Custom Jewelry - Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT DOES THE DESIGN FEE COVER?

The Design Fee varies, depending on the project. The Design Fee is in addition to the cost of the finished piece, and is paid up front. This fee covers time spent formulating the concept, stone sourcing, drawings/renderings, pricing calculations, and all email communications.

WHAT IS THE TIMELINE, START TO FINISH?

Timelines tend to depend on the speed in which each client feels comfortable making decisions. On average, projects fall around 8 to 10 weeks, start to finish.

WHO WILL I BE WORKING WITH TO CREATE MY PIECE

You’ll work directly with M. Hisae’s founder & designer, Michelle.

WILL MY PIECE BE THE ONLY ONE MADE LIKE IT?

Any design we bring to life is intellectual property of M. Hisae, and future versions are seldom but possible. This would mean that I or a client loved the design so much that it inspired a sister piece. I would never create an exact replica of yours, but one with alternate stone types, shapes, and colors is something I would consider. I do not offer the option of a fully exclusive design at this time. Your piece is an integral part of M. Hisae’s greater body of work and serves to support my mission of spreading beauty through jewelry to all who desire it.

IS THERE A PRICE MINIMUM FOR CUSTOM WORK?

There is no definitive minimum, but custom projects tend not to fall below $2,000.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RESET A GEMSTONE I ALREADY HAVE?

At this time, I can accept gemstones and diamonds with a Mohs Hardness rating of 7 or higher for resetting. All other materials are sourced from our trusted network of suppliers. My goal is to support M. Hisae’s network of small businesses and tradespeople as much as possible within my scope of work. I’m happy to share information on the origin story of any material we use in the creation of your piece.

WILL MY DIAMOND COME WITH A CERTIFICATE?

Yes, I source diamond center stones with an accompanying certificate (GIA or EGL) for the large majority of projects. Smaller stones, or melee, do not come with certificates. If we are sourcing a particularly unique or obscure stone that does not come with a certificate, I will communicate that and provide as much information as possible regarding its origin story.

CAN YOU SHIP ME STONES TO SEE IN PERSON?

Absolutely. I do my best to send realistic video captures of all gemstones under consideration, but I know there’s nothing like experiencing them in real life. I would collect a suitable deposit on each stone sent and arrange a secure shipment to your residence.

WHAT TYPES OF MATERIALS DO YOU WORK WITH?

I work primarily in 14k Gold, 18k Gold, and Platinum. I work with a large array of natural colored gemstones and natural diamonds. I currently do not work with lab grown diamonds or newly-mined diamonds. Any diamond sourced is post-consumer recycled or vintage/antique in origin. I am also currently working to implement the Kimberley Process Civil Society Coalition’s October 2021 call to action re: the lack of due diligence around conflict diamonds and affected communities, to better understand and support change in diamond mining today.

WHAT IS YOUR WARRANTY AND/OR INSURANCE POLICY?

All pieces are backed by the expertise gained from eight years in fine jewelry design, development and fabrication. I am very intentional during the design process, and decisions are not to be rushed. My top priority is to ensure optimal structural integrity in your piece, and suggestions will be presented during the design period to achieve that. Should a quality issue arise by fault of design, it will be examined and remedied at no cost to you. If it’s determined that the issue is due to misuse, we will discuss a suitable repair fee. Insurance is the client’s responsibility and is obtained through a third party insurance company.

WHAT IF I DON'T KNOW MY PARTNER'S RING SIZE?

No problem! I can send you a ring sizer and assist you fully in determining the correct ring size. If the piece is a surprise, I’ll advise on what size to start with and what the resizing process would entail afterward.

I HAVE A DIFFERENT QUESTION.

Reach out via email! Send any and all questions to custom@mhisae.com, and I'll get back to you promptly. You can also book a complimentary 20-minute Phone Consult through the website.