Bespoke Process
Bespoke pieces are an integral part of Bella Clark Jewellery. Timeless, symbolic and made with care, Bella Clark hopes to encourage a deeper connection for the wearer; championing the value of intergenerational storytelling. As such, Bella Clark works collaboratively with clients to gently craft unique and sentimental pieces, to commemorate events like engagements, weddings, anniversaries or personal milestones. Bella Clark Jewellery recognises the paramount importance of design integrity and originality, thus ensuring that each jewellery piece is unique to the brand.
Due to the considerable amount of time and energy which goes into each bespoke project, Bella Clark Jewellery requires a minimum spend of $1500AUD. Each piece is also designed and handcrafted locally from the Bella Clark studio in Richmond, Naarm. Because of the handcrafted nature of Bella Clark pieces, clients are to anticipate a minimum six-week production time.
__________ Introduction
The Bella Clark bespoke process commences by email, whereby the client will send through inspiration from the Bella Clark website or Instagram. Here they will outline what stones, colours or metals they would like incorporated into the design. It is advised that any details surrounding repurposing heirlooms are discussed early in the process should the client like to include this in the design. It is important to note that Bella Clark Jewellery will not replicate pieces by other jewellers.
For clients wanting to understand more about repurposing heirlooms, please refer to the Heirloom & Precious Stones Guide.
__________ Consultation
Following the initial conversation, Bella Clark will provide the client with a consultation link. This will allow the client to book in a suitable time to further discuss their design face-to-face. The studio is situated in Richmond, Naarm, and the consultation generally goes for 30-45 minutes. During the consultation, we encourage clients to talk freely about their ideas and provide any additional infor- mation they might have, as well as confirm ring sizing and/or budget.
To secure a bespoke consultation, Bella Clark Jewellery requires a $100AUD deposit. This secures the appointment, covers the first round of designs and design variations, and includes stone sourcing by Bella. Should the client proceed with the piece, this deposit will go towards the overall cost. Bespoke deposits are non-re- fundable.
For any clients who may be living interstate or overseas, the bespoke process can also be carried out completely online, via email.
__________ Design
After the bespoke email correspondence or consultation in the studio, Bella Clark will then commence designing. Bella starts this process by sending the client eight virtual 2D designs. The aim of this exercise is to bring a client’s vision to life whilst also reflecting the brand’s signature aesthetic. Throughout this process there is an allowance for one round of 2D drawings and one round of variations. Should the client request more drawings or a fresh concept, the client will incur an addi- tional fee.
As an artist, Bella Clark retains design ownership and copyright on all virtual drawings created during a bespoke process, along with copyright on all completed pieces. Designs which may be discarded by one client, may be used again for another and used as reference points for other projects. Any drawings and/or designs produced by Bella Clark during a bespoke process are not to be shared with or replicated by other jewellers.
__________Stones
When approval for a design has been made by a client, Bella will begin to source the stones. During this phase, considerations such as budget and colour tone will be applied, and various options and quotes will be provided. Within the initial fee, one round of stone sourcing is included, and each round includes up to five stone options. Any additional rounds of sourcing will incur a $100AUD fee. Bella Clark Jewellery will email all stone photos (or videos) for client approval. However, depending on the designs stone selection, clients may view the stones at the studio for approval.
Stones are on loan from suppliers for 7 days from the date photos are emailed to the client. It is recommended that a client makes a decision within the 7 days to ensure their preferred stones are secured for their bespoke piece. Bella Clark Jewellery has an extensive list of suppliers to source a wide range of stone cuts, colours and sizes.
For clients wanting to understand more about precious stones and the particular ones Bella prefers to work with, please refer to the Heirloom & Precious Stones Guide. For any information specifically regarding diamonds, please refer to the Diamond Guide.
__________Repurposing Heirlooms
Through the bespoke process, Bella Clark can subtly pay homage to an original piece or wearer, whilst still designing something new. Because of the genetic make-up of some stones, Bella prefers to repurpose heirloom diamonds, rubies and sapphires. Due to liability reasons, clients are encouraged to see a gemmologist or jewellery valuer prior to their bespoke consultation with Bella Clark. Please note that Bella Clark Jewellery does not rework or melt down existing metals.
For clients wanting to understand more about repurposing heirlooms, please refer to the Heirloom & Precious Stones Guide.
__________Metals
Bella Clark Jewellery works with 9ct, 14ct and 18ct yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and platinum. These metals are known for their timeless elegance and durable lifespan.
Although sterling silver can be more affordable, Bella Clark recommends using white gold when setting precious stones. Not only can sterling silver tarnish over time but the soft metal quality entails a higher risk of stone settings loosening.
__________Quotes & Invoicing
Once a client has approved/confirmed their bespoke Bella Clark design, they will be issued a formal quotation. It is helpful during the bespoke process to have an idea of client budgets, as this will inform the stone and metal selection, as well as the overall scale of the piece.
Upon request, clients may view comparative quotes between the various types of gold (9ct or 18ct) and/or sapphires versus diamonds.
Due to the fluctuating prices of gold, diamonds and other stones, quotes made by Bella Clark Jewellery are only valid for 7 days. If a client is happy to proceed, an invoice will be issued via email with all payment and deposit instruc- tions enclosed. Clients are provided with the option of paying the invoice in full or making a minimum 50% deposit. The deposit is required for Bella Clark to com- mence making the piece - without this no work will be carried out. All invoice payments are non-refundable, and any remaining balances are to be paid before client collection or postage.
__________Valuation Certificates
Bella Clark Jewellery offers complimentary Valuation Certificates with all bespoke pieces valued over $4000AUD. Valuation Certificates can take 3-4 days to process after the piece is finished and clients who nominate this are to allow for this extra time. If a bespoke piece is valued under $4000AUD, a Jewellery Valuation Certificate can still be arranged upon special request, incurring an additional fee.
__________Returns & Repairs
The process of designing each bespoke piece is a collaborative process which ensures it will be treasured forever. As such, bespoke pieces are non-refund- able, nor does Bella Clark Jewellery offer exchanges or refunds for change of mind. All bespoke sales are final and if accidental damage occurs, we welcome previous clients to bring the piece in for careful assessment, to find the best solution for repair.
All assessments are by appointment only and are carried out by Bella. Alternatively, if physical assessment is not possible, clients are to email high resolution images outlining the damage to the piece.
__________Ring Size
Understanding that some clients may not know their ring size, Bella Clark can take their size during the bespoke consultation. However, if clients are unable to attend a consultation, Bella can also send out a Ring Sizer. If clients are based interstate or overseas, we recommend being fitted by a local jeweller.
__________Warranty
All Bella Clark pieces are completely handcrafted. While it is rare, if a piece breaks due to a manufacturing fault within the first year of purchase, Bella Clark Jewellery will repair the item free of charge, following an assessment. Please discontinue wear and contact the team immediately.
Clients are also recommended to visit the studio once every 1-2 years to give the bespoke piece a deep clean and re-polish; buffing out any scratches and imperfec- tions. A thorough check of any/all stone settings will also be done during this time.
__________Postage & Collection
Bella Clark Jewellery will notify clients when their bespoke piece is ready for collection. Clients are encouraged to book in a collection time in the studio using a link provided on request. If a collection is not possible, postage can be arranged.
Pieces valuing between $1500AUD to $5000AUD will be sent via Australia Post with tracking insurance and signature on delivery, and all postage and importation fees are incurred by the recipient. Pieces valuing $5000AUD and above will be exclusively posted through TNT FedEx EasySend. All tracking insurance and delivery instructions will be personalised project-to-project, ensuring a seamless transaction with the recipient incurring all fees.