Skip to content
Any questions? Give us a call
Howard Fine Jewellers Howard Fine Jewellers
Account
Search
Loading...
Cart
Any questions? Give us a call
  • ROLEX
  • ENGAGEMENT RINGS

    ENGAGEMENT RINGS
    • By Style

      By Style
      • Halo

        Halo
      • Solitaire

        Solitaire
      • Split Shank

        Split Shank
      • Side Stones

        Side Stones
      • Three Stone

        Three Stone
      • Vintage

        Vintage
    • By Cut

      By Cut
      • Round Cut

        Round Cut
      • Oval Cut

        Oval Cut
      • Pear Cut

        Pear Cut
      • Princess Cut

        Princess Cut
      • Emerald Cut

        Emerald Cut
    • By Designer

      By Designer
      • Howard

        Howard
      • Hearts On Fire

        Hearts On Fire
      • Jack Kelege

        Jack Kelege
      • Tacori

        Tacori
    • By Price

      By Price
      • $3,000 - $7,000

        $3,000 - $7,000
      • $7,000 - $10,000

        $7,000 - $10,000
      • $10,000 - $15,000

        $10,000 - $15,000
      • Over $15,000

        Over $15,000
  • WEDDING BAND RINGS

    WEDDING BAND RINGS
    • Women's Wedding Band Rings

      Women's Wedding Band Rings
      • Diamond

        Diamond
      • Diamond Eternity

        Diamond Eternity
      • Gemstone

        Gemstone
      • Classic

        Classic
      • Designers

        Designers
      • Custom Wedding Rings

        Custom Wedding Rings
    • Men's Wedding Band Rings

      Men's Wedding Band Rings
      • Diamond

        Diamond
      • Modern

        Modern
      • Classic

        Classic
      • Custom Wedding Rings

        Custom Wedding Rings
    • Wedding Band Rings By Price

      Wedding Band Rings By Price
      • $700 - $1,495

        $700 - $1,495
      • $1,500 - $2,495

        $1,500 - $2,495
      • $2,500 - $3,995

        $2,500 - $3,995
      • $4,000 - $5,995

        $4,000 - $5,995
      • $6,000 - $9,995

        $6,000 - $9,995
    • Wedding Gift Jewellery Ideas
      • Gifts For The Bride

        Gifts For The Bride
      • Gifts For The Groom

        Gifts For The Groom
  • CUSTOM
  • JEWELLERY

    JEWELLERY
    • By Designer

      By Designer
      • FOPE

        FOPE
      • Hearts On Fire

        Hearts On Fire
      • Howard

        Howard
      • Vahan

        Vahan
      • Maria Tash

        Maria Tash
      • Paul Morelli

        Paul Morelli
    • By Category

      By Category
      • Earrings

        Earrings
      • Necklaces

        Necklaces
      • Bracelets

        Bracelets
      • Rings

        Rings
      • High Jewellery

        High Jewellery
      • Men's Jewellery

        Men's Jewellery
    • Pre-Owned

      Pre-Owned
      • Earrings

        Earrings
      • Necklaces

        Necklaces
      • Bracelets

        Bracelets
      • Rings

        Rings
      • Pendants

        Pendants
      • Brooches

        Brooches
      • Watches

        Watches
    • By Price

      By Price
      • Designers

        Designers
      • $250 - $1,000

        $250 - $1,000
      • $1,000 - $2,500

        $1,000 - $2,500
      • $2,500 - $5,000

        $2,500 - $5,000
      • $5,000 - $10,000

        $5,000 - $10,000
      • $10,000 - $25,000

        $10,000 - $25,000
      • Over $25,000

        Over $25,000
  • TUDOR
    • TUDOR
  • REPAIRS & SERVICES
    • Jewellery Repair
    • Watch Repairs
    • Sell Your Jewellery
  • Account
  • Home
  • / News
  • / The HOWARD Custom Design Q&A!

The HOWARD Custom Design Q&A!

Christine Palanuk · January 22, 2022
The HOWARD Custom Design Q&A!

Custom Design work is a major part of our world at Howard Fine Jewellers! We’re proud to say that what truly makes us different is our on-site factory complete with a team of world-class Master Goldsmiths, and our on-site gemological laboratory equipped with a full-time GIA Accredited Gemologist! Our ability to manufacture, repair, restore and source precious gemstones for any piece of jewellery allows us to work hand-in-hand with you throughout the entire process. Ensuring we’ve found options that best meet your requirements and budget.

