It all depends on how quickly each step in the design process takes, but once I receive an approval of a design, the typical turn-around time is 6-8 weeks.

This includes the manufacturing, setting of stones, photographing, and delivery of the piece.

I find vendors from around the world that offer stones of various origins. I do my best to find stones that are either vintage (pulled from scrap pieces or from a collection of vintage stock), or ethically sourced through reputable sellers.

I do! The only downside is the cost of shipping back and forth, and possible delays due to being held up in processing through Customs.

If you don’t know the ring size of your significant other or yourself, there are a few options.

The first and best option is going to a local jewelry store and having an associate size you. This is typically quick and free.

The next best option is ordering a set of plastic or metal ring sizers from Amazon and measuring yourself.

Another option is to download a ring sizer app and measure the inner circumference of an existing ring that you or your loved has that fits the finger they will want to wear their new custom ring on. I have found these apps to be fairly accurate, however there may be slight size discrepancies. I do not recommend this option for people who want a particularly wide band or an alternative metal band that cannot be re-sized.

The final option is to send me a ring you don’t mind going without for a while that you or your loved one wears that I can measure in person and send back with your completed custom.

I CAN cast with your gold, however I insist on a 50/50 mix of “old” gold and “new” gold.

The reason for this being that every time gold is cast, microscopic bubbles are left behind. The more times gold is cast without being refined, the more of these air bubbles and other microscopic particulets can affect the cast and make it brittle. Having a ring cast consisting of at least 50% “new” gold will allow for a better cast and a longer-lasting piece.

If you have gold that you may not necessarily want to incorporate into your new piece, but want to have me take the scrap value of it and put it towards the total cost of your custom, that is something I have done and am willing to do for you as well!

Due to the nature of creating custom pieces, I do not offer refunds for anything I produce, however I have never encountered someone who hasn’t been satisfied with their final product!

Having spent almost a decade of my career in jewelry repair, I make sure to design pieces that are made to last.

Most large jewelry companies offer warranties to provide their customers the illusion of security and value. In truth, most of their merchandise is over-priced and poorly designed, and the pieces they sell will inevitably break over and over again.

While jewelry is inherently fragile and can break with intense wear or chemical damage, I assess repairs of pieces I make on a case-by-case basis, and will only cover the cost of repairs if there is evidence of a manufacturing defect.

Setting stones is inherently risky. It requires a lot of force and pressure to bend metal over a stone to hold it tightly in place.

When it comes to sentimental stones, the utmost care is put into setting them, however there is never a 100% guarantee that they won’t chip or break.

In the event of this happening and depending on the severity of the chip or break, I can offer to have the stone re-cut or replaced at cost.

At this time, I do not offer insurance appraisals, but I am looking into providing that service in the near future!

Olivine and Ivory is based out of Dayton, OH. However, I am also partnered with other experts in their craft based in Chicago, IL, Philadelphia, PA, and Marblehead, MA.