Small run and one-of-a-kind jewelry reinterpretations of antique designs for lovers of history, art, and the romance of the handmade.
Sustainably made in New York with recycled precious metals using metalsmithing & ancient lost wax casting techniques.
1. What kinds of commissions do you accept?
As a studio jeweler I design and make my own pieces, so it is important to me that the client likes my style of work before we embark on a project together. Often clients are interested in putting their own touch on a piece they’ve seen in the studio shop by using another karat of gold, selecting a different gemstone, or adding a personal detail. Other clients entrust me to come up with a completely new design as we work together to create their dream jewel.
I would love to hear your idea. Please contact me here with your inquiry.
It’s rare to see the behind the scenes details of a work of jewelry being made just for you. I know how special these pieces are, so to help enhance this memorable experience I share much of the process with my clients through images and updates.
Note that I retain the rights to the design of the piece and may share photos, sketches, and other materials pertaining to the making of the jewelry.
2. Can I use my own materials?
At this time I do not work with client provided gems or metals.
3. What is the pricing for custom pieces?
The starting point for fully custom pieces is $1,500 and will depend on everything from the complexity of the design and steps involved, to the karat of gold we use, and the choice of gemstones.
Pricing of customized versions of small-run pieces found in the studio shop for which I have an existing mold will depend on the requested alteration.
4. What is the associated timeline?
A custom project typically takes anywhere between a month and a half to three months to complete from the time we start working on the piece. This timeline greatly depends on the complexity of the design and production, as well as gemstone sourcing requirements and will vary for each project.
5. How far in advance should I book a custom project?
If you have a particular celebration date in mind, I encourage you to inquire about a custom project as early as you can, and at least 3 months before the date you want to have the piece be completed.
Since Studio Avdel is a one woman operation and clients often book bespoke pieces far in advance, I will need to check my production schedule to make sure I have adequate time to work on your piece before accepting the commission.
6. What is the deposit and payment schedule?
Once we agree to work on a piece together I will take a non-refundable $500 design deposit to secure your place on the list and ensure that this is a serious inquiry. This design deposit will be fully applicable to the cost of the piece and will cover my time when beginning to design your custom jewel and search for the perfect gems. Once we settle on a design and gem I will then be able to determine and share with you the final cost of the piece. At that point I will require payment for 50% of the balance, with the remainder due at completion.
There is nothing quite like a jewel made just for you. I love working on bespoke pieces with my clients, and would love to hear your idea to see if it’s a good fit.
