Bespoke and Finery FAQS

Our finery range on our website includes a number of one of a kind pieces and pieces that are made to order. While we are not always able to replicate or recreate a one of a kind piece we love working with our customers to design and create a perfect piece for them.

We understand that our customers may have a lot of questions when looking to buy one of our finery pieces or having a custom piece made and it can often be a daunting task. We try and make the process as smooth and easy as possible and have summarised the most asked questions below regarding our bespoke and finery process to hopefully help.

What is the ToniMay bespoke and finery process?

We love creating one of a kind, unique and timeless pieces whether it be for an engagement, celebration or heirloom piece. Although all our bespoke pieces available to purchase through the website are custom made to order, we also offer a custom bespoke process where we are able to work individually with a customer bring to life their ideal piece. This involves working with our designer and team to create a unique design, custom source stones, and incorporating other individual details such as hand stamping.

Do I need to come into the store to discuss a finery piece?

We love meeting with our customers to discuss their needs in person at our ToniMay flagship store however this isn’t a necessity.

If you are planning on coming into store to discuss a bespoke piece, please get in touch ahead of time with alisha@tonimay.com.au to book an appointment so we can be sure one of our bespoke team can be onsite to meet you.

If you are unable to come into the store do not fret! We are always happy to work with customers remotely and have created many pieces for customers around Australia and the globe via email. Please pop us an email to discuss your needs.

Do we work with customers own stones or existing pieces for remodelling?

Unfortunately, we do not offer remodelling for existing jewellery and do not work with customers own stones. If there is a specific stone type you are after please do just get into touch with us to discuss.

Where do we source our stones?

We work with a number of suppliers both locally and globally who specialise in sourcing unique and stunning semi precious and precious stones for our pieces. We strive to work with suppliers who source their stones ethically and sustainably and as a result we do avoid working with larger traditional white diamonds which are often the source of conflict.

We have a number of loose grey diamond and alternative stones in stock that are available to be set for customers and are also able to work with our customer requirements to source one of a kind stones specifically to order.

The grey diamonds that we do work with have natural inclusions and this should be expected in each piece. 

The Solid Opals and Parti Sapphire's used in our finery pieces are all Ethically Sourced from local Australian Mines in South Australia and Queensland. 

Are the stones that we work with certified?

The majority of stones that we work with are not certified as unlike traditional white diamonds they are not classified in the same way nor are they as rare or scarce. If a customer does have a specific stone request and is looking for a certified stone, we are always happy to work with our suppliers to source authentication certificates or certifications.

For all pre-made pieces purchased directly through our website they do not come with certification. 

How long does a custom piece take to produce?

We recommend allowing between 8 – 12 weeks to have your custom piece created for you. If you require a piece more urgently, we recommend getting in touch to ask us what is possible.

The piece I want online is listed as 'Enquire Now' what does this mean? 

A number of rings listed on our bespoke page are one of a kind pieces due to the unique nature of the stones that we source. This does mean that once sold many of the pieces are unable to be remade.

For those pieces that are listed as 'Enquire Now' online this does mean that they were previously a one of a kind piece and are no longer in-stock. On occasion we maybe able to replicate these one of a kind styles however this does depend on the piece and the price point may vary as it is dependent on the stone. If you are interested in one of our previous one of a kind pieces please reach out to us via email and we can let you know whether it is possible to recreate and provide a quote. 

What metals do we work with?

At present we do only create our custom pieces in 9K, 14K or 18K White, Rose or Yellow Gold. We are unable to work with platinum, titanium or alternative metals and do not create any custom pieces in silver.

What is the difference between gold types?

We work with 9K, 14K and 18K Yellow or White Gold. The gold type or carat refers to the purity level of gold in a piece. Gold is typically mixed with other alloys to make it more durable and long wearing and the percentage of gold vs alloys determines the carat.  

Pure gold is 24K which is 100% gold (or 24 parts gold), 18K has 18 parts gold and 6 parts allows, 14K gold has 14 parts gold and 9K gold has 9 parts gold. 

The higher the gold percentage the softer the piece and more suited to occasional/special wear as gold is a very soft metal and can easily scratch or warp when not mixed with an alloy to strengthen it. We would normally recommend 9K or 14K gold for our finery pieces as they are very durable and less prone to scratching or manipulation in comparison to 18K or 24K. 

How do I pay for my order? Can I pay in instalments?

For all custom finery orders we do require 50% pre-payment to secure your stone, design and schedule your piece with our jeweller. The remaining balance is due on completion of the piece and prior to shipping.

Can I return or exchange my finery piece once purchased?

All finery and bespoke sales, both from our website and custom bespoke service are final and are not able to be returned or exchanged for change of mind.