Bespoke Commissions
Very occasionally at H.G.Bespoke we will create stock items for no other reason than we have found a unique stone and it gets the creative juices going. For the rest of the time, all of the remaining pieces made in the H.G.B workshop are commissioned pieces created for specific clients, who have chosen some very unique stones, that suit the clients brief, and fit to their projects budget.
How It All Begins
At H.G.Bespoke commissions are always client budget led. We will need to know at least a budgetary arena for which you wish to base your commissioned piece around to be able to fully assess our ability to adequately help you. We do not like to make promises we cannot keep.
Where possible it is helpful if you have some ideas of what sort of piece you are hoping to have created, which can be in the form of your web searches, collected images in a scrap book, or vague drawings that give a flavour of what you want. We will not copy any registered designs or one-off items created by any of our trade peers or any of the ‘Big’ design houses, so please do not ask us to.
The Initial Assessment
Over the years clients have generally come to us because they have seen pieces produced for a friend; or one that came up on one of our social media pages, and want a version ‘with a twist’ that makes it uniquely theirs.
Initially it is helpful if we can agree on a stone type, be it Diamond, Precious, or Semi-precious, the shape, colour, and size, from which we would begin our search for a selection of stones that match your criteria. These can then be brought in for a viewing appointment.
During the viewing appointment we have tools to hold the stone, so that you would be able to try the stones against your hand (If asking for a ring for instance) to better decide which would suit you. It is an important part of bespoke work to make sure we sell you the stones that fit you rather than trying to push you to buy bigger or more expensive stones, just for the sake of it.
Most modern jewellers lack the classical training of our Master Ring-maker, and do not always get stone spacing right, let alone finger spacing for the wearing comfort of the pieces end user. There are so many pitfalls in the early stages of creating your bespoke design; before we even pick up a saw, file, or pieces of metal, that in the uninitiated mounter’s hands would lead to at best an ill-advised piece, or a hastily put together technical monstrosity that is not even close to matching your physical stamp… let alone your own uniquely personal style!
Building Our Connection
In the H.G.B workshop we take our time getting to know you. The connection to our clients forms an important part of the emotional artistic link we have with you all. Those bonds soon become the bonds of friendship, that allow a deeper understanding between maker and muse, that have allowed some truly remarkable collaborations to leave the H.G.B workshop over the years.
During your initial visits/consultations we will explain the steps we take to ensure the stone and mount we create will fit to the size of your hand, as well as the actual finger size. You will leave the workshop with an understanding of how we will assess the quality options for your chosen stone type, as well as how the mount itself will utilise the physical make of the stone in such a way as to bring out all its best aspects when worn on your hand. We have been told that these consultations often feel like really good therapy sessions.
The Design Process
The design process is often quite organic, in the sense that you may find your own design briefs parameters moving as we progress through the stages of a bespoke commission. As you get to view various stones it could be that you change your mind on shape, colour, or any number of the specifications, so with this in mind we have developed a patient attitude, that involves cups of tea/coffee, the comfy H.G.B sofa, and often several plates of biscuits if required.
We have, on occasion, produced one off drawings or traditional paint-ups, but where possible we try to use past pieces and physical descriptions or examples in the workshop to illustrate a direction for your piece. This avoids additional cost to you or your diverting budget into the design aspect of the piece.
H.G is very much an on-the-bench designer, in the sense that he is the diamond equivalent of a horse whisperer, getting to know your stone at his bench, and forging the minute details of your piece direct into metal. He will follow the design intentions, but the technical, architectural, and structural aspects of your piece always flow better into metal for him, than onto paper. You can view his past decades success stories, as you scroll the hundreds of finished pieces posts on the Facebook page. You'll have to chance to read the 355 current, glowing, client reviews.
Presenting Stone Choices
All stones brought in to the workshop for client viewings are done so on a ‘no obligation’ basis, as we have access to the stones quite freely. The H.G.B workshop will not at any point rush you into making any choices.
If our first batch of stones do not present a candidate, we can source a second parcel and arrange a further meeting, giving a chance to sit and chat over your new options. Once you are sure you have chosen your stone we will act as your agent in securing the stone, and removing it from the open market.
Before you commit to your chosen stone, we will have quoted for your preferred design, so that you know the inclusive cost of your finished piece. There will be no hidden extras, or the chance of us catching you with material ‘price rises’ at the end of the project or adding an extra nought to your original quote!
This is possible because once proceeded we assign all materials needed to create your piece. That way any material value increases are avoided. This allows our clients to trust the quote once it is given. When we know you are happy with all aspects of the project, it is at this point we would write up your full invoice, take the required deposits, and purchase the stone for you.
Financing Your First H.G Commission
Over the years we have tried several different payment options. Two such payment structures have risen to the fore as the most successful for us, and most helpful for our clients. These are the H.G 80/20 invoice, and the H.G 60/40 invoice.
With the H.G 80/20 invoice, our slowest paying option, you have the chance to spread the first 80% of your commissions full price over as many months as you need, up to a maximum of 12 calendar months. Once your first 80% has been paid on your client account; in full, your piece will go into the production queue (waiting list) You will not need to pay anything beyond this, until your piece is completed and ready for you to collect in person from the Hatton Garden workshop, or have shipped to your personal address.
This payment option has allowed many of our youngest clients to slowly pay a monthly managed amount towards their engagement/wedding rings or other items of jewellery, so that they are able to perhaps exceed their own original expectations or upgrade their original ideas. When dealing with this quality of heirloom quality, bespoke jewellery, it is always worth doing the job once, by ensuring your piece is made correctly in the first place. We are proud to have helped many such couples afford pieces they otherwise would have spent years saving up for, risking that all the while the prices are rising out of their reach. Currently, this payment choice is only available on items of £6000 and under, and subject to availability on a case-by-case assessed basis.
The H.G 60/40 invoice is our fastest paying option, allowing clients to pay an immediate 60% of the full cost of their piece, and see their project go immediately into the work queue. Again, once their initial payment is made, they do not pay anything else until their commissioned piece is complete and ready for collection or safe shipment.
On occasion we have been able to offer the ability of purchasing your stone separately, and then giving you time to work towards the mount in your own time. In these cases, the stone is always stabled in the safe-deposit, until you are ready to continue with the manufacture of a piece for your stone. This is not always possible, especially if several longer invoices are already in progress.
On all payment options, no piece can leave the H.G.Bespoke workshop until fully paid for. We do not sell stones to be taken elsewhere, so once you purchase a stone from us you are committing to having a H.G.B piece made for your acquisition, which is why stones purchased will remain stabled until such time as a mount has been made for them to be released as finished pieces.
Video of a finished hand made Damask Rose Gold, Diamond ring
Timeline Of Events
For timing of your commissions, you will need to enquire at the point of first meeting with H.G at the workshop, or via your online consultation. Our waiting list is a volatile creature, with a strong will of its own, and can peek and eddy depending on many personal and market-based factors. Some of which are completely out of our control.
We can say this however, it is very unlikely you will get any piece faster than a 6–8-week turnaround at any point without paying an expedited commission fee to cause H.G to work at his bench out of hours or overnight on your piece.
Please be sure to read through our most current Terms & Conditions; before going forward with any purchase, so that you know both how we operate and what measures are in place to protect both of us during the process of a bespoke commission. It is a very different world to shop-bought, or off-the-peg items, and often with quite vast sums of money at stake. However, there is one important thing to remember about any H.G.Bespoke piece, and that is your item will come with the ‘H.G Guarantee’ meaning your piece will be protected for life.
In all cases, please send an initial contact with your enquiries and we will endeavour to make your dream piece become a H.G.B reality.