Custom Design Fee & Concept Development Policy

A design fee of $200 NZD is required to begin any custom jewellery project. This fee covers the creative time and expertise involved in developing your concept.
If you proceed with the final piece, the full $200 is credited toward your jewellery order.

The design fee is non‑refundable, as it covers the design work completed regardless of whether the order goes ahead.

Budget Parameters Before Design Begins

To ensure your custom design aligns with both your vision and your investment level, we begin by establishing clear budget parameters. This helps guide the creative process and ensures the final concept is achievable within your preferred price range.

We do not provide full quotes for multiple design concepts at the initial stage. Instead, we discuss a realistic budget range (e.g., $X–$Y) before the design fee is paid. This allows us to design with confidence and prevents situations where a concept may be out of reach or require significant re‑working.

Once the design is finalised, we provide a quote for the completed concept. Setting a budget range early keeps the process smooth, avoids the need to quote several different designs, and helps prevent uncomfortable conversations later.

Your design fee includes:

Hand‑drawn sketches

Digital roughs

Photoshop adaptations or mockups

One full redesign

Minor adjustments to refine the chosen concept.

These methods allow us to explore your ideas and present concepts efficiently without unnecessary production costs.

CAD Modelling & 3D Printing

We do not provide full CAD renders as part of the initial design process. Some simple 3D concepts may be included when appropriate to the design flow.
Full CAD modelling is only created when a design is likely to be produced as a 3D‑printed wax cast, as CAD forms part of the manufacturing workflow rather than the concept stage.
CAD work is not included in the design fee.

Additional Design Work

If further redesigns or major changes are requested beyond the included allowance, additional design time may be charged.
You will always be advised of any extra costs before additional work begins.

Cancellation Policy

The $200 design fee is strictly non‑refundable.
This fee covers the creative work completed — including sketches, digital visuals, Photoshop adaptations, and the included redesign — even if you decide not to proceed with the jewellery order.

No further charges apply if the project is cancelled after the design stage.

Intellectual Property

All design concepts, sketches, digital visuals, Photoshop mockups, and CAD files remain the intellectual property of our studio.
They may not be reproduced, shared with other jewellers, or used for manufacturing elsewhere.

Quote Validity

Quotes are valid for 7 days. After this period, updates may be required due to changes in metal pricing, gemstone availability, or workshop scheduling.