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What is the custom design process?

The first step is a complimentary consultation. Most appointments can be done virtually with FaceTime, Google Meet, or Zoom. You may also request an in person meeting if you are in New York City. For any questions about custom or to request a consultation, email sales@karenkarch.com

During the consultation, be sure to let Karen know which designs you like best. Karen will listen closely and ask questions about your ideas, inspirations and preferences.

An existing signature design often serves as inspiration for a new piece. Designs can be recreated in your preferred metal and with your choice of diamonds or gemstones in a different size, shape, or color. We can alter the width of a band or change the length of chains or beads.

A completely new concept is always welcome.  For these designs, the starting point is a CAD drawing.  We will show you multiple views of your design, and for sometimes even a video and quote you an accurate price for your piece. The fee for the initial design development and drawing is $150. 

With your approval of the design and price, a 50% deposit is required. Once the design is further developed and finalized, we will often take the extra step of creating a silver model to be sure every detail is right before casting your piece in precious metal.  We will craft your piece at the jeweler’s bench, in one of our workshops in either New York City or Austin.

What is your lead-time?

For customized versions of existing designs, allow 2-6 weeks for completion. For most other pieces, allow 4-8 weeks. For pieces that are more complex in design or that require that we resource a rare gemstone, allow 9-16 weeks.

Is custom more expensive?

Custom work is priced similarly to our ready-made pieces. More complex and one-of-a-kind designs may be more expensive based on material costs, and the extra time and labor required.

Can you create a custom design using my stones and metal?

We accept diamonds and gemstones that are in good condition, either loose or set in your pieces that were gifted or inherited. Note that we don't always know the condition of the stones until they are removed from their settings. 
We can take your gold and platinum and sell it as scrap. The full amount of cash we receive will become a payment toward your custom piece. In some circumstances, we can cast a new piece with your old metal. Note that this process is labor intensive and some of the metals burns off, so often to do this we need to add more metal to cast your new piece- so the cost may end up being much the same.

What metals do you work with?

We work in Sterling Silver,  Gold in 10k, 14k, 18k (yellow, rose, and white), and Platinum.  20k and 22k gold may be available upon request

What is the difference between 10k, 14k & 18k?

Pure gold is 24k which is too soft for jewelry.  Silver, copper, or zinc to make the pieces more durable. The color and hardness will vary varies with between each karat.

10k is 41.7% pure gold

14k is 58.3k pure gold

18k is 75% pure gold

 What is blackened silver or gold?  

The blackened color is achieved by applying a black rhodium layer to the surface of the metal. It will wear away in time to expose the underlying metal with a darker patina in the textured areas and between the stones.

Do you work with lab grown diamonds?

We offer a selection of ready made designs with "Cultured" Lab Diamonds and by request for customized bespoke designs. Lab diamonds are conflict free, and in comparison to mined diamonds are more affordable with less environmental impact. 

Lab diamonds are physically identical to mined diamonds, each with its own unique inclusions, imperfections. They are grown as rough that does require a human element as they need to be cut.  

Do you provide gemological certificates and appraisals?

Some of our ready-made rings come with GIA or EGL certificates. If you commission a custom piece, you will have the option of a certified diamond or gem of your choice. IGI certificates are available for lab diamonds. 

We offer Retail Replacement Appraisals upon request. Most insurance companies require these to add your pieces to your homeowner's or rental policy.  We recommend that you request updates every 5-10 years as prices may increase with inflation.

What is your return policy for custom?

All custom orders are non-cancelable, non-exchangeable, and non- refundable once you have approved the design and a deposit is paid. Please consider this when making your decision.

Does your jewelry come with a warranty?

We give individual attention to each piece we create so that it will be as resilient as possible. As with anything worn daily or in regular rotation, some maintenance and repairs may be required. Metal will wear away and weaken: diamonds and gems can get scratched or break.

Within the first year of purchase, we will repair any issue due to a manufacturing faultThis warranty excludes coverage for damages due to excessive wear, tear or negligence. We reserve the right to assess the piece to determine the cause of the damage, and the fee for the repair.