Diana Maynard - How To Commission

The Commission Process

Commissioning jewellery is an exciting, rewarding experience for all concerned. It provides individuals with a personal and unique piece of artwork. An item of commissioned jewellery represents excellent value for money when compared to its mass-produced high-street counterpart.

How to Commission

Please do browse through my commission portfolio. If you wish me to design and fashion an item of jewellery for you or your loved one, feel free to email, phone or fax me so that we can talk, exchange ideas and discuss your requirements. Everything can be tailored to your requirements, whether your preferred bullion is platinum, yellow, white, red or green gold, and whatever your choice of gems - their colour, shape and size. We can also work to your budget.

It is important to me that we produce a piece of jewellery which reflects your style and personality as well as mine; the more information we share, the better equipped I will be to produce your perfect set of designs.

Email: dom@dianamaynard.com

Telephone: +44 (0)20 8864 7609

The Designs

With your style, personality, bullion and gem choices in mind, I will sketch a selection of designs which incorporate all aspects of your requirements. These designs will form the basis of subsequent discussions; some may be discarded, others we will evolve into the design that is right for you.

Sourcing materials

Armed with your shopping list, I will source the gems that are right for you. I use conflict free diamonds in accordance with the Kimberley Process my gems are all sourced from my London based dealers or my contacts abroad; they are of excellent quality and represent exceptional value for money. All bullion is obtained from reputable suppliers based in London.

The Fashioning

The final piece will be created according to the design. It may be fabricated from flat bullion, or may be structured through forging, lamination, fusing, deforming, modelling or a combination of these techniques. Where components are bonded together, it is with hallmarking quality jewellery solder.

After any assembly that is necessary, surfaces are prepared for polishing. In some cases, the assembled piece will require fitting at this stage, as the lay of a necklace or the tilt of a pair of earrings is an important aspect to consider.

All of our jewellery is then dispatched to the Birmingham Assay, where it is hallmarked - guaranteeing its bullion authenticity and quality, and identifying the maker. Stones are then set and the jewellery is polished to reveal the dazzling lustre of the bullion.

Your finished piece of jewellery will always be accompanied be a valuation certificate for insurance purposes.

Timing

The length of time from initial discussion to delivery of an item of commissioned jewellery can vary according to the complexity of the piece, fittings and the length of time spent on the designing process. As a guide it is wise to allow a minimum of four to six weeks.

Sizing

The size and fit of rings is, of course, very important for safety and comfort. If I do not measure the desired finger myself, and rely on measurements provided by a third party then unfortunately no guarantee of final fit can be provided. In these cases if resizing is reqired then it is additional to the cost of the commission and can take up to a ten days if laser welding is deemed to be the best method to achieve a fine finish.

Renovations

Quite often, we inherit items of jewellery which do not suit our personalities or lifestyles, but are of great emotional value to us. I also provide a renovation service and am happy to redesign and refashion these so you can enjoy wearing a new piece of jewellery whilst still treasuring the value of a cherished procession.