Creating a Custom Piece
Commissioning a custom piece of jewellery can be a wonderful way to create a highly meaningful and unique piece for yourself or someone special.
I have worked with clients both in London and internationally; some who have a certain direction in mind, and others who simply hope to create something unique and would like me to come up with a one of a kind piece for them.
Each custom piece is hand crafted in my London studio using goldsmithing methods that span back centuries. This method of hand fabrication creates a finished product that is of the highest quality and durability; made to endure and become a modern heirloom.
The Process
The commission process begins with understanding your general ideas and preferences. You can get in touch by emailing info@catherinehartley.com, or by filling out the form at the bottom of this page. Once I know a bit about your project, we can set up a consultation to discuss your piece further in person in my studio, or by video or phone if you are outside London.
During the consultation we will refine ideas and discuss options, including materials and concept, to begin building the general design of the piece.
If you choose to move ahead, from here I will provide a selection of stone options for you to choose from if they are being used. I am also happy to design around or incorporate your own heirloom gems or diamonds, provided they are in good shape and suitable for use.
We will finalize the design through a combination of drawings, images and continued discussions as suited to the project. Once the materials and design have been selected and confirmed, I will then move ahead with making your unique piece.
Timeline
Custom timelines can vary depending on the project, but it’s best to allow between 6-12 weeks from initial consultation to completion. While not always possible, I will do my best to accommodate shorter timelines if needed.
Materials
Responsible sourcing of gold, gemstones, and other materials is a central part of my practice. You can find out more about the way I source materials here.
Custom Options
Each project varies, but the main routes for commissioning a custom piece are to:
Customize a CH collection piece
This route is followed if there is a CH collection piece that you would like to customize; perhaps with a different metal or a slight modification to the design. This can be an excellent way to work together to create a distinctively CH piece that is still personalized and unique to you.
Create something entirely new
Through this process, we collaborate to build a new piece of jewellery specifically for you, melding your ideas, preferences, or story with my design aesthetic and experience as a goldsmith. We may use other CH designs or details as reference points, but generally the final design is crafted through a process that creates a completely one of a kind piece.
Follow the link below to fill out some short questions that will give me an initial picture of your thoughts and preferences for a custom piece of jewellery. Don’t worry if you don’t have an answer for all of these questions yet; often a custom piece can begin with just the seed of an idea.
If there are any questions you are unsure of at the moment, just leave them blank. This information is a good starting point from which to build upon during your consulation though, so please fill in as much as you can for now, and if you have any questions please add them into the message.