bespoke
Because your love is one of a kind
At Altana Fine Jewelry, we specialize in bespoke bridal & engagement rings and heirloom reworks. Over the years, we've made thousands of custom pieces of jewelry.
Whether you're in the Bay Area and looking for a local jeweler or if you'd like to work virtually with us, we have decades of experience guiding clients through the custom design process to rave reviews.
STEP ONE
Initial Discovery Session
The first step in our custom design process is an Initial Discovery Session, held either online or in person.
During this meeting, we get acquainted with what you’re looking for. Some clients arrive with no idea where to start; others come with a sketch or a clear vision. Wherever you’re starting, we’ll talk through your design aesthetic, lifestyle, budget range (both ideal and absolute), and sizing.
We’ll also explore our collection of rings and gemstones so you can experience different metals and finishes, band widths, carat sizes, and stone cuts in person. Many clients tell us this is one of the most helpful parts of envisioning their own ring.
We’ll discuss our commitment to more ethical sourcing and the possibility of incorporating heirloom jewelry or stones.
At the end of our meeting, we’ll outline next steps and leave you with a little homework. Depending on where we land, we may begin sourcing stone options, sketching ideas, or refining the details of your vision.
Step Two
The Stone Search
Next, we begin the search for your center stone. Once we’ve established your design aesthetic, priorities, and budget, the stone becomes the foundation for everything that follows.
Step Three
The Design Stage
With your stone selected, we begin bringing your ring to life. We’ll work through a series of hand-rendered sketches, often moving into a detailed CAD rendering as the design takes shape.
Throughout the process, we stay in close contact and refine the design together. Some clients know exactly what they want, while others need more time to explore their options. Either way, you’ll approve every step along the way. We never move into production until you’re completely thrilled with the design.
Step Four
Fabrication
This is where your design becomes a finished piece. Your ring is carefully cast, with the band built, stones set, and every detail finished and fine-tuned.
While the process varies slightly from piece to piece, the goal is always the same: a ring that feels as considered and unique as the design we created together.
Step Five
Delivery
And finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for: your ring is ready. Before delivery, we’ll make any final adjustments to sizing or details, then give your ring its finishing polish. We take careful photos and details, both to document our work and guarantee you have everything you need for appraisals and insurance.
We’ll schedule a time for you to pick it up, whether you’re ready to wear it right away or taking it home for a future proposal. If it’s a surprise, we’ll also work with your partner after delivery to make sure the fit is just right.
If we could leave you with one assurance, it’s this: while the custom process can feel overwhelming at first, it unfolds gradually, collaboratively, and with plenty of guidance along the way. You’ll have input at every step, allowing your vision to take shape naturally.
Still feeling nervous? Take a look at our custom process testimonials. There’s nothing quite like hearing from clients who’ve been through it themselves.
CUSTOM FAQ
How long does the custom process take?
Here's the part where we tell you that every single project is different. The speed of the process strongly depends on the particulars of the desired design and the clarity of the vision of each client. Some clients move through the process very quickly, and others take much longer.
In general, once you have signed off on the final design, production takes 4-8 weeks, depending on the intricacy of the design and other variables, like hand engraving.
Most custom clients come to us with flexible deadlines. If you have a proposal date or deadline in mind, please tell us at the beginning of our work together.
Is it possible to rush a custom ring?
In most cases, it is possible to rush a custom ring. Our design team must give approval to all deadlines. Any bespoke orders needed in less than 2 months are considered rush orders. Rush fees will apply.
Please inquire about the feasibility of rushing your custom jewelry before placing your order. As a small family busines, know that our current workload, holidays, and intricacy of the desired design affect our ability to rush your order.
If you place a rush order after talking to our team, please remember that the speed of your communication and decision making greatly impact our ability to hit short deadlines.
How much does a custom ring cost?
We work with clients across a wide range of price points, and every project is different. Costs vary depending on the materials (such as the center stone, side stones, and the type and amount of metal), the amount of design work needed, and the intricacy of the fabrication work.
In general, our fully bespoke rings start at $5,000. For clients with heirloom or outside stones, our bespoke settings range from about $3,000-$4,600.
If you are looking to make a special ring within a lower budget range, please ask us about our new line of customizable engagement rings. We are also able to customize any past custom ring with a center stone of your choice. Please inquire.
Can I use heirloom stones in a custom project?
We specialize in heirloom reworks, and we often create bespoke engagement and wedding rings using our clients' family stones. We would love to help you redesign your heirloom pieces into something you will love wearing every day. Please set up an appointment to discuss the process with us.
Can I bring my own center stone?
The short answer is yes. We do work with outside stones.
The longer answer is that we always need to see the stone in question & talk to the individual client before we can approve the project.
Whenever possible, we strongly prefer to help our clients with the stone search, as the center stone is so integral to the feel of the final piece & we want to help you design the ring you've been dreaming of.
Do you create custom projects for men?
Yes, all the time! And we love doing it!
Whether you're looking for something truly original and stylish or just have a particular vision for your ring, we truly enjoy making custom rings for men, as well as gender neutral pieces.
Do you work with all couples?
Jewelry is for everyone, and everyone deserves to be met with warmth, respect, and genuine care.
There is no particular way you need to look, speak, or shop with us. We’ll never make assumptions about your relationship, your roles, or what you’re looking for. We’re here to listen, answer your questions, and help you find something that feels distinctly, and beautifully, your own.
When is payment due?
For heirloom rework clients or those with a center stone, we require a material deposit roughly equal to half down before we begin any design work. The remainder is due on pickup.
For bespoke clients, we require a $250 deposit to begin sourcing stones. When you purchase a stone, this fee is fully credited toward your stone payment. The materials deposit is due when we finalize the CAD. The remainder is due on pickup.
All projects must be paid in full before pickup or shipping, without exception.
Can I bring my own inspiration or ideas?
Yes, please! We hope you do. The custom process is more fun when we have a jumping off point. The more photos & ideas or sketches our clients gather or make, the easier it is to nail down their design language.
You can share a Pinterest board with us or even just drop images on our email thread. We will use them as a starting point for your design discussion.
But please note: we will never copy another designer's work. If you've found the "perfect ring" elsewhere, please go buy that ring from the designer who created the work. As artists ourselves, this is non-negotiable for our team.
Are revisions available during the design process?
Absolutely. We bring both the sketches and the CAD renderings to our custom clients to offer them the opportunity for review & feedback. For the majority of clients, one round of revisions at each stage is all that is needed. We do not move to the fabrication stage until our clients sign off on the design.
If more than one round of revisions is needed, addtional fees may apply.
We strongly encourage our clients to narrow down their design vision before we begin the sketch phase to help keep the custom process within the original budget. We are always willing to do multiple designs or add additional sketches or CAD renderings, but additional fees apply. If clients change their mind or request new designs at the sketch or CAD rendering stages, this will also incur additional fees.
Can I see a physical model of the ring?
For most of our clients, this step isn't necessary. However, in the case of rings that will be difficult to resize after fabrication, we sometimes recommend a trial run. We also find that some new custom design clients feel apprehensive and appreciate the chance to see the design in person before we begin casting.
To create a physical model, we have the option of printing a wax or casting a sterling silver model of the ring. Additional fees will apply.
What if my custom ring needs to be resized?
We offer one complimentary resizing within six months of purchase of every custom ring.
If additional resizes are needed or resizes are needed in the future, we are happy to help for a fee.
Do you accept returns or exchanges?
Bespoke rings are unique, one of creations made for specific clients, and as such they cannot be returned or exchanged for store credit.