FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Each jewelry repair, rebuild or creation is like a putting together a jigsaw puzzle, but one where you make your own jigsaw pieces. How long does it take to put together this puzzle? Well, I've been doing this for 20 years now and have a pretty good handle on how much time it takes for any given project, so once I see an item, I can give a very firm price. Until I actually see what I'm working with, the estimates are going to be based on similar projects I've done in the past. **Each project is unique!** Please keep that in mind when comparing estimates. There is a lot of conceptual overlap between jewelry repairs and car repairs. The pricing technique is similar. Mechanics charge shop time at an amount per hour which includes the mechanic's pay, the amortized cost of specialized equipment and minor consumables, then adds materials such as a water pump or motor mounts for the project at hand. In the jewelry industry, it's called bench rate. I charge $80/hour bench rate in 15 minute increments plus materials (clasps, shanks, stock, wire, diamonds, gemstones). I make an honest estimate of how long a job will take, and you get to decide if it works for you.
- What types of customers have you worked with?
Actually, the bulk of my work is basic repairs - ring sizing, chain repairs, clasp replacement, such as that. All that regular maintenance is part of Heirloom Quality jewelry. You don't drive your car 10 years on the same tires, you don't wear your rings 10 years without rebuilding the prongs.
- Describe a recent project you are fond of. How long did it take?
A father brought his mother's wedding set to me. He wanted to give them to his son so the son could propose to his girlfriend, but he wanted to get it in good shape first. This wedding set had been worn for 42 years and I don't think any maintenance was done to it. I soldered the 2 bands together, cut apart the illusion head from the engagement ring and centered it on top of the 2 rings (instead of it being off center), rebuilt the prongs then replaced the thin shank (underside) of the ring. Total job, $350. That ring is good for another 20 years now. Oh, and she said yes. :)