Have Stones of Your Own?
Maybe they’re family heirlooms, an auction find, or (dare we say it) something you discovered on TikTok. Whatever their story, we’d love to help you give them a new one.
At Whim, we work with customer-supplied diamonds and gemstones to create something entirely your own, whether that means designing a custom piece from scratch or incorporating your stones into one of our existing designs.
Every stone is unique, so we take a thoughtful approach to ensure it’s suited to your chosen design and handled with care throughout the process. Here’s what to know before getting started.
Certification Comes First
We work with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) to have customer-supplied stones evaluated and certified. Certification helps identify your stone’s characteristics and provides important documentation before we begin working with it.
Certification is an important part of our recommended process, but you may opt out if you prefer.
Choosing to opt out? Here’s what to know. Without certification, we may not be able to fully verify your stone’s identity, treatments, or internal characteristics. These unknowns can affect how a stone responds to the setting process. If you choose to proceed without certification, you acknowledge and accept the associated risks and responsibility for damage or breakage during setting, subject to our agreed-upon terms.
We’ll discuss your options with you before moving forward so you can make an informed decision about your stone.
How It Works
01. Tell Us About Your Stones
Get in touch and share a little about your stones and what you envision creating. Photos, measurements, and any existing certificates or documentation are always helpful.
02. Stone Inspection & Certification
Once your stones arrive, we carefully examine and document their condition, measurements, and any visible chips, inclusions, or other characteristics. We’ll discuss certification options with you and help determine the best next step before design and production begin.
03. Design & Fit
Every stone has its own proportions and considerations. We’ll assess how your stones work with your chosen design and recommend any necessary adjustments or a custom setting to complement them.
04. Your Quote & Design Deposit
Every project begins with a $300 non-refundable design deposit, which is credited toward your final order. This allows us to begin developing your project and working through the details of your design.
If you decide not to move forward, the deposit is not refundable, but its value can be applied toward another purchase or project with Whim in the future.
Because every project is different, pricing is provided on an individual basis once we understand your stones, design, and setting requirements.
05. Crafted With Care
Once your design and quote are approved, our jewelers bring your piece to life with care and attention to detail. Our average production timeline is 6–8 weeks, though we’ll provide a personalized estimate based on your specific design and project requirements.
When your piece is complete, it’s ready to begin its next chapter with you.
A Few Things to Know
Some stones require extra care.
Certain gemstones, including emeralds, opals, pearls, and tanzanite, can be more delicate to work with. Treatments, fracture filling, and existing wear can also affect how a stone responds to setting. We’ll discuss any concerns and potential risks with you before proceeding.
Every stone is different.
Even a stone that appears to be in excellent condition may have internal features or weaknesses that aren’t visible to the naked eye. While we take every precaution, the setting process carries some inherent risk. We’ll discuss these considerations with you before work begins.
Heirlooms may need a little extra attention.
Older stones can show signs of wear or may benefit from additional evaluation before being set. If polishing, recutting, or other preparation is worth considering, we’ll discuss the available options and how they may affect the stone’s size or weight.
A note on insurance.
We recommend maintaining appropriate insurance coverage for your stones and finished jewelry. If you have an existing appraisal or certificate, please share it with us when you get in touch.
Ready to Begin?
Your stones already have a story. Let’s help you create what comes next.
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