How Custom Jewelry Works at Foundry

Custom jewelry often sounds more mysterious than it needs to be.

People imagine endless decisions, unclear timelines, or pressure to know exactly what they want before reaching out. At Foundry, the process is intentionally structured to be collaborative, grounded, and clear—without removing the flexibility that makes custom work meaningful.

Here’s what commissioning a piece with Foundry actually looks like.

Starting the Conversation

Every commission begins with a simple inquiry.

You don’t need a finished design or a perfectly articulated vision. A general idea, a stone you’re drawn to, a piece you already love, or even just a feeling you’re trying to capture is enough to start.

From there, we talk through what’s possible—based on materials, scope, and studio availability.

Not every inquiry becomes a commission, and that’s intentional. Fit matters.

Design Direction & Materials

Once a project feels aligned, design direction takes shape.

This may include:

• Discussing stone options or sourcing
• Talking through scale, weight, and wearability
• Referencing existing Foundry pieces for direction

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Some commissions include sketches or mockups, while others evolve through conversation and material selection. The goal isn’t perfection on paper—it’s clarity before fabrication begins.

Natural materials guide the process. Stones vary. Silver responds differently to form and finish. Those realities are part of the design, not obstacles to work around.

Timelines & Studio Pace

Foundry does not rush custom work.

Typical timelines range from 4–8 weeks after design approval, depending on complexity and current studio workload. Some piece stake longer, especially those involving stone sourcing or more intricate fabrication.

This pace allows for thoughtful making, proper setting, and finishing that supports longevity—not speed.

Deposits & Commitment

Once the design direction is finalized, a non-refundable deposit secures your place in the studio schedule.

From that point forward, materials are committed and fabrication begins. Custom work is exactly that—custom—and cannot be undone or repurposed once started.

This step marks the shift from conversation to making.

Fabrication & Completion

Each Foundry commission is fabricated entirely by hand.

Metal is cut, formed, soldered, set, and finished in stages, often revisited multiple times before completion. Makers’ marks may be left visible, depending on the piece, as a quiet record of process.

When finished, the piece is cleaned, inspected, and prepared for delivery or shipment.

What Custom Work Is (and Isn’t)

Custom work at Foundry is:

• Collaborative not prescriptive
• Grounded in material realities
• Designed for everyday wear and longevity

It isn’t:

• Mass-produced
• Trend-driven
• A replica of another artist's work

Each commission exists as its own object, shaped by the materials and the person it’s made for.

When Custom Makes Sense

Commissioning a piece is right for those who:

• Value process as much as outcome
• Are comfortable with one-of-a-kind results
• Want something made to be worn, not archived

It’s less about control and more about trust—trust in materials, in craft, and in time.

Moving Forward

If custom work feels aligned, the best place to begin is the Commission page, where details, timelines, and expectations are laid out clearly.

Even if you’re unsure, thoughtful questions are always welcome.

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