"Whether you have a clear budget and know what you want, or a vague concept, the process is much the same. Designing or recreating an adored custom-made jewellery piece is something I love doing, so reach out to me for a free consultation.
It's easier than you think."
ONE
We have a virtual or in-person meeting to help get clear on what you have in mind, who the piece is for, what the occasion is and what budget you would like to work with.
TWO
You provide me with reference images and we collaborate on a mood board that inspires and gets us both excited for the custom-made jewellery design phase. The timeframe for this depends on the complexity and originality of the design.
THREE
We agree on a design concept, what materials we will use and based on this, I give you an estimated budget.
FOUR
If using stones, I source suitable one’s for you to choose from and then give the final pricing.
FIVE
I then provide you with a 3D digital image of the design, which we tweak until you are 100% in love with it.
SIX
We create your very own custom-made jewellery piece which is then either collected or couriered.
“Natasha is creatively and technically highly skilled. Her ability to weave my personality and personal style into what I wanted was inspired. My ring is not only beautiful but comfortable to wear. I highly recommend ORA for meaningful jewellery that you’ll fall in love with.” – KATE
“Great service and incredible workmanship! My fiancé and I are extremely happy with the gorgeous custom-made engagement ring Natasha designed and made for us. Thanks ORA!” – JACK
My fiancé regularly has people in awe of her ring. Natasha's meticulous eye for detail, intuitive design ability and relentless pursuit of excellence combine together to produce wearable pieces of art that are sure to impress, stun and amaze. - MATT
I commissioned Natasha from ORA Jewellery to design a family signet ring for my family. I wanted a ring with my late son’s initials – he had taken his life 3 months earlier. Natasha was able to provide us with a meaningful and special way to remember Matthew. She handled the project with sensitivity and care, which is a testament to her professionalism as a designer. - DAVID
“Natasha blew me away with her attention to detail and how she created a meaningful, unique, and elegant, daisy engagement ring, inspired by my fiancés tattoo. The process was so easy. After exchanging a few e.mails Natasha really knew what I wanted and, as I was still in the UK, she organised for it to be ready for me when I arrived on holiday in South Africa. She even helped me with a secret, remote delivery to ensure that it remained a surprise. We couldn’t be happier!” - RUBEN
“Natasha blew me away with her attention to detail and how she created a meaningful, unique, and elegant, daisy engagement ring, inspired by my fiancés tattoo. The process was so easy. After exchanging a few e.mails Natasha really knew what I wanted and, as I was still in the UK, she organised for it to be ready for me when I arrived on holiday in South Africa. She even helped me with a secret, remote delivery to ensure that it remained a surprise. We couldn’t be happier!” - RUBEN
“ Natasha designed me an exclusive, antique inspired engagement ring that is just magical! She sourced me an exceptional, yet affordable diamond, and managed to create exactly what I wanted within my budget. My ring has become a part of me and is far more meaningful than I could have imagined.” – CATHERINE
“Natasha designed us a truly unique, bespoke engagement ring! My fiancé wanted something out the box and gem obsessed! We received amazing service, our precious gems were meticulously sourced and the ring was designed and crafted with precision.” - TAI
Intuitive Design That Expresses Your Individuality
“I design your custom-made jewellery piece intuitively, after really listening to what it is you want. My aim is to create a piece that’s an extension of you and an expression of your uniqueness.
I use my ability of identifying your jewellery style, even if you don’t know what that is, and converting it into wearable art.
If you are gifting the piece, I get to understand the lucky receiver by studying photographs and asking questions about them. I am able to convey the meaning and messaging of the gift through subtle design gestures.
So many of my clients have said, “Wow this is so me!” even though they can’t define why, it just feels like a part of them!”
Custom Jewellery FAQs
I really want to make a unique and custom jewellery piece but I’m not sure of exactly what I want, can you help?
Yes! You’ve come to the right place. Don’t worry I’ll help you explore and together we’ll define what gorgeous custom jewellery piece we can create for you. Let’s chat in a free consultation!
I have a jewellery piece that I’d like to transform into something new, is this something you do?
How exciting! Yes I do.
We can use your stones to make something new. However, for the gold or platinum, we don’t re-use it but rather refine it and deduct the monetary value off of your custom-made jewellery piece. This is because the metal contains impurities which, when re-used, can cause it to crack and break. We don’t refine silver as the value is not high enough.
I’m divorced and I don’t know what to with my engagement and wedding rings.
The great news is we can transform your rings into something completely new. You can have whatever piece of custom jewellery your heart desires!
How long will my custom-made jewellery piece take to make?
It’s difficult to give an exact timeframe for producing your custom-made jewellery piece as each project is different and so the time will vary. However, if you have a reasonable deadline, we will work to accommodate that. If not, an average timeline would look like this:
Design: When it comes to creating your custom-made jewellery design, we’ll take as long as it takes for you to tell us it’s perfect.
