Custom Design Process
Curious about owning a one-of-a-kind Lavender Creek Gems piece? Check out our FAQ section below and when you're ready to move forward, please fill out our custom order form to get started!
FAQs
How can I prepare for this process?
We suggest checking out some of our styles on our website or our social media pages to gather what designs and/or gemstones you like, and keep a note of them to use in our custom order form. This gives us a better idea of what you're after, along with what stones you'd like to use in your piece.
Compiling a list of questions is also very helpful! We are here to answer any questions you may have about certain gemstones and any other aspect you may be unsure of during the jewelry design process.
In order for us to provide you with the best possible experience, it's important to have a solid grasp of your budget. We suggest doing a bit of research on current market prices and what options are available within your range. This will help us design the perfect custom jewelry piece for you.
Do you require a deposit to get started?
Yes. A non-refundable $500 deposit is required to begin the custom design process. This applies whether you're selecting a center stone from our gemstone catalog or requesting sourcing. The deposit is also required before any stone sourcing begins and is applied toward your final balance.
What about a custom design that isn't one of your already made designs? Can you create something entirely from scratch?
Yes. Lavender Creek Gems offers fully custom, from-scratch designs. This includes significantly modified versions of existing LCG pieces or the combination of elements from multiple designs. A non-refundable $600 design fee is required for these projects and is separate from the final cost of the ring.
Please note: We do not copy other designers’ original work. As a designer whose work has been copied repeatedly, Brianna holds a firm stance on design ethics. While broad, industry-wide design elements may be referenced, any request that involves replicating another artist’s identifiable or proprietary design will be declined.
What are my options for selecting a center stone?
You may choose a center stone in one of the following ways:
Purchase from our online gemstone catalog:
- These stones are in stock and can be purchased directly from our website to reserve them. After purchase, we will reach out to collect your $500 design deposit and begin the custom design process.
Select from our diamond feed:
- These diamonds are not held in-house and must be ordered from our supplier once paid in full. Because they are not in hand, we are unable to provide additional photos or videos beyond what is listed.
Request Sourcing:
- If you're looking for something specific that isn’t currently listed, we are happy to source options for you once the $500 deposit has been paid. Please be sure to reach out to us to see if your desired stone can be sourced beforehand.
We do not hold stones without payment.
Please note: We do not sell loose gemstones. All stones must be purchased with the intent to create a finished piece through Lavender Creek Gems.
How long does it take to receive the initial design?
Depending on the specific requirements, it may require up to 10 days for my CAD team to complete the rendering process. If your design is entirely original or "from scratch," the time required could be extended.
Do keep in mind that you are allowed two additional revisions to your initial design. Anything beyond the singular design revision will incur a fee.
What can I expect once I approve my design?
Upon design approval, full payment is required to move your piece into production.
You will be invoiced via email, and will be able to check out on our website. Your deposit will be applied to your final balance.
How long does the custom design process take?
Our current turnaround time for custom pieces is approximately 8 weeks from start to finish. While we often complete rings sooner, this time frame ensures that we can dedicate the utmost care and attention to detail, resulting in a truly unique and special piece.
To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, we recommend having your ring in hand well before making any proposal plans. This not only provides peace of mind but also ensures everything is ready for your special moment. For those planning proposals or other significant occasions, we strongly advise starting the custom process at least three months in advance to allow sufficient time for creating your unique piece. Your milestone deserves to be perfect, and we’re here to help make that happen.
Important Info
Can I use my own loose gemstones or diamonds?
Unfortunately, we do not use customer provided stones, nor do we melt down jewelry to incorporate into a custom piece.
Are there financing options available?
Yes! We offer payment plans via Shop Pay Installments, a partnership with Affirm. Please let us know ahead of time if you are planning on using this option for your custom piece.
You may verify your qualification with Affirm here. It may be beneficial to do so before considering the installment plan.
Can you recreate past gemstone rings?
At Lavender Creek Gems, our mission is to create one-of-a-kind gemstone and diamond jewelry designed to be cherished for generations. Our pieces feature carefully selected stones, responsibly sourced through ethical relationships with our suppliers worldwide. Using one-of-a-kind gemstones or diamonds ensures each item stands apart, guaranteeing its individual appeal.
Although we recreate our styles, we cannot use the exact same gemstone for each new piece due to the unique nature of natural gemstones. As a result, we do not restock exact rings. No two stones are the same, guaranteeing their one-of-a-kind nature.
Recreating a one-of-a-kind natural gemstone rings is challenging due to several reasons:
- Unique Gemstones: Each natural gemstone possesses distinct colors, patterns, inclusions, or cuts that render them truly one-of-a-kind. Finding a similar gemstone that matches the exact characteristics of the original can be extremely difficult. Using rare, high quality stones is the most important aspect of LCG, and while we try to accomodate most requests for replications, this is something we strive to keep consistent.
- Variability in Gemstones: Natural gemstones are formed under unique geological conditions, resulting in variations in color, clarity, and overall appearance. Even if you manage to find a similar gemstone, it's unlikely to be an exact match in terms of all these aspects.
- Exact Measurements: Getting the exact measurements and proportions right for a one-of-a-kind stone can pose some difficulties. Even a slight difference in dimensions can influence how the ring looks and feels. We personally cut about 95% of our tourmaline stones and often mold them to match the natural shape of the rough stone. However, not all rough stones can be transformed into the same shapes you've seen us use in the past. It ultimately depends on the stone's shape and whether any inclusions need to be removed. Gemstone cutting isn't as "cut" and dry as one would think!
- Market Fluctuations & Scarcity: The availability and pricing of gemstones can change over time due to market fluctuations and sourcing challenges. This can impact the feasibility of recreating a piece at a similar cost. This holds particularly true in the present moment, more so than ever before. The demand for high quality colored stones is astronomically high, and in turn makes it difficult to source more rare stones.
Short answer: technically, no.