FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
For simple designs yes, my prices are reasonable and start around 20 dollars in silver, for gold they start at 60 and for platinum they start at 80. Those would be simple bands, no precious gemstones. For silver rings with precious stones I start my pricing at 60, for gold I start at 100 and for platinum I start at 120. Engravings are possible for me, but I'm doing them by hand now, I no longer have access to a computerized machine. I do a standard 20 dollar charge for basic letter engraving, a dollar per letter more for fancy.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
I am very flexible when it comes to working with new customers, I realize that not everyone knows the little ins and outs of my trade, so I offer information that is relative to whatever piece I am doing. For instance, if it is with a gold piece, I'll inform them that for the longevity of the piece containing stones, what can be used on it for cleaning, or substances to stay away from. Some things may be well and fine to use on your body that aren't good for stones or the metal used. As far as process goes, I like to get as much information from them as I possibly can, any designs, whether drawn or in picture form that they wish to be incorporated into their piece is necessary for me to build the overall design of the piece they're looking for. So many may see me ask for more information before quoting a price, I like to try to get a bigger picture of what they want before I throw out a price for them. And please if you wish to hire me, my prices are negotiable within reason.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I graduated from the Texas Institute of Jewelry Technologies, one of the best schools for jewelry in the nation. I received my certification for bench crafting and lapidary arts (custom carved stones). I have worked for both mom and pop stores as a custom jewelry designer and at the world Trade center located in downtown Dallas where we did everything from wax carved pieces, custom designs and wholesale pieces. There I worked on titanium, tungsten, stainless steel, sterling silver, colored golds and platinum. I also have training to do work on pearls and custom carved stones.