How do I engage you for a commission?

I have put together a description of the entire process, linked here.

How long is a quote good for?

Unfortunately, any provided quote for commission work is only good for 30 days after I have provided it before we come to an agreement.  This is to protect myself against the rising cost of shipping and materials.

What Metals do you work with?

Most of the work for my store is in either sterling silver or 14k gold. This is to keep the cost down and still be rather fine jewelry.  However, I can engrave any precious and semi precious alloys. Most ferric alloys, and some of the more exotic materials like aluminum and titanium.

The largest exception is knife blades, once they have been hardened and tempered they are nearly impossible to engrave.

Can you set stones?

I do not set stones at my shop at this time.  Though I might be able to help refer you.

What are you using to darken your engraving?

In years past engravers have used many methods to darken the background of their work. Many of those methods were toxic to use and difficult to repair.

Modernly, it is industry standard to use plain ole rustoleum flat black paint. It is safe to apply, robust to wear, and easy to repair without risking the fine details of the engraving.

Can you personalize an object you didn’t make?

Of Course! This will work much like any other commission, though we will need to sort out delivery as well.

Do you take on repairs?

While I am happy to repair anything I have made, I do not take on other repairs at this time. Though I might be able to help refer you.

Are you willing to meet a client via zoom or in person for consultation?

Absolutely! I am happy to make the consultation process as easy for you as possible.

Do you hand deliver rather than ship for local orders?

Of Course, Just let me know that you are local and we can make arrangements to suit your needs.

Do you ship priority and have insurance on the package?

I am happy to say that shipping on any item purchased in my store is free.  Each packed with care and insured for its value through USPS.

Is my custom design one of a kind or will you replicate it for other customers?

In short no, your peice is unique.
The long answer is that your piece in my style will share elements and similarities another, but your peice is all your own and there will never be another exactly like it.

How do I get my or my partner’s ring size without them knowing?

There is a trick or two for this.  While discussed in my detail on the Sizing information page.  Though the most reliable way to to be measured professionally.

Is there anything you won’t/can’t engrave?

There are a few items that I can not engrave, items with delicate moving parts or containing fragile crystal, such as watches or music boxes must be disassembled by a professional before I can engrave them. The vibration of engraving could damage them.

There are a few alloys of steel or steel heat treatments that make the alloy harder than my engraving tools. These are not suitable for hand engraving.

Finally many surface treatements are prone to chipping if they are engraved, like chrome or powder coating. These will need to be removed before engraving and reapplied after.

What tools do you use for engraving?

A California Air Tools Ultra Quiet 4610AC powers my GRS Graver MachAT Air System and 901 AT Handpiece.
I work under a Lieca A60 Stereo Microscope with .63x objective lens.

I am not affiliated with any of these manuafactures, but I do use and highly recommend these tools for their reliability and usability.