Jewellery Designer  |  Master Goldsmith

 Can I just show up at your workshop, or do I need an appointment?

Appointments are required.

Please don't stop by unannounced, as I may already be meeting with another client or working on a project that can't easily be interrupted. I hate having to turn people away, and I never want to waste your time.

I operate a busy workshop by appointment so I can give every client my full attention while managing my production schedule efficiently.

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Why don't you provide custom jewellery quotes by email?

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Every custom piece I create is unique, so it's simply not possible to provide an accurate quotation based on a few emails or photographs.

Preparing a proper quotation takes a considerable amount of time. Over the years, I've found that detailed estimates prepared without first meeting the client often don't move forward because important design details haven't yet been discussed. Rather than spending hours preparing estimates that may ultimately need to be revised, I prefer to invest that time meeting with you first so I can provide an accurate quotation based on a clear understanding of your project.

Before I can price a piece, we need to discuss the design, dimensions, metal type and purity, gemstone options, finger size, manufacturing method, budget, and any other details that influence both the appearance and the cost of the finished jewellery. Even small changes to these factors can have a significant impact on the final price.

Meeting with you also gives me the opportunity to understand exactly what you're hoping to achieve, offer suggestions you may not have considered, and ensure we're designing a piece that suits both your vision and your budget.

Once we've had that discussion, I'm happy to prepare a detailed quotation with no obligation. Spending a little time together at the beginning almost always results in a better design, a more accurate price, and a smoother project from start to finish.

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 How much do jewellery repairs cost?

I haven't raised my repair labour rate since 2023.

Bench labour is billed at $210 per hour, or $3.50 per minute, based on the actual time I spend working on your jewellery.

When I begin your repair, I start a timer, and you're charged only for the time required. Many repairs take just 15–30 minutes, while more involved work naturally takes longer. Most repairs are completed in under an hour.

Before starting, I'll gladly give you an estimate whenever possible.

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How long will it take to repair, resize or modify my jewellery?

Most repairs are completed within a few days, although some can be finished the same day if time allows.

Because I personally perform all repairs, custom manufacturing and CAD design, turnaround times depend on my current workload and the complexity of the job.

If you have a deadline, let me know. I do my best to accommodate urgent requests whenever possible.

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Is all the work performed on-site?

Yes.

All design, manufacturing, repairs and modifications are completed by me in my Ottawa workshop.

Your jewellery never needs to be shipped to another facility or passed through a middleman, making the process safer, faster and more cost-effective.

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 Do you supply Canadian diamonds?

Yes.

I can source beautiful Canadian diamonds when requested.

Canadian diamonds have traditionally carried a premium because of their traceable origin and strong reputation. Many of the higher-quality Canadian stones are marketed within Canada, although excellent diamonds are mined all over the world.

Ultimately, the quality of an individual diamond depends on its own characteristics rather than simply where it was mined.

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Do you only sell natural, earth-mined diamonds?

No.

I offer both natural diamonds and laboratory-grown diamonds.

Lab-grown diamonds have become a significant part of today's jewellery market, and I source exceptional quality stones at highly competitive prices. I'm happy to explain the advantages of each option so you can choose what best suits your budget and priorities.

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If my diamond isn't Canadian, how do I know it's ethically sourced?

I work exclusively with long-established, reputable diamond suppliers who have built their businesses on integrity and ethical sourcing.

The diamonds I source come through suppliers who comply with the Kimberley Process and other industry safeguards designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the marketplace.

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Q: How long does it take to make a custom engagement ring?

A:
Most custom engagement rings take between 3 and 6 weeks from design approval to completion.

The exact timeline depends on the complexity of the design, the availability of materials, and whether special gemstones need to be sourced.

If you're working toward a proposal date or special occasion, let me know. I'll always do my best to accommodate your schedule.

Q: Do you repair jewellery?

A:
Absolutely.

Jewellery repair is a large part of what I do every day.

I repair rings, chains, bracelets, pendants, earrings, eyeglass frames and many other small metal objects that require precision craftsmanship.

If something can reasonably be repaired, I'll tell you how. If it can't, I'll explain why before any work begins.

I would also add these FAQs:

Q: Do you offer free estimates?

A:
Yes. I'll examine your jewellery and provide an honest assessment along with an estimate whenever possible. If additional investigation is required before pricing, I'll explain that first.

Q: Can you use my existing gold or gemstones?

A:
Often, yes.

I can frequently reuse your existing gold or gemstones in a new custom design, provided they're suitable for the project. I'll inspect everything first and explain the options.

Q: Do you require a deposit for custom jewellery?

A:
Yes.

Custom projects require a deposit before work begins. The balance is due upon completion. I'll explain the payment schedule before starting your project.

Q: Can you make jewellery from a photograph or sketch?

A:
Yes.

Whether you have a rough sketch, Pinterest inspiration, or simply an idea in your head, I can help develop it into a finished custom piece while ensuring it's practical, durable and made to last.

Q: Do you clean and inspect jewellery?

A:
Yes.

I can professionally clean and inspect your jewellery for loose stones, worn claws, cracked settings and other issues before they become expensive repairs.