filing, sanding, polishing, engraving, and stone setting, the final finishing touches are applied and the piece will be complete. I will send you a variety of photos of the finished piece.

9.) Final Payment

Upon completion of your unique custom jewelry, the final payment will be due.

10.) Shipping and Sharing

I will send your custom jewelry to the address you provide in the order form unless I’m told otherwise. I send via USPS Priority with insurance. Because of the average declared value of my pieces, a signature will be required when delivered.

Because my business is internet based, the need for me to create content on my website and social media platforms is crucial. Even more important than that, is your feedback and reviews. I encourage you to share my work on whatever platforms you use, tell your friends and family about your experience working with me, and refer them to me for their custom jewelry desires! Your recommendations and testimonies are greatly appreciated!

Thank you very much for taking the time to read through my Ten Step Custom Jewelry Process. I look forward to working with you!

Matthew Haithcock, Owner at Sacred Smith Fine Jewelry.