The Custom Design Ceremony
The Design Ceremony is the heart of the custom process at Nested Yellow — a focused, unrushed experience where ideas take shape through conversation, material exploration, and hand-drawn design. Guided by symbolism, natural references, and how the piece will be worn, each ceremony allows space for thoughtful refinement before the final work is made. It is a quiet beginning, honoring both the story and the craft behind each piece.
A private ritual where your story becomes a lasting heirloom.
What Happens During Your Design Ceremony
Your Design Ceremony takes place in my Portland atelier (or virtually for out-of-town clients) and lasts approximately two hours.
During this time, we will:
- Talk through your story, inspiration, and the meaning behind your piece
- Explore gemstones, materials, and symbolism
- Sketch and paint your design live as we refine the details together
- Define the shape, scale, and aesthetic of your final piece
- Create a clear design direction for your jewelry
By the end of your ceremony, you will have a fully envisioned concept — the blueprint for a piece that will be made just for you.
What You Receive
Your Design Ceremony includes:
- A private 2-hour design session
- Live hand-drawn sketches and painted concept artwork
- A defined design direction for your custom piece
- Professional CAD and a 3D resin mock-up (created after the ceremony)
- An original painting of your design
- A keepsake ring box
This process allows you to see, feel, and live with your design before it is cast in gold — ensuring that every detail is exactly right.
Investment
The Custom Design Ceremony is $500.
This fee reserves your private session and covers the creative design work, artwork, and modeling process.
Your Design Ceremony fee is separate from the cost of your finished jewelry.
Most custom pieces created through the Design Ceremony range from $4,000 to $20,000+, depending on materials, gemstones, and complexity.
Who This Is For
The Design Ceremony is for those who value:
- Meaningful, story-driven design
- Handcrafted heirloom jewelry
- A slow, thoughtful creative process
- One-of-a-kind pieces made just for them
Whether you are celebrating love, honoring family history, or creating something deeply personal, this ceremony is designed to give your jewelry the care and intention it deserves.
After Your Ceremony
Following your Design Ceremony, we will create a detailed CAD and resin model of your piece. You will have the opportunity to review and even wear the mock-up before we move into casting and finishing your final jewelry.
Once your design is approved, you will receive a custom quote and timeline for creating your piece.
Begin Your Design Ceremony
If you feel a spark, you’re ready.
Click below to schedule your private Design Ceremony.
A $500 invoice will be emailed upon booking to reserve your time.