Costs:

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Quotes

Prices for some simple styles like wedding bands can often be quoted over the phone.

Please remember that your quote will become my work-sheet. To make a quote, I have to develop the design, price all the components, organise photos and consider other variables. This is times consuming and I ask you to help me to keep the process efficient.

Calculations on quotes

I estimate the weight of the finished piece and charge a set rate per gram depending on market fluctuations. I add the other costs, such as expected diamond weight per carat for melee. Labour is added when I can assess the manufacturing requirements. Labour is charged at the accepted industry standard hourly rate. Design time and consultations are included as production costs - see below. Also see jewellery classifications.

I often advise my clients about cost restraints with design styles, as it isn't always obvious what styles take extra time to produce and develop, or are faster and more economical to create.

Urgency fee

I plan my work weeks in advance, and I try to work to similar projects together

If you have a pressing engagement it may be possible to start work straight away.

Pro forma

Where the design is an original I may create pro forma models to test the design elements before I find the correct combination of style and strength.

If your commission includes pro forma, the costs are added onto the commission, and they are charged at the same per hour rate as the production of precious metal items. NB: Pro forma are made as examples and are never intended to be used as a finished piece of jewellery, so they do not conform to the quality control constraints of finished precious metal jewellery. At the time of writing the usual cost for pro forma is approximately $500 - $700, set with CZs, made in silver and rhodium plated.

Product development costs

Product development costs are hard to calculate before the commission is completed. I have calculated the real time it takes for product development over a number of commissions. I estimate the development time according to past commissions.

The cost of finished items differs depending on what the category of commission - see jewellery classifications for further information. 'Made to order' jewellery costs the most to produce because the detail of perfection needed involves meticulous preparation and planning as well as fine tuning and the potential to start over.
'Limited runs, designer pieces and occasional jewellery' may have lower product development costs. NB: Limited runs are created with economy in mind however designer and occasional pieces can be developed over a long time, or could be quite simple.

Consultation, design and quotes

The extraneous costs arising from design consultations, creating designs and offering quotes, is averaged at 2 hours per client. This does not include extensive design consultations and alterations, which are included as product development costs. If you have not been made aware of the potential of an increase, the amount will be remain as quoted.

Images with prices

The items on this web site are made to order. They are commissioned from people who find this website, word of mouth and in a few through members of the jewellery trade.

I can not divulge the cost of the pieces on the gallery.

See the two links below to get a rough idea of what my pieces cost. There are prices and estimates next to the items.

The prices are not indicative of platinum engagement rings, which average between AUD$2000 - $3000 for a solitaire ring

Links

1). For Sale gallery (see job sheets for indications of expenses)
2). Wedding band gallery
3). Wedding band price guideline
4). Diamonds price guidleline

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