1) Can you create a design using my gemstones?
A: Yes, I work with most gemstones except emeralds and tanzanite. If there are any problems with your gemstones (chips, cracks, etc.), I will not work with them. I also always recommend that you only use gemstones that you “love” or if they have great sentimental value. If you don’t love the gemstones to begin with, generally, no amount of magic on my part will make you love the final creation. Although rare, accidents do happen from time to time. Please be aware that your gemstones are set at your own risk. I am not responsible for any damages or losses of any kind.
2) How much will a custom piece cost?
A: That depends on what I am creating. The number of stones involved in the design, the size of the stones, and the "difficulty level" of working with any particular stone will determine the final price.
3) What metals do you work in?
A: I usually just work in 14K yellow or white gold and 18K yellow gold but in some instances can work in platinum, 22K gold or green or pink gold depending on the project.
4) Do you have a store?
A: No. I have an office in San Rafael. It is by appointment only with limited hours and days. Since I am a one-man operation, most of my time is devoted to creating.
5) Can I come to your office to see your entire collection?
A: No. The only place that you can see my entire collection is at one of my shows. If you make an office appointment, I will only have a limited selection of pieces. I suggest that you do not make an office appointment until you have seen my current collection at one of my shows and have a good idea of what I do.
6) Do you charge for an office appointment?
A: Yes, I charge by the hour for design consultation. There is no charge if the purpose of your appointment is to purchase a piece that you have seen at one of my shows or to purchase a piece available on this site.
7) Do I have to come to your office to purchase a piece that I have seen at your show?
A: No. If the piece is still available, I will send it to you via registered mail upon payment in full.
8) Can you re-use my old gold jewelry to create a new piece of jewelry?
A: No. The only thing that I can do with your old jewelry is to credit you the scrap value of the gold toward a new custom piece. In order to create a new piece of jewelry I need to use about three times the gold that’s in the finished piece. The proper method of casting a new piece of jewelry is to mix 50% newly refined gold with 50% already cast gold from the same refiner and of the same alloy. Any other method risks the quality of the final piece of jewelry.
