Every custom and bespoke project is also covered by a written agreement, signed before work begins. The points below are a summary. Where they differ, the signed agreement applies.
Deposits and payment
- A $1,000 design retainer is required before any design or sourcing work begins. It is non-refundable and is applied in full toward your final piece.
- Once a stone has been selected, a second deposit, typically 50% of the estimated total, is required to secure it. Stone deposits are paid by bank transfer (ACH or wire).
- The final balance is due on the final invoice and must clear before your piece is shipped or picked up. Balances outstanding more than 14 days after invoicing accrue storage fees.
- Orders shipping within New York State, and orders picked up in person, are subject to local sales tax.
Design
- Each design is developed around one core concept agreed at the start. Refinements within that concept, such as adjustments to proportion or detail, are included.
- A change of direction that calls for a new concept is a new design phase, billed at $750 and started only with your approval.
Stone sourcing
- We source to your criteria and present curated options. Natural stones, antique and rare ones especially, depend on what the market has at any given time. We can't guarantee a stone that meets every criterion, and the strongest result sometimes calls for flexibility on color, cut, size or proportions.
- Sourcing includes up to two rounds of presentations. For a very specific search, one strong stone may make up a round. Additional rounds are $500 each, paid in advance and not credited toward the final price.
- Stones are often held for us on a temporary basis, so availability isn't guaranteed until the stone is paid for.
- Once we purchase a stone on your behalf, the purchase is final. A different stone after that point would be an additional purchase.
Pricing and approval
- Final specifications, pricing and timing are confirmed in writing before production. Metal prices, gold in particular, move with the market, so pricing may be adjusted to current material costs when fabrication begins.
- Approving the final design, or paying the production invoice, authorizes production. Changes after that require a revised estimate and may add cost and time.
Timeline
- Production takes about six weeks from approval of the final design. Design and sourcing come before that and vary from project to project, so we can't give a full timeline at the outset.
- If you have a need-by date, tell us early. Completion dates are estimates unless agreed in writing, and delays in approvals, payments or replies extend the timeline accordingly.
- Please arrange pickup or shipment within 14 days of hearing your piece is ready.
Cancellations
- You can end a project at any point before production is authorized. Payments made to that point, including the retainer and any stone deposit, are non-refundable. If you'd like to keep a stone that has already been sourced, the remaining balance on it must be paid before it is released.
- Once production is authorized, the order is final and can't be cancelled.
Sizing
- You're responsible for providing an accurate size before production. Eternity bands and designs with stones or detail around the full band can't be resized, and an incorrect size means a remake at your cost.
- For orders over $10,000, we offer one complimentary resize within 30 days of delivery, up to two sizes from the original, if the design allows. Sizing beads, inserts and structural changes aren't included.
- For orders under $10,000, resizing after delivery is at your expense.
- You're responsible for shipping and insurance on resizing, and for the piece until it reaches us.
Appraisals
- Appraisals aren't included. We can coordinate a professional, independent appraisal for $140. It happens after production and depends on the appraiser's schedule, so if it would delay your date, we can recommend an appraiser to see after delivery.
- An appraisal states insurance replacement value, which may be higher or lower than the purchase price. It doesn't determine resale value.
Shipping and risk of loss
- Every piece ships fully insured and requires an adult signature. We carry the risk until tracking shows it delivered to the address you provided. If you ask for a signature waiver, rerouting, third-party delivery or hold-for-pickup, the risk passes to you when the carrier takes the package.
- Transit insurance covers up to the purchase price. Antique and one-of-a-kind stones can't always be replaced exactly, so in the event of loss or damage we will repair the piece, source a comparable stone with your approval, or refund the purchase price. Our liability is limited to the purchase price.
- For international orders, customs duties and import taxes are the client's responsibility.
Workmanship
- If a defect in craftsmanship appears within 30 days of delivery, we'll repair it at no cost once we've inspected the piece. This doesn't cover normal wear, resizing, or damage from accident or misuse.
- Once your piece is delivered, insuring it is up to you.
Final sale
- Custom, made-to-order and personalized pieces are final sale once completed and delivered.
Photography
- We photograph our work and share it. If your piece is for a proposal, tell us in advance and we'll wait, then let us know once it has happened. If we haven't heard within 90 days of delivery, we may share images. If the proposal is later than that, let us know in writing before delivery.
Design ownership
- You own the finished piece. The design itself, including sketches, CAD files and models, remains with Elvie Fine, and we may adapt it for future work unless agreed otherwise in writing. Exclusive rights can be arranged through a separate design buyout.