Custom Design Policy and Process
At Dunn & Co., custom design is a collaborative and highly personal process. Each custom piece is individually designed and crafted with intention, care, and respect for lasting craftsmanship.
1. Initial Consultation
Every custom project begins with first contact.
We typically start with an in-person or phone consultation, where we connect, discuss your ideas, and answer as many questions as possible. This conversation allows us to understand your vision, preferences, timeline, and any practical considerations. Appointments can be arranged through our Contact Us page.
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This initial discussion establishes the foundation for a thoughtful, collaborative, and well-guided design experience.
2. Visual Direction & Design Dialogue
Following the consultation, we create a single, dedicated email thread to keep communication clear, organized, and efficient throughout the project.
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Clients are encouraged to share images of jewelry they are drawn to—whether complete pieces, specific design elements, or subtle details that resonate. These references help guide the design language and allow us to identify themes, proportions, and stylistic direction. This step ensures the design process remains intentional and aligned with your aesthetic from the outset.
3. Stone Selection & Design Deposit
Once a general theme or style is established, we begin sourcing the appropriate gemstone.
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In most cases, Dunn & Co. prefers to source stones on behalf of our clients. With two GIA Graduate Gemologists in house, we work closely with trusted cutters and suppliers to select stones with appropriate proportions, material integrity, and overall quality to ensure the finished piece performs beautifully and stands the test of time.
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Clients who wish to use a family heirloom or client-supplied stone are welcome to do so, and we are honored to incorporate these meaningful materials into a new design. Every reasonable precaution is taken during handling and setting; however, due to natural characteristics, prior wear, or inherent vulnerabilities, client-supplied gemstones are accepted at the client’s risk and are not insured while in our care. Dunn & Co. cannot provide insurance coverage for loss, damage, or breakage of client-provided stones.
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Once a stone has been selected or received in our workshop, a design deposit is required to begin the design phase:
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Sourced stone: Full payment of the stone is required and applied toward the design deposit.
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Client-supplied stone: A rough ballpark estimate is provided for either hand-fabricated or CAD-assisted construction, and a 15% design deposit is required based on this estimate.
4. Design Development
After the design deposit is placed, the design process begins.
Design development unfolds step by step through drawings and focused questions, allowing decisions to be made intentionally without introducing unnecessary complexity too early.
Each phase builds upon the last, gradually refining proportions, structure, and details until the design feels complete and well considered.
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As options are narrowed, the concept evolves into a final drawing that represents the approved direction of the piece.
5. Design Approval
Final design approval is required prior to fabrication.
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This approval confirms that all parties share a clear understanding of the design and that the drawing represents the expected outcome of the finished piece. Once production has begun, changes may be limited and may result in additional costs or extended timelines.
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For fully handmade pieces, the fabrication process is highly time-intensive, and design changes after approval are generally not feasible.
6. Fabrication & Production Timeline
Fabrication proceeds using either a fully handmade or computer-aided design process, depending on the project.
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Hand-fabricated work is crafted entirely by hand and built for longevity and structural integrity. Production typically ranges from 8–16 weeks, depending on design complexity and current workflow.
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CAD-assisted work offers excellent precision with a shorter production timeline, typically 4–6 weeks.
All production timelines are estimates and may vary based on design complexity, material availability, and bench workload. Subtle variations in natural gemstones and hand-fabricated work are inherent to fine jewelry and are part of the character of bespoke craftsmanship.
7. Completion & Final Delivery
Once the piece is completed, it undergoes a final quality review prior to delivery. At this stage, we coordinate pickup or shipping and provide care guidance to ensure your jewelry can be enjoyed for years to come.
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All custom-designed pieces are considered final sale once production has begun. Custom work is covered under the Dunn & Co. Jewelry Warranty for manufacturing defects in materials or workmanship only.