Commissions, Bespoke and Heirloom Reimagining
Can’t find the piece you really want?
Everything starts with an idea or an thought of what you would like but just can’t find, this is the realm of the bespoke or the commission.
This is my favourite way of making pieces as it is a partnership between you, your dreams, and my vision and craftsmanship.
To see some of my previous commissions please head to my Portfolio page.
For reimagining heirloom pieces see the separate section below
It begins with a discussion
To make something unique there needs to be an initial discussion, I am happy to do this over email, or via a (free) 15min zoom meeting.
After an initial discussion around your commission I will put pencil to paper and produce some initial drawings, and send them to you, usually via email. Normally adjustments are needed, please make sure you are happy before things are taken forward!
For the design service there is a £50 charge, this will be deducted from the final cost should you decide to proceed.*
Once a design is agreed I will provide an estimate of time and cost**. A 50% deposit is payable at the time of agreement, the balance on completion.
To get a good understanding of costs please visit my journal and have a read of this article.
* If needed I can produce full rendered images of the final agreed design (for an additional charge)
** Prices for precious metals and gemstones fluctuate so this is an estimate but any significant changes will be communicated
The fun bit begins, making it reality
As soon as the commission is agreed I will make the piece, or pieces.
The usual timeline for commissioned pieces is around four to six weeks, which will include time for hallmarking (done at the Edinburgh Assay Office). Should your design have complex elements or need extensive stone setting this may take more time. Please bear this in mind when you think about timings.
I will update you via email, Instagram messages or Facebook messenger throughout the process.
Completion and Delivery
Once the piece has been hallmarked and finished, and final payment has been received, it will be packaged in an environmentally sustainable box (usually luxury card, wood is available at additional cost) and then dispatched to you via Royal Mail Special Delivery (with appropriate Insurance)
After that, enjoy your bespoke piece!
Reimagining Heirloom jewellery
Many people have inherited jewellery that has great sentimental value but isn’t their "style or simply doesn’t fit, so what can you do with it?
As long as the jewellery is made of a precious metal, gold, silver etc It can be reworked (I don’t work on platinum), with some caveats. Heirloom gold and silver (with suitable hallmarks) can be included in new pieces however it is normally necessary to add some new gold or silver to the Heirloom material to make it workable again, the cost for this will be included in any estimate given.
If the jewellery has gemstones in it, when it is being prepared for reworking these will be removed as carefully as possible, unfortunately older stones sometimes have flaws/cracks which are not apparent until the settings are removed, this will be discussed during the design phase. New or replacement stones can be sourced as needed.
Give an heirloom a new life - reimagine it.
Contact me
If you are interested in commissioning a bespoke piece or you have ideas you would like to discuss please contact me either via email bespoke@iainsainsbury.com (the link will open a blank email), via social media or fill in the form attached