Sourcing of Stones: 5-10 working days (variables are rarity, availability and delivery of stones to our studio)
Quoting & Rough Sketches: (if applicable): 2-5 working days
Final CAD Design: (if applicable): 5-7 working days
Production: Once you’ve approved the design it takes approximately 2 – 4 weeks for us to manufacture your custom-made jewellery piece as we finish all the details by hand.
Shipping: We offer free 1-3 day shipping of your custom-made jewellery piece within SA. International shipping can take 1 – 2 weeks depending on delays with local customs inspections.
How much will my custom-made jewellery piece cost?
We understand that this may be the most daunting part of commissioning a custom-made jewellery piece and so we ask you to consider an approximate budget to give to us at our first meeting. This will enable us to assess what type of design and materials to use in presenting you with options.
Pricing of gemstones and diamonds vary widely according to their quality, cut and colour. This is why we only give exact quotes once we have agreed on the stone choices.
If you're purchasing a custom-made jewellery piece to last lifetime (like an engagement ring, anniversary present, or family heirloom) then we offer the opportunity to have something made just for you for roughly the cost of something that's been mass-produced.
When do I have to pay?
There's no charge to discuss your design and get cost-estimates on your custom-made jewellery piece.
However, we request a reasonable deposit prior to producing the 3D model of your custom-made design and that deposit goes toward the final cost of producing your piece.
Is there a warranty?
We 100% stand behind our custom-made jewellery and offer a comprehensive set of warranties so that you can purchase with confidence.
Lifetime Manufacturer Warranty
We guarantee our custom-made jewellery workmanship and take responsibility for any structural defects.
Certificate of Authenticity
All of the materials (metals, diamonds, and gemstones) we sell are authentic and properly specified in your proposal agreement.
Accent Stone Loss Warranty
If any small accent gems (<R1000 value) break or fall out of their settings in the first year after we create the ring or within a year of us performing maintenance on the ring, we’ll replace them free of charge.
Engagement Ring FAQs
I’ve done all the research for my custom engagement ring, now what?
Oh goodie, so let’s begin with where you are.
If you have a clear idea of the design and what stones and metal you would like to use for your engagement ring then we get sourcing the diamonds or gemstones that fit into your budget.
If you aren’t certain on the design, we first clarify this before we start sourcing stones. Once we have the stones we are good to go and can begin making your custom engagement ring.
Follow this link for the full process and timelines.
My partner left their engagement ring Pinterest Board/ Mood Board open on their desktop, can you help me re-create this?
Ooh isn’t that helpful?
We’ll have a free consultation and decide which design or which elements from the various designs work, so that we can make a unique engagement ring that you both love.
Follow this link for the full process and timelines.
I want an engagement ring that is unique, completely custom, and out of the box, can you help?
I definitely can! And would love to.
We’ll get together for a free consultation in which you’ll share your love story and more about both of you. It’s great if you come to that meeting with some visual references and ideas (a Mood Board if you know what that is, is ideal). You’ll share what you want the ring to say and what meaning it has for both of you and we’ll get designing together.
Follow this link for the full process and timelines.
How much will my custom engagement ring cost?
There are so many variables that play a role in pricing that it’s impossible to say upfront. But don’t be daunted by this because if you have a budget that you would like to work with I’ll see how I can create your design within those boundaries.
It’s good to remember that a custom-made ring is special because it’s handmade and one-of-a-kind. It is heavier and more durable than store bought rings which are mass produced and vulnerable to breakages over time.
Where do I begin with diamonds? Do I have to source my own stones?
You don’t have to worry about this as we handpick a selection of the best most suited stones from a selection of dealers throughout the country for you to choose from. Don’t worry if you know nothing about stones, we do and we’ll guide you along the way.
If you have your own stones and would like to use them then you are welcome to do that.
What’s an alternate option to a diamond?
Fortunately, there are lots of options to suit your budget and taste.
Lab-grown diamonds (which are indistinguishable from earth-created diamonds), Moissanites (an ethically sourced and environmentally friendly option), white sapphires (a classic gemstone that is durable and cost-effective) and if you want a pop of colour there are precious and semi-precious gemstones to choose from.
Do engagement rings have to have diamonds in it?
No not at all. More and more people are using lab-grown diamonds or Moissanites in their traditional engagement rings and many are moving away from the conventional diamond ring altogether.
Do you sell diamonds and gemstones?
We don’t stock or sell any stones ourselves. We source them from respected dealers throughout South Africa and handpick a selection for you to choose from.
What are some popular gemstone options for my custom engagement ring?
Tourmalines, quartz, topaz, alexandrite, morganite, aquamarine, kunzite are colourful and popular alternatives for engagement rings.
