Frequently Asked Questions about Custom Design

Is custom jewelry expensive?

The answer is yes and no. What is important to remember is you get what you pay for. When you work with Pave we think you get more. The cost of custom work should be like paying for a high quality piece of jewelry. At Pavé it is usually comparable to what you might find in one of our cases. Occasionally it is a little more but you are paying to get exactly what you want that you can’t seem to find anywhere else. Custom pieces made in sterling silver are typically more expensive compared to something you'd find mass manufactured because the cost of the labor usually outweighs the cost of the materials.

How long does a custom piece of jewelry take to make?

It really varies depending on the complexity of the design, how busy we are at any given time, and how available you are to “OK” each step of the process. It also depends on how long it takes to come up with the original design. If you know exactly what you are after than the process is quicker. If we have to play around with ideas it might take some extra time.

As a general rule 4 to 6 weeks is ample time for a custom piece. We have taken more time on complex projects and as few as 4 days on others. It is always best to not rush it if you don’t have to.

Will you use diamonds or other gemstones that I have?

Yes. Most of the time we use stones from jewelry that clients have inherited. It is a great way to keep grandma close while getting exactly what you want out of it. We say it is better to redesign a piece of jewelry and wear it rather than keep it in your jewelry box to occasionally look at.

Can I use my own gold or platinum in a custom piece?

Yes you can usually use your own gold in a custom piece. It is rare that clients have enough gold for the entire piece but we can always add new gold to the mix if needed. While we are happy to use your gold we cannot guarantee the color of the finished piece. Different alloys are used in gold and when you mix them together you can get slight variations in color. If this is a concern to you we can always credit you for the gold and use fresh gold in the custom piece.

We cannot re-use platinum to cast custom pieces. Platinum is 90-95% pure in jewelry and any impurities on the surface or in the metal can cause porosity when casting a new piece. It is possible that it could be used in fabrication methods. We are always happy to credit you for the value of the platinum and apply it towards the finished piece.

What if I don’t like the finished product?

There is no need to be afraid of custom jewelry. The custom jewelry process, when done correctly, will leave you feeling excited about your decision to create something original. Accomplished jewelers know they will deliver when it comes to giving you what you want. They will take the guess work out of the “what happens if I don’t like it?” feeling people sometimes get when they can’t see something before putting their money on the line. If your jeweler can’t provide you with the security of knowing that you will not be forced into wearing something you don’t like, we think you should keep on looking. There are jeweler’s out there that can give you that peace of mind. We know because we’re one of them! See our happiness guarantee for your peace of mind.