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Kerstin Laibach
Bespoke Jewellery Entirely Handmade with Unparalleled Ethical Principles
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If you are
requesting a price estimate for Laibach goldsmith work in high value
precious metals (and perhaps with antique precious stones) and are unfamiliar with the associated
costs, please read the following:
The few remaining entirely
(genuinely) handmade goldsmith
practices are traditionally found (and truly understood
in the central strip of European countries, particularly Germany and Switzerland, where focus
on technical precision and creative perfection is paramount. Originally, such
unique craft works were
only available to view directly in the local goldsmith ateliers
of the regions. Visiting such an atelier in person will always
be the best way to recognise the stark difference between genuine
goldmith artistry and high street / internet "designer" jewellery;
and some of Kerstin Laibach's most valued clients will always
prefer to meet and discuss their exact wishes with Kerstin in
person in the lovely surroundings of her atelier. Ethical wedding
couples in particular love the concept of being able to come to
the studio and take part in the first forging processes of their
rings. But the internet has however created a window that can (but
only superficially)
present this exceptional standard of true goldsmithing to the
wider world.
With the wide reach of the internet in mind, it is quite unusual
for a fine-goldsmith from this region to also be offering individual
pieces in silver; such immaculately handcrafted works would
usually only be offered locally in high-end precious metals. But
Kerstin Laibach believes that providing options in recycled Sterling silver
gives on-line English speaking customers from all parts of the
world (perhaps with a restricted budget) an opportunity to acquire
an heirloom quality, purely handmade piece at a reachable price. Laibach pieces
made in Sterling silver, as opposed to their counterparts made
in high-end golds and platinum, also reveals the dramatic difference
in precious metal value. The exact same standard of workmanship is applied
to a Laibach piece in recycled Sterling silver as it is in recycled
platinum or gold ... it is simply the cost of the precious metal
that dictates the much higher price.
Kerstin Laibach receives many price requests for gold / platinum
pieces (based on the examples shown on this website). A high proportion of these requests
are based on web-browsing curiosity or "price comparison"
rather than prior understanding of the significant costs of much
higher value precious metals combined with commissioning true
goldsmith standard design and workmanship. There is a significant
difference between a Laibach ethical goldsmith piece and the standards
of an increasing number of dilettante jewellery makers and factory
cast repetitions overwhelming the internet (particularly in English
language countries). Such jewellers may use high-end precious
metals but crafting skill, ethics and most significantly the
quantity of precious metals a piece contains ... (and quality
of stones where applicable) is of a questionable standard.
Kerstin Laibach creates her pieces with lifelong expectations
... robustness through strong, tactile design and exacting goldsmith
standards. If sourcing antique precious stones, she uses a keen
professional eye to choose only the most exceptional (attractive)
for the design.
Therefore, please only request a high-end cost estimate if you
have already familiarized yourself in advance with gold and platinum
precious metal values (and if applicable, have understood how
costs of antique precious stones differ from new-mined). Please
also appreciate the value of notable skill-sets required for individually
hand-forged, highly personalised fine-goldsmithing; heirloom pieces
made without casting, computer design or other technological fabrication.
With these factors in mind, please ensure that you have prepared
your budget for such an investment. If you are considering rings
in recycled 18ct gold or platinum for example, please also take
careful note of the width, thickness and of course size you would
prefer as these factors can alter the price greatly due the quantity
of high-end precious metal(s) in your rings.
Because Kerstin Laibach hand makes to your exact requirements
you may however find that a high end precious metal ring made
narrower and a little thinner (but still solid) may still provide
you with a beautiful ring but which will also fit comfortably within
your budget.
For wedding and engagement couples commissioning high-end precious
metal / diamond rings, Kerstin prefers to meet you both in person
- either at her atelier in the Black Forest or a pre-arranged
location in south or west England. Please get
in touch if
you wish to commission Kerstin Laibach to create your rings. It
is worth noting however that longer distance commissioning, purely
dependant through on-line correspondence, achieves an equally satisfactory
result for Kerstin Laibach's clients. Please also note that
there is a charge for estimates of complex design and also
charge(s) for design sketches. These charges are mostly credited
towards the final cost of your piece if you go ahead with
comissioning. (The estimate charge and design sketch charges are
not returnable if you do not go ahead with commissioning.)
REMINDER NOTE: If you are
requesting a personal cost estimate for rings, particularly in
platinum and gold, it is essential that you provide as close as
possible your ring finger size(s) and also indicate the rings
width(s) you would prefer.
AN EXAMPLE OF THE DIFFERENCE
BETWEEN SILVER AND GOLD PRICES:
Personal cost estimates are
undertaken personally by Kerstin Laibach based on a client's unique
requirements, and the type of precious metals requested can make
a considerable difference to the end value. Calculating an estimate
for a meticulously crafted handmade bespoke piece, based on individual
requirements takes considerable time to prepare and is based on
the current market price of precious metals.
While the price estimate of a Laibach
"Hasel" ring 6mm wide - 2mm thick in Sterling silver may be approximately
160 Euro, its equivalent in 18ct gold may estimate at roughly
1,700 Euro. Not only does the type of precious metal dramatically
alter the ring's end value but also its size, width and thickness.
Being hand forged from the raw precious metals, all Laibach ring
designs can be made in the measurements most suited to its wearer.
Please also consider that a ring for a large finger could contain
a third more precious metal than the identical design ring for
a small finger.
However, please don't hesitate to
get in touch if you have a restricted budget and would like to
enquire about affordable precious metal options/combinations which
Kerstin Laibach can suggest and calculate for you. In such cases
it would be most helpful if you can state your budget when enquiring
- particularly with rings.
If you require rings, please remember to provide as much sizing
detail as possible.
WHY ONLY A COST ESTIMATE AND NOT
AN EXACT QUOTE?
The prices of pieces in Sterling
silver, such as band rings can be priced exactly when enquiring
(based on your quoted ring size). This is because the value of
silver is very much lower than for example, the same ring in platinum.
The higher the value of precious metal means it is not possible
to determine the exact end cost because:
a.) The pure hand crafting process means a little less or a little
more precious metals may be used during crafting - and every gram
of such a high value metal can alter the cost of the piece based
on the final weight.
b.) The amount of precious metal needed for a ring can vary dramatically
based on ring size. I.e. much more precious metal is needed for
a large ring. A much closer cost estimate can be provided once
Kerstin Laibach has your exact ring measurements (upon return
of the supplied ring-sizer which is sent after ordering).
Note that the initial cost estimate you will be provided with
is more often than not a very close estimate.
FOOTNOTE REGARDING END COST
BASED ON EXACT PRECIOUS METAL USAGE:
Kerstin Laibach is a skilled goldsmith and not a "brand"
or factory / cast jewellery company and there is a distinct difference.
Kerstin makes every last detail of your piece entirely by hand
and as previously mentioned, from the outset she does not use
computers to design or have any piece processed or cast by computer
controlled machinery etc. Therefore, your piece is uniquely crafted
with its final end material cost being determined exactly on the
amount of precious materials used and the associated material's
weight. Depending on the intricacy of the design, the end cost
of the finished piece can occasionally total to plus or minus
up to 10% of the estimate. (But is quite often almost exact to
the original estimate.)
Please
also see the Laibach ring-sizing requirements here.
MORE ORDERING INFORMATION
How
to Order a Piece
Delivery
/ Shipping Information
Returns
Sending
Us Items
For all enquiries
please see the Atelier Laibach contact
page
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