Pricing

Handmade jewelry requires time, love, and patience. The cost of materials fluctuates with the market price of silver and gold, and with the rarity of the stones I select — many of which are one-of-a-kind. A single piece can take hours, sometimes days, to complete, and every step is done by hand with the intention that it will last a lifetime. Tools wear down and need replacing. And there is a real human behind all of it.

When you purchase a piece from KDK Designs, you’re investing in something that was made carefully and with intention — not mass produced, not replicated. I appreciate you keeping that in mind.

Materials

I work primarily in fine and sterling silver, and occasionally with 14 and 18k gold depending on the piece. All stones I use are natural — I don’t work with lab-grown stones as a general practice, though I’m open to discussing lab-grown options for custom work if that fits your vision and budget.

Responsible sourcing is something I care about deeply and am actively prioritizing in my business. Where possible, I work with suppliers and gem dealers who share that commitment. I now source my gold from a supplier that refines recycled metal, and I’ll continue moving in that direction. When I know the origin or story of a stone, I’ll always share it in the listing. When I don’t, I’ll say so honestly — I’d rather be transparent than overclaim.

Some pieces also incorporate brass, which adds warmth and character and, like silver, develops a natural patina over time.

Process

Everything I make is hand-fabricated in my home studio in Arvada, Colorado. My process begins with the stone — I hand-select each one individually, and the design grows from there. I build layered metal structures around the stone, sometimes with smooth boarders and sometimes with faceted geometric edges that catch the light from multiple angles. Both approaches are about the same thing: depth, dimension, and letting the stone be the star.

Not every element of every piece is made entirely from scratch — I don’t hand-fabricate chains (although I plan to in the future), for example — but I make as many components as I’m capable of by hand. Sometimes that means melting down raw silver or gold, milling it out myself, and starting the piece from there. When I do, I’ll mention it in the listing because I think it matters.