1. An Introduction and Discussion:
We meet to discuss your desires, preferences, and vision for your custom piece. This includes exploring design ideas, materials, gemstones, and budget considerations.
2. Material Selection:
The client selects the materials for the custom piece, such as the type of metal and any gemstones to be incorporated.
3. Sketch:
A loose sketch of your vision will be provided at this time.
4. Information on Deposits and How to Proceed:
After the initial consultation, a $600.00 non-refundable Design Deposit is required to move forward with any custom project. The purpose of the Design Deposit is to secure the services of Buffalo Craft and will fund any CAD design fees (pay our CAD technician) or (if hand fabricating) compensate for work done to configure stone layouts, metal weight, source materials, and implement minor adjustments to meet customer expectation. During this time, we will use our expertise and experience to develop your design and calculate how to transform your vision into the metal of your choosing. This process will take 2-4 weeks depending on our current workload.
*This process is a bit like
ordering à la carte, with that said, please keep in mind, alterations to dimensions, material, and additional ornamentation all affect price. If you are getting away from your budget, we will do our best to communicate this.
5. Design Approval:
Upon design approval we will collect ½ down or the purchase price of the center stone (engagement and high fashion rings). At this time, we begin sourcing materials and resources specific to your custom piece. If we are using a CAD, your printed model will be cast. We then use traditional jewelry methods to handset, engrave, azure, and milgrain each piece to its specifications before, hand finishing and polishing. If we are fabricating the entire piece by hand the process is the same accept, we will start with stock to form and build your piece instead of using a CAD. Sometimes it makes sense to have a CAD and sometimes it is better to build from hand. The remaining balance will be due at the time of pick up or shipping. Additionally, as a gift to you, all custom orders will receive a complimentary third-party appraisal (valued at $120.00), and free inside ring engraving.