FAQs
How does the Commissions Design Process work?
Check out my Commissions Page for the low-down.
How do I pay for my commissioned order?
You can call me with your credit card information (434.466.4042) or send funds via PayPal to tavia@taviametal.com or Venmo to @Tavia-Brown. For commissioned orders, I require a 50% deposit up front, with the balance due upon completion.
How long will it take to make my commissioned piece?
Once a deposit has been made it will take 4 to 12 weeks depending on the difficulty of the piece, my current orders, and time of the year. Weddings happen all year long, with a majority in the spring and fall, so it is best to start the design process 4-6 months in advance. Oct-Dec is also a busy time of year with holidays.
Will you create anything I want?
I create within my design style and will customize within my aesthetic. I do not replicate jewelry pieces from photos off the internet or magazines or duplicate already made pieces by artists other than myself.
What metal or gemstones of mine will you recycle?
Most golds can be recycled with great results, with yellow and rose being the most effective. White golds can be more brittle the more you work the material. Often, fresh gold will need to be added to reduce the chance of porosity. If you are wanting to use your old white gold, send me an image of the jewelry and we’ll discuss design possibilities. I do not alloy gold to change karat, and I cannot change the color of your gold. Another option is to refine the material you have and use fresh gold for your new creation.
Your precious gemstones must be in good condition. There are fees associated with the removal of stones. This will be determined before the work is done.
What metals do you work in?
- 14kt or 18kt yellow (royal or regular), white, rose, peach gold
- 22kt yellow gold
- palladium
- platinum
- sterling silver
- titanium
What if my new ring doesn’t fit properly?
I suggest you pop into your local jeweler and have your finger sized properly before I start your new ring. It can be helpful to go to more than one store to get a good consensus on size. Make sure the finger you have sized is the same one you’ll be wearing the ring on.
If I made a sizing mistake, I will resize your ring free of charge and pay for the shipping both ways.
If your finger has changed size, or you want to wear your ring on another finger, please let me know as soon as possible.
What if I am unhappy with the finished result?
Since you will be required to approve the process every step of the way it is unlikely this will happen. However, if you are not satisfied I will do what I can to rectify the problem.
Will I be charged Sales Tax?
Sales tax of 5.3% applies to shipping addresses located in Virginia.
What Is Your Privacy Policy?
1) Your personal details will remain private and confidential. We will never sell or rent your personal details to any other company. All data collected is for our internal use only. 2) We receive and may store any information you enter on our website. For example, we collect information you provide when you place an order, register with us, send us an e-mail or call us. This information may include: Your name, your mailing address, your e-mail address or your phone number. 3) We may, from time to time, send you pertinent information on events, helpful info, or to keep you updated about new work, should you choose to subscribe.
What is the black metal that you use?
The black metal is oxidized silver. A special chemical is put on to create the reaction that turns the metal black. It will wear over time and may need to be touched up. You can contact us to re-oxidized your piece at no charge.
The dark grey colored metal is titanium and that is its natural coloring. Items will be noted as titanium if they contain that material. I also apply a colorful heat patina to some of my titanium pieces and those will be noted as well.