curious?

price
quantity pricing
design

silver quality
piece weight
overlay
stones
timing

shipping
engraving
payment

 

Q.

What would I expect to pay for a custom piece of jewelry?

A.

 

The price of an original piece is based on complexity and

finished weight. You could expect, for example, to pay little

for a one inch by one inch cat’s paw sterling silver necklace

with sterling chain, and several thousand dollars for an

eight piece custom place setting.

Q.

Could I commission additional identical pieces at a lesser price?

A.

 

All my work is hand fabricated, and necessarily involves many

hours of labor. In cases where mass production is called for,

i.e., several dozen or more, a mold is made and castings from

the original are reproduced several at a time. This method -

after initial costs of preparation and mold making are done -

will reduce the cost per piece significantly.

In the case of one, two, or three more pieces, I execute each

individually, and so I may, in all fairness to myself, reduce the

price by only a small fraction of the price for the original.

Q.

How can I show you what I want?

A.

 

If you have a photograph, a sketch, a rendering or other

representation of the piece, you may e.mail, fax, or mail

it to me. Then I can call you or you can call me to discuss

the details of the piece. Although voice interaction is most

efficient, if you are not available by phone we can

communicate via e.mail.

Q.

What is the quality of the silver you use?

A.

 

I craft with sterling silver, which is .925 silver,

.075 copper and is a worldwide standard.

Q.

 

What is the typical weight of a completed piece?

Will it be flimsy?

 

A.

 

I prefer to work heavy, which to me facilitates

ease of execution. In some cases, working light is

called for, i.e., earrings, pins.

Q.

 

A colleague of mine had you create a pin containing

a company logo in an overlay. What is an overlay?

 

A.

 

Overlay is a technique that involves piercing and cutting a

design (i.e., a logo) out of one piece of silver sheet, then

soldering that piece of silver onto another. By texturing

and antiquing the layer of silver that shows through from

underneath, I can achieve black letters.

Q.

If I want stones in the piece, what kinds do you work with?

A.

 

Most of my work is done with semi-precious, or unusual

stones. Precious stones can be dealt with, especially if

you can supply your own. My gemological experience is

limited, and I would not be qualified to purchase important

gems for a customer.

Q.

How long will it take for delivery of my order?

A.

 

Depending on current work flow, I can usually complete a

piece in a matter of days.

Q.

Who pays for shipping?

A.

 

We pay for shipping U.S. Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation

Receipt. If you wish to use and pay for a different carrier,

we will be glad to ship as you direct. You will only need to

forward your carrier account number, or we can include the

shipping costs in the price.

Q.

If I require it, do you engrave after you complete a piece?

A.

 

For certain designs I prefer to handle engraving before I ship

the piece. As a rule, however, you should have your silver

engraved at your local engraver or trophy shop.

Q.

What form of payment do you require?

A.

 

At present, we accept personal check, money order, or cashier's

check due in advance. We accept Visa and MasterCard payments

through PayPal.  Depending on the order, we may approve a

one-half deposit to secure the request, with the balance due upon

receipt of the finished piece.

micko@mickrasley-silver.com