How it works

The process begins with an initial telephone conversation or email exchange between Sarah and her client to discuss what they have in mind and their budget, always respecting the need for discretion.

Some clients have a very clear sense of what they are looking for, while others are looking for ideas. Equally, some clients have a fixed budget, while others are looking for guidance on what they may need to spend to get what they want. Once Sarah has a good sense of what she is looking for, she will source a range of pieces from her trade contacts or from auctions, or will commission initial sketches from a designer.

Sarah will then typically meet her client in person to show them what she has found and to agree details. Once her client is completely happy, Sarah will proceed to purchase or will commission the piece. Where appropriate, Sarah will source certificates of authenticity and quality. If a piece has been identified at auction, Sarah will request a condition report and will advise on quality before recommending a bidding price. She will then bid on behalf of her client.

Sarah works hard to ensure that this process is as easy, enjoyable and reassuring as possible. She will save you time, money and anxiety.

Examples of previous commissions

Images and photographs of previous commissions can be found on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/sarahgalgeypersonalisedjewelleryservice and Instagram @sarahgalgeyjewellery

Fees

Sarah’s business model is made possible by the fact that she can use her expertise and contacts to undercut the huge mark-ups applied by brand-name jewellers and retailers. Whether sourcing through auction or commissioning direct from the trade, the price you pay will be significantly less than prices charged by well-known jewellers, yet the quality will always be equivalent.

Sarah sources the same quality gemstones and uses many of the same craftsmen as the biggest names on Bond Street, but you will pay a fraction of Bond Street prices.

If Sarah sources a piece of jewellery through auction, her fee will be added to the price paid. This fee will be agreed with you in advance and is typically in the region of 10-15% of the final sale price.

If Sarah assists you in commissioning a jewellery design, her fee will be included in the price quoted. Rest assured, this will be significantly lower than the price you would pay if purchasing an equivalent quality piece from a brand-name jeweller.

There is no such thing as a typical price, but Sarah has sourced pieces of jewellery for her clients in the range of £800 to £50,000.