Bespoke Commissions
Much of what I make is made for one person, once. Some pieces begin from an existing design, adjusted in size, stone, or proportion. Others begin from an idea, an occasion, or a particular person.
How I work
I work alone, at one bench. Everything is made by me, from the wax to the final polish, which is also why I take a limited number of commissions at a time.
Everything I make is solid 18k gold in yellow, white, or rose.
I work with natural stones: antique diamonds, Montana sapphires, and whatever else suits the piece. I source them myself and show you the options.
Bridal commissions take around five months — a few weeks of design, then twelve to sixteen weeks of making when a stone has to be sourced. Other pieces take eight to twelve weeks from an approved design.
When you write, include your budget, your date if you have one, the stone you have in mind, and anything you've seen — mine or otherwise — that's close to what you're imagining. A rough idea is enough to start with. The budget helps most: it's what tells me whether I can make the piece you're picturing.
Two ways to begin
Adapting an existing piece
Any piece in the collection can be changed: metal colour, stone, width, proportion, or where the texture falls. Sizing included. The price starts from the piece being adapted.
An original commission
Designed from the start for you. This is the route for engagement rings, wedding rings, and pieces made for an occasion. For engagement rings I quote the making and the stone separately, because the stone is usually the larger of the two and the one with the most range.
How it works
1 · Write to me. A rough idea is enough, along with the details above.
2 · A conversation. Direction, materials, stones, budget, and timing. If it isn't something I can make well, I'll tell you.
3 · Sketches. Two or three directions, drawn by hand. We refine one.
4 · Stones. I source options and send images and specifications for you to select from.
5 · Making. Wax, casting, setting, engraving, finishing. I share progress images at each stage.
6 · Delivery. Insured and tracked, worldwide.
Timeline — 8 to 12 weeks from approved design. Engagement rings with sourced stones can take upward of 12-16 weeks. Tell me your date at the start and I'll tell you honestly whether it's possible.
Payment — a deposit on approval of the design, which goes toward the final cost. The stone is paid for in full when you select it. The balance is due on completion, before delivery. Quotes hold for 30 days, and gold is priced when the order is confirmed.
If you're proposing or marrying in Karuizawa
The studio is here. You can collect the ring in person rather than have it shipped, and see it finished before you take it. For couples designing together, I hold consultations in the studio by appointment. Read more about proposing in Karuizawa.
Begin
Write to studio@annehara.com with what you have in mind, or use the form below. If you're working toward a date, please include it.
Questions
Can I use a stone I already own?
Usually not. Old stones can be fragile in ways that aren't visible until they're being worked, and sending an irreplaceable piece internationally carries a risk I'd rather not pass on to you. I make exceptions occasionally; write to me and we can discuss your specific situation.
Do you work with lab-grown stones?
No. I work with natural stones — antique diamonds, Montana sapphires, and others I source myself.
What if I don't like the sketches?
We keep drawing. Nothing is made until you've approved a design, and the deposit isn't taken before that point.
Do you work in other metals?
I only work in 18k solid gold in yellow, white, or rose. I don't work in silver or plated metals.