Materials: I work in gold, silver and platinum. I can’t create in or repair base metal or costume jewellery. I don’t encourage custom-makes in sterling silver. This is because the labour cost usually far outweighs the cost of metal, which impacts the final value of the piece. I am also not comfortable ensuring the longevity of a piece made in a less durable metal.

I rarely reuse customer metal. The material I use to create your bespoke piece must be of the highest quality for manufacturing integrity, and I can’t guarantee that with pre-owned metal. I do accept metal in return for a monetary credit toward your work and I give a much higher return than standard gold buyers. That being said, some yellow gold can be reused (determined on a case-by-case basis). White gold, platinum and silver are never remelted for a new make.

Design: Gathering information and designing your piece is the most important part of the custom process and takes some time. I require approximately 2-3 weeks for the design process, though in some cases, aspects of the design may be revisited during the making process.

From design approval and paid deposit, your piece will be completed in approximately 8 weeks, depending on complexity of design and availability of materials and/or outsourced services. Exceptions can be made for urgent pieces which I can assess case-by-case.

Once your design is received, one design change can be made free of charge. Further design changes are $50 per new design.

Due to the ever-fluctuating precious metal and stone market, quotes are valid for 30 days.

Payment: Payment is taken by either bank transfer or cash. My bank details are provided on your emailed invoice. Once you have approved your design, either by email or in person with a signature on the design sheet, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required. Work on your piece, including ordering of materials, will begin on receipt of your payment. Your design approval and paid deposit indicate to me your approval of the design and quoted price. An order cannot be cancelled once the deposit is paid. All cancellations forfeit the deposit. Deposits are non-refundable as materials that have been ordered and received in my workshop cannot be returned to suppliers. Once your piece is completed, I will email your final invoice. You may take delivery of your finished piece on receipt of payment. This payment can also be made after viewing your finished piece if collecting in person.

Returns: As a small business that doesn’t carry ready-made stock, I cannot accept returns or refunds for change of mind. All pieces are made specifically for my clients and resales are not possible within my business structure. Please choose carefully, and don’t hesitate to ask questions and offer suggestions during the design process. I want you to have the most positive experience possible and I will do my best to alleviate your concerns. However, I need you to be upfront about your expectations. Having jewellery custom made is an exercise in trust for both the client and the jeweller. On a case-by-case basis, I can make minor changes to your design, within reason, during the making process.

Valuations: On completion of your work, I provide a Certificate of Sale which documents the work I have completed for you, any materials that you may have supplied for the piece and the cost that you have paid to DS Jewellery. This is not a valuation of your piece.

Independent valuations are legal documents provided by accredited registered Valuers to be used for insurance purposes or to assess the replacement value of your item, including any stones or materials that you have supplied.

Independent valuations cost approximately $150 per piece and are performed in Perth by a trusted colleague. An extra 4 weeks needs to be allowed if you would like me to organise this service for you. This is not an included service.

Alternately, you can source a qualified independent valuer by searching The National Council of Jewellery Valuers (NCJV) online to find someone suitable in your area.