Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process for getting a custom piece of jewellery made?
The first step is to book an obligation-free consultation. We aim to work out what styles, colours and materials you like, and a budget for this particular piece. If you can bring any of this information to the consultation, that will help to move things along.
Being unsure where to start is 100% OK!
A large part of the consultation is educational and we will discuss the pros and cons to all relevant options, including but not limited to, the 4 C’s of Diamond grading, value for money in Diamonds, Lab grown vs Natural Diamonds, sources and origins of Diamonds, and/or coloured gemstones, how light affects coloured gemstones, and the pros and cons between different metal options. You can also pop over to the blog for more specific discussions on these topics.
If you have an idea what you want prior to our meeting, I can arrange for you to view any diamond or gemstone you are interested in from my large selection of trusted local and international suppliers. I also have a select range of gemstones, and ready to wear jewellery items to inspire your own custom design.
The consultation can be done in person, via email or phone/video call. Allow around 1 hour for the initial consultation. Get in touch for city parking suggestions nearby.
From here I usually draw up your design options, and provide a quote.
Once a design has been chosen, a final quote is given and a 50% deposit is paid to begin the project.
The remaining 50% is due on completion, before collection. Scroll below to read what you will receive with your order.
How long does a custom ring take to make?
From the time a design is confirmed and the deposit is paid, please allow 4-8 weeks for delivery of your finished piece.
I recommend allowing two months from contacting me about your custom jewellery design to when you can expect a final product delivered to you.
How do I work out my ring size?
Determining your ring size can be tricky! But the thing to remember is we can almost always adjust your ring to fit after it has been received.
If you have another ring that is worn regularly, this can be a good size reference. Place the ring on its side over a metric ruler (one with millimetres on it!) to measure the inside diameter. Take a photo directly over the top of the ring on the ruler. After your initial consultation, send this photo to me so that I can work out your ring size.
You can also take this measurement with a pair of verniers or callipers inside the ring.
For more ring sizing ideas, pop over to the ring sizing page that talks all about this.
How much does a custom ring cost?
Custom gem-set rings in all new materials start at $3500AUD.
But your ring? Could be anywhere from $1500-$50,000. Quoting before a consultation is impossible without a reasonably firm idea of what you’d like made. For example, a 1ct plus natural diamond ring design in 18ct white gold will be a very different price to an Australian sapphire of the same size, in your own 9ct yellow gold. The consultation process is necessary to provide you an accurate quote. It’s obligation free, and will yeild the best result for your enquiry.
To get an idea of possible costs, check out the shop page. There is also a guide on pricing brackets on the Everything you need to know before making an enquiry page. I highly reccomend reading this page.
What are the payment options?
Invoices are sent via email, with payment options and instructions listed there.
Payment options include direct bank transfer (zero fees for all parties), PayPal and Stripe for credit cards. Cash is also accepted.
Do I need insurance for my jewellery?
I recommend insurance for items over $3000 in value, and specifically Engagement rings, for the first 12 months.
All Eli Speaks creations are one-of-a-kind, and made especially for you. Insurance to cover the first 12 months will give you peace of mind, whether it’s a gift, or for yourself. You can revisit the need for insurance once you, or your partner, has become accustomed to wearing and caring for this special piece.
Why? Because your new fiancé may not be used to wearing a precious piece daily, and is most likely to lose it while it is new and not yet part of their daily routine.
For more info on Jewellery specific Insurance click here.
How do I clean and care for my jewellery at home?
You will receive care instructions with your finished piece.
You can also pop into the studio anytime you like for a complimentary soak and scrub (the jewellery, not you!)
1-2 yearly inspections by a Jeweller are highly recommended, and form part of the 10 year warranty conditions, to ensure your beautiful piece lasts a lifetime.
What will I receive with my finished piece of jewellery?
You will receive a luxury presentation box (suitable for proposal), care instructions, useful home cleaning items including a polish cloth, and a Valuation if you have requested that.
What if the recipient doesn’t like my gift?
Custom made designs and customised orders purchased in either the online store or in studio are not able to be returned or refunded for any reason other than manufacturing fault.
If you design a piece for someone else, it cannot be returned for a refund. We can discuss options to alter the piece, or exchange it for another item of a similar value. This is at the discretion of Eli Speaks Jewellery, but we will do everything we can to ensure the recipient is happy with their new jewels. Further shipping & return info here