A commission is a collaborative design process for creating a one-of-a-kind piece or set, specifically for you.
Commissioned pieces are designed and made to specification, using the same hand-fabricated stones and cold metal connections used throughout the design house.
Sterling silver is the standard metal. Gold, platinum and other precious metals are available by request.
Each plate design is carved based on the client's vision, including illustrative imagery, pattern work, monograms or typographic elements.
Commissions can be a single piece, a matched set or multiples, commissioned together for bridal parties, hostess gifts or kept on hand to give out over time, including corporate commissions for client appreciation and employee milestones.
Scope & Investment
Custom work requires dedicated professional time before fabrication: research, design development, construction planning, material and labor calculations and pricing.
For this reason, Mavens & Ravens does not develop designs, quotes or estimates through open-ended email correspondence.
The complimentary consultation determines whether the project is a good fit for both client and designer.
A $350 Commission Design fee, due after the consultation if the client wants to move forward, begins the design and pricing work.
Each stage has a defined scope and cost, so the commission develops deliberately and efficiently, and respects the client's and the designer's time.
The Process
Initial Consultation
All commissions begin with a 30-minute complimentary consultation, by phone, virtual meeting or in person. The client initiates this process by filling out the online form.
This conversation gives the client the opportunity to discuss their vision and preferences, while ensuring Mavens & Ravens gathers the information needed to prepare the Commission Proposal.
Detailed pricing is not provided during the consultation or through extended email exchange, and no final pricing is given until the Commission Proposal fee has been paid.
A consultation does not obligate either party to proceed.
Commission Proposal
If the project is a good fit, a $350 Commission Proposal fee is required before custom work begins.
This fee compensates Mavens & Ravens for the professional time, expertise and creative labor required to develop the Commission Proposal.
Activities include:
- research and development of the commission concept
- exploration of materials and construction
- fabrication planning
- calculation of material and labor costs
- development of the preliminary price
- creation of a design sketch
The $350 Commission Proposal fee is non-refundable. Any portion not used in developing the proposal may be applied to production costs.
Design, Quote & Approval
This stage results in a proposed design and a detailed quote. The final price is established here, since the design determines the materials, construction requirements and labor involved.
The proposed design and quote are presented to the client, who may approve the commission and proceed, or end the exploration at this stage.
Upon approval, the balance is due. This payment authorizes the commission to move into production.
The approved design reflects the creative direction established during the consultation and Commission Proposal. Requests for substantial changes, including changes to the overall concept, materials or aesthetic direction, may require additional design work and fees.
Production & Delivery
Fabrication begins once the balance has been paid.
Once fabrication is complete, the finished commission will be prepared for delivery by shipment or local pickup, as arranged with the client.
