THE CUSTOM JEWELRY PROCESS
From Personal Consultation to Handcrafted Fine Jewelry,
Discover How We Create One-of-a-Kind Pieces Tailored to You
Personal Consultation
A private design experience to explore your vision, style, and preferences with D&H Owners and Chief Designers.
Materials Sourcing
Carefully curated diamonds, gemstones, and precious metals are selected to bring your piece to life.
CAD Design & Rendering
Your concept is transformed into a detailed digital design with photorealistic renderings for review.
Wax Model Creation
A life-sized wax model is crafted, allowing you to experience the proportions and details before production.
Handcrafted Production
Every creation is meticulously handcrafted and expertly finished by our skilled jewelers.
FAQ
How long does the custom jewelry process take?
Initial CAD renderings are typically presented within two weeks. Once the design is approved, most custom jewelry pieces are completed within 4–8 weeks, depending on design complexity and gemstone sourcing.
How much does custom jewelry cost?
Custom jewelry pricing varies based on the design, gemstones, and materials selected. Because every piece is made to order, we work with a range of budgets and provide personalized guidance during your consultation to help bring your vision to life.
Can I use my own diamonds or heirloom gemstones?
Yes. We can often incorporate heirloom diamonds and gemstones into a new custom design. Each stone is carefully evaluated to ensure it is suitable for the intended setting. Discover how we transform treasured heirlooms through our redesign process.
What types of gemstones do you offer?
We specialize in GIA-certified natural diamonds, antique and up-cycled diamonds, sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and other exceptional colored gemstones, including Montana and bi-color sapphires. All stones are carefully sourced to meet our high ethical and quality standards.
What metals do you work with?
We offer a variety of premium recycled precious metals, including:
• Platinum
• 18K White Gold
• 18K Yellow Gold
• 18K Rose Gold
• 14K White Gold
• 14K Yellow Gold
• 14K Rose Gold
We’ll help you select the best metal based on your style, lifestyle, durability preferences, and budget.
Will I see the design before it is made?
Absolutely! We create detailed CAD renderings and a life-sized wax model so you can review and approve the design before production begins.
Can changes be made during the design process?
Yes! Design refinements are part of the custom experience. Our CAD services are done in-house enabling us to work closely with you throughout the modeling stages to ensure every detail meets your expectations.
Can I create a custom piece remotely?
Yes! Many of our custom jewelry clients work with us entirely remotely. We provide digital renderings, detailed design reviews, and secure shipping to make the process convenient and enjoyable from any location. Our design process is designed to provide a seamless experience whether you are in San Francisco or anywhere in the world.
Do your custom pieces come with an appraisal?
Yes. Every completed piece includes a professional appraisal for insurance purposes.
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee?
Yes! All custom jewelry is backed by our lifetime craftsmanship guarantee under normal wear. We also provide complimentary professional cleanings and routine inspections for the life of your piece to help maintain its beauty and ensure your setting remains secure. Regular checkups allow us to identify any wear that may require maintenance and keep your jewelry in excellent condition for years to come.
Is a deposit required for custom jewelry?
Yes, a 50% deposit is required to begin CAD development, gemstone sourcing, and production of your custom piece.
What is your custom jewelry cancellation and return policy?
Because each custom piece is created specifically for the client, all commissioned custom jewelry designs are final sale and cannot be returned or exchanged.