Frequently asked questions
How much do you charge for custom jewelry?
What metals can I choose from?
How do I get started with an order or get a quote?
How does this work? How can I have custom jewelry made online?
How do I find my ring size?
How do I choose my necklace size?
How do I choose my bracelet size?
How long does it take to make some custom jewelry?
Can you use my own gold or sterling?
Can you use my stone?
Can you make multiple copies of a custom jewelry design, for gifts or a business project?
Can I meet with you in person?
Can you ship my order as a gift directly to the recipient?
Do you guarantee your work?
You're a metalsmithing teacher. Can you teach me how to make jewelry and set stones?
What's your specialty? What are you good at?
Is there any kind of jewelry you don't make?
How much do you charge for custom jewelry?
Price depends on several things, of course, like whether you choose silver or gold, if your design includes stones, if you are providing stones or I'm providing them for you, size, deadline, etc. But what else is new? When I receive your information, whether you call or use my online form, I can send you a detailed estimate. For faster service, include information like a deadline to receive your jewelry by, preferred stones and whether you are providing any materials. Your price includes design, consultation, metal and stones, if any. Shipping charges and tax if applicable are added to the estimate when your order is complete.
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What metals can I choose from ?
You can choose from copper, bronze, brass, 14kt or 18kt gold in yellow, white, rose, or green, sterling silver, and argentium sterling. Argentium sterling is a new, non-tarnishing alloy of sterling. It has the same amount of silver as regular 925 sterling, but is alloyed with germanium instead of copper. I don't work with platinum or white metals like pewter. You can mix or match your metals, too. We can go over metal choice when we discuss your project and I can provide a quote based on the metals you choose.
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How do I get started with an order or get a quote?
Just use my online form or call me. My form will guide you through a few simple questions about your project so I can give you an estimate.
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How does this work? How can I have custom jewelry made online?
Because of the internet and email we can work together to create your custom jewelry online. Call or use my online form to get started - tell me about what you want and email me with any relevant pictures.
If I have any questions, I can contact you by email or phone, whichever you prefer. Then I can give you an estimate for your project. A deposit is required to get started.
Usually we start with a sketch of your jewelry. I email you a picture of the sketch for your approval. It's easier to change course on paper then in metal!
Once the sketch is approved we move on to the next step. Progress reports and pictures are sent to you for your approval, if appropriate. For example, if I'm creating something custom for you using lost wax casting, I generally send a picture of the wax model for your approval.
Next, your custom piece of jewelry is handmade to your specifications. If you are sending it as a gift to someone else, I can email you with a picture of the finished project. Otherwise, you receive your piece of custom jewelry and hopefully love it!
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How do I find my ring size?
If you haven't had your fingers gauged for your ring size lately, you can use my ring size pdf to check your size. You will need a free application, like Acrobat Reader or a similar program, to open the pdf. One advantage of custom jewelry is you can make your jewelry to your size, even if that is a little different from readymade jewelry. If you think you are between sizes, we can make 1/4 size and 1/8 size increments. Just remember, it's easier to stretch your ring a little bit larger, than it is to reduce your size.
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How do I choose my necklace size?
The most common necklace sizes are 16", 18" and 24". Choker size is 14 or 16" usually, depending on your neck size. One advantage of custom jewelry is you can make your jewelry to fit your measurements. To check your size at home, use a tape measure, or a piece of string and a ruler. Place the tape measure or string around your neck and adjust it until the end sits at at the desired level on your chest. Note the measurement on your measuring tape or mark your string and measure it on a ruler.
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How do I choose my bracelet size?
The most common bracelet sizes are 7", 7.5" and 8". One advantage of custom jewelry is you can make your jewelry to fit your measurements. To check your size at home, use a tape measure, or a piece of string and a ruler. Place the tape measure or string around your wrist and adjust it until the end sits at at the desired level on your arm. A good fit for a bracelet should not be too tight, but not so loose that it falls past the point where your thumb begins, just past your wrist. Note the measurement on your measuring tape or mark your string and measure it on a ruler.
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How long does it take to make some custom jewelry?
Usually it only takes two weeks or less to make your jewelry and deliver it to you. Delays can happen, especially if it takes longer than expected to reply to emails with reviews or approvals. A job can be slowed down as well if materials have to be ordered, or by seasonal delays due to too many jobs in the studio. Not a bad problem to have, but I like to get your jewelry to you as quickly as possible.
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Can I use my own gold or sterling?
Yes. You will need to ship it or deliver it to my studio. If I am fabricating your jewelry from sheet or wire, I will need your metal to be the right form and gauge. If I am casting your jewelry for you, I require enough metal for your jewelry, plus the weight for the button and sprues (the funnel and tunnel to cast your jewelry). The balance of your metal will be returned to you with your jewelry.
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Can I use my own stones?
Yes. You will need to ship it or deliver it to my studio. For your estimate or sketch, you can just email me a picture of your stone with the dimensions, in millimeters. I will need to receive the stones before I can start on your jewelry.
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Can I meet with you in person?
Certainly. Call or email to arrange an appointment. My studio is in Kelseyville, Ca. Directions are available.
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Can you make multiple copies of a custom jewelry design, for gifts or a business project?
Sure thing. Just contact me with the details of your project for an accurate estimate.
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Can you ship my order as a gift directly to the recipient?
Absolutely. We can ship the jewelry as a gift and send any invoices and paperwork to you separately. Please specify when you order that you would like it as a gift.
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Do you guarantee your work?
I want you to love and enjoy your jewelry for years to come. But if for some reason you aren't satisfied with your purchase, please contact me within 14 days of delivery to arrange for a return or an exchange. Shipping fees are non-refundable.
I stand by the quality of my workmanship. If any item you purchase from me should need fixing due to any defects or fault within one year of purchase, contact me to arrange for a complimentary repair.
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You're a metalsmithing teacher. Can you teach me how to make jewelry and set stones?
Yup. I have classes, retreats and offer private lessons.
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What's your specialty? What are you good at?
I love to make jewelry with nature themes, like animals, reptiles, flora, etc. So, in other words, I really like designs with mermaids, snakes, frogs, dogs, etc. I like to think I have a special ability for capturing the character or personality of the subject. I also like to set unusual, interesting stones with settings I make in the wax, because they blend so well with the theme of the design. Browse my portfolio and judge for yourself.
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Is there any kind of jewelry you don't make?
Yes, I don't like to make commercial style diamond jewelry. What is that? Channel set baguette rings are a good example. No judgments - I think that kind of jewelry has its place- it's just not my... bag. I do like setting stones, just more unusual or interesting (to me) styles, like what you might see in traditional or modern takes on Arts and Crafts or Art Nouveau style jewelry. For example, creating a custom setting that looks like tendrils of seaweed flowing around a mermaid. That's what I like.
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about me
 My name is Joe Silvera and I am a humble metalsmith, wax carver, co-owner of a bead and yarn store, and jewelry teacher. Writing a bio about myself seems like a perfect time to try to make sense of the crooked road that led me to here and now. After wandering around California State University at Long Beach as a general arts major, taking painting, sculpture and illustration classes, I tried a jewelry class, because my college roommate showed me his samples from his class. I loved it immediately, because I could bring everything from my fine arts background to jewelry.
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frequently asked questions
custom jewelry inquiry form
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