We recognize that the idea of custom designing or re-designing your own piece of fine jewellery opens the door to many questions! We took the liberty to put together a list of our most frequently asked custom design questions that we hope you will find valuable in making the decision to start your very own custom design experience! 


From The Bench: Progress captured from the point of view of our Master Goldsmiths.


Q - How much will my custom piece cost?

A - Since every custom design piece is one-of-a-kind, all costs vary. Costs are determined by factors such as preferred metal karat and quantity, costs of precious stones, and amount of labour. We build our quotes by respecting your budget, while ensuring quality is not compromised.

 

Q - How long will it take to create my custom piece?

A - It takes approximately 4 weeks to complete a custom design. However, we are flexible and do our best to accommodate rush requests!

 

Q - Is custom design more expensive than a ready to wear piece?

A - We believe the experience of creating something uniquely for you should be accessible to everyone. Without compromising our reputation for excellence in our craft and service, we offer competitive pricing to pieces that are available from the show-case, online, or from other retailers.


The Jewellery Sisters: Co-owners Stephanie & Lindsay Appotive proudly pictured in their on-site factory at Howard Fine Jewellers! HOWARD has been Ottawa's premier jeweller for over 50 years, and is now second generation female owned!

 

Q - Can I use my own precious metals and gemstones?

A - Yes, we can certainly incorporate your existing precious gemstones into your custom design piece! We recommend bringing any precious metals or gemstones that you would like to incorporate to your consultation. Once assessed, our experts will determine what can be used in creating your custom design piece.

Due to variations in alloys, we do not recommend re-using precious metals directly in a custom design. Alloys are the non-gold or non-platinum portions of the metal. For example, 18K is 75% gold, and the other 25% is made up of alloys. Sometimes, these alloys do not mix well with others, or are better suited to certain manufacturing processes. As a result, we cannot guarantee the quality of a piece when re-using precious metals. However, we do offer a competitive trade-in of gold and platinum pieces for custom designs.

 

Q - Where will my custom piece be made?

A - Your custom design piece will be made by our world-class master goldsmiths in our in-house factory! Located in the heart of downtown Ottawa on the historic Sparks Street Mall, Howard Fine Jewellers is equipped with a full in-house factory. We welcome you to discover our in-house factory to see where your piece will be made.

 

Q - Who will be making my custom piece?

A - Through innovative technology and a wealth of talent and experience, our team of Master Goldsmiths bring your piece to life. Your jewellery is in the hands of the masters of this craft. Every custom piece is handcrafted with the highest quality standards.

 

Q - How involved will I be in the process of custom design?

A - From design concepts, to hand picking your precious materials, discovering our in-house factory, and everything in between, we invite you to join us through every step of the custom design process. It is always your choice when it comes to your custom design experience!

 

Q - Who should I see to help me bring my design to life?

A - Any of our sales or service professionals will happily assist you in bringing your custom design piece to life. Our team of passionate experts will guide you through the HOWARD custom design process to create the perfect piece that is uniquely yours.

A glowing review from our happy clients Alex & Sophie! Fun fact: This one-of-a-kid Emerald Tree engagement ring was hand carved by our Master Goldsmith Grant. Each marking is unique and there will never be another one like it!


Are you ready to begin your own unique custom design experience with HOWARD? Click here to start! We also invite you to call or visit our showroom - no appointment necessary and consultations are always free!
Share
  • Share on Facebook
  • Share on Twitter
  • Pin it

0 comments

Leave a comment

Please note: comments must be approved before they are published.

Previous

An Interview with Maria Tash
October 22, 2021

An Interview with Maria Tash

Next

Why We've Fallen For Crisscut Diamonds!
September 20, 2022

Why We've Fallen For Crisscut Diamonds!

Collections

Featured articles

Get updates (we don't spam)

Thank you for your support.

  • CUSTOMER CARE
    • HOWARD's Guarantee
    • Return & Exchange
    • Trade In/Trade Up
    • Contact Us
  • GENERAL INFORMATION
    • About
    • Testimonials
    • Shipping Policy
  • PRIVACY AND SECURITY
    • Payment Security
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms and Conditions
  • Terms of Service
  • Refund policy
Copyright © 2023 Howard Fine Jewellers . Powered by Shopify
American Express Apple Pay Diners Club Discover Google Pay Mastercard Shop Pay Visa