The Custom Process

Inspired by You, Created by Nicole Mera

Through a one-on-one private consultation, Nikki, Graduate Gemologist and Founder of Nicole Mera, will help guide you through the experience of buying or creating a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, wedding bands, or piece of custom fine jewelry. While an important jewelry purchase can seem overwhelming at times, Nikki is here for you every step of the way.

Let’s take a look at what to expect: 

Overall Timing

Nikki encourages you to reach out 8-10+ weeks prior to a proposal or gifting a custom piece of fine jewelry. Keep in mind, for more intricate designs, manufacturing alone can take up to 6-8 weeks. Please leave ample amount of time for custom fabrication. 

Custom engagement rings, including a center diamond, start at $10,000 and can be customized with your preferred diamond shape, carat weight, ring style and precious metal. 

Note: Nicole Mera only sources Natural, GIA Certified diamonds. We do not supply lab-grown diamonds. If you own a lab-grown diamond, we will happily create a custom jewel for you. 

Stone Selection Timing

Varies per request and desired goals for each client but could be as quick as 3-5 days to 1-2 weeks+

Production Timing

The average custom piece requires 4-6 weeks for hand-fabrication but the more complicated custom designs could require 6-8+ weeks to manufacture. To learn more about the timeframe for your custom piece of fine jewelry, please contact us. NOTE: DUE TO THE GLOBAL PANDEMIC, TURNAROUND TIMES HAVE INCREASED. Due to the nature of unforeseen challenges, production times may be extended. To ensure a timely delivery for a proposal or important date, please reach out to us with ample time.   

In-Person Clients
Step 1

Initial Consultation

At an initial consultation, Nikki and you discuss budget, design goals, diamond/stone preferences, and time frame. Nikki will detail what to expect from start to finish. If you are unable to meet in person, Nikki can work with you by zoom/email/text. At this consultation, we will:

  • Review your inspiration & photos
  • Discuss the possibilities of working with your personal existing stones and jewelry 
  • Review Nicole Mera existing jewelry designs to help you select different elements to incorporate into your custom design
  • Discuss possible design details before stone selection (Overall Design, Finger Size, Metal, Stone Shape).
Step 2

Diamond / Gemstone Selection

Unlike a traditional brick & mortar store, Nikki utilizes her network of diamond & colored stone wholesalers to curate a selection based on your desired design goals and requirements. Nikki’s goal is to ensure you get the best diamond or gemstone at the best value.

Selecting A Stone

Beauty and rarity are important qualities when selecting the perfect gemstone or diamond to represent your love and commitment. Nikki understands the qualities a stone must have in order for it to stand above the rest. Nikki only works with GIA certified Diamonds and with reputable diamond & colored gemstone manufacturers to ensure that you not only receive a beautiful and high-quality stone, but one that is also responsibly sourced.

Final Design Elements

Once the stone has been selected and the details have been finalized regarding the overall design, Nikki will provide a formal Quote Sheet to be signed that will outline all of the details and include visuals. This ensures that no detail is missed before heading into production. NOTE: Due to the nature of custom hand-fabricated jewelry, there is no way to see your finished project before it is brought to life. 

Deposit

A minimum 50% deposit is required to start production on any custom order. Stones cannot be held without a deposit and may continue to be shown to other clients if you are not ready to proceed. A remaining balance is due upon delivery/shipment. Note: Some stones may require a deposit prior to sourcing/selection. That deposit will be applied towards the total price of your custom piece.

Nicole Mera gladly accepts payment via credit card, bank transfer, certified check. Layaway options are available upon request but granted on a case by case basis.

Unlike a traditional brick & mortar store, Nikki utilizes her network of diamond & colored stone wholesalers to curate a selection based on your desired design goals and requirements. Nikki’s goal is to ensure you get the best diamond or gemstone at the best value.

Selecting A Stone

Beauty and rarity are important qualities when selecting the perfect gemstone or diamond to represent your love and commitment. Nikki understands the qualities a stone must have in order for it to stand above the rest. Nikki only works with GIA certified Diamonds and with reputable diamond & colored gemstone manufacturers to ensure that you not only receive a beautiful and high-quality stone, but one that is also responsibly sourced. 

Final Design Elements

Once the stone has been selected and the details have been finalized regarding the overall design, Nikki will provide a formal Quote Sheet to be signed that will outline all of the details and include visuals. This ensures that no detail is missed before heading into production. NOTE: Due to the nature of custom hand-fabricated jewelry, there is no way to see your finished project before it is brought to life. 

Deposit

A minimum 50% deposit is required to start production on any custom order. Stones cannot be held without a deposit and may continue to be shown to other clients if you are not ready to proceed. A remaining balance is due upon delivery/shipment. Note: Some stones may require a deposit prior to sourcing/selection. That deposit will be applied towards the total price of your custom piece.

Nicole Mera gladly accepts payment via credit card, bank transfer, certified check. Layaway options are available upon request but granted on a case by case basis.

Step 2

Diamond/Gemstone Selection

Step 3

Manufacturing & Delivery

Nikki will oversee the production from start to finish. The quality of your finished product is extremely important to Nikki. Each piece is handcrafted by the most skilled artisans, each of whom has vast experience with hand fabrication and a complete understanding of how to handle precious gemstones and diamonds. These artisans hand fabricate each piece of jewelry using cutting-edge technology, which is necessary to achieve perfection. Nikki only works with the best and follows each and every step in the process to ensure craftsmanship is at its finest. 

Upon completion, Nikki will set up a final consultation to deliver your custom piece of fine jewelry in a custom Nicole Mera box. This is also the time we will discuss the appraisal, insurance, care details, and any other final details. If you are a remote client, Nikki will overnight and insure your piece of jewelry for a safe and secure delivery. 

Virtual Clients

Not in Texas? That is Ok!

Nikki would be thrilled to work with you remotely and will easily communicate via email/text/zoom to design a custom piece of fine jewelry. You can expect to receive extensive information, high quality videos and pictures that provide the most accurate depiction of what you will receive as the final product. Note: Remote client’s can request to see stones/jewelry in person, but payment in full is required to do so. 

Explore our Past Client Custom Designs

Photography Credits: Main Image: May Carlson. Headshot: Beloved Photography. Product Photography: Dawn Elizabeth Photography, Courtney Davidson Photography, Cupcake Photography. Testimonial Photo: Maddie Pier Antoni Photography.

Inquire Here

Inquire Here

To inquire about this design, please contact us.

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