Frequently Asked Questions about Militza Ortiz Jewellery

  • We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs:

    Custom made engagement rings

    Bespoke wedding bands

    Old inherited jewellery redesign

    Special birthday and anniversary jewellery gifts made specially for you.

  • Our approach is collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We guide you through every stage, bringing fresh ideas to the table and sourcing the perfect gemstones to ensure the experience is as enjoyable as the final piece itself.

  • Yes, absolutely. We regularly conduct consultations via Zoom or Google Meet to accommodate clients from further afield.

  • We are a studio-based business. By not operating a traditional retail storefront, we keep our overheads low and our communication intimate and transparent. If you would like to visit the studio, please contact us at militza@militzaortiz.com to book an appointment.

  • Please email us at militza@militzaortiz.com. We aim to respond to all enquiries within 48 hours.

  • We like to take our time to assess your needs and tastes. Consultations typically last between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on how clear you are about your requirements. Some clients prefer a bit more exploration time, and we are happy to accommodate that.

  • Both bespoke commissions and remodelling take time to perfect. We estimate that from the moment you approve the final design and pay the deposit, it takes between 6 to 8 weeks for your jewellery to be ready.

  • No. While we are happy to take inspiration from specific styles or aesthetics, we do not produce like-for-like copies of other designers' work. As a jewellery designer, I operate within creative and ethical boundaries; my commitment to originality means that every piece we create is a true original.

  • We take quality assurance seriously. All our pieces are sent to the London Assay Office for independent testing and hallmarking, which guarantees the purity of the precious metals used.

  • Yes, certainly. We create bespoke jewellery tailored to your lifestyle, taste, and budget.

  • For us, sustainability is synonymous with ethical manufacturing. Every piece is handcrafted by Militza and a team of expert London artisans who are dedicated to keeping traditional craftsmanship alive in the UK. We prioritise fair pay and a respectful working environment for every maker.

    To minimise our carbon footprint, our jewellery is produced within a 20-mile radius of our Wimbledon workshop. Regarding materials, we use 90% recycled gold and silver in our designs. Our packaging is made from recycled cardboard, and whenever possible, we use traceable gemstones.

  • Absolutely. We believe love knows no boundaries, and our craft reflects that. We are honoured to work with clients from all walks of life, creating bespoke jewellery that celebrates the uniqueness of your identity and your story. When you work with us, you are guaranteed a design process defined by respect, inclusivity, and undivided attention.

  • As the cost of precious metals has increased significantly, we have set a minimum spend to ensure the quality of our materials. For bespoke pieces in 9 carat, 18 carat gold, or platinum, prices start at £1000. For bespoke pieces in sterling silver, prices start at £400.

  • Yes, we do. Our preferred international carrier is DHL.

  • As we are a small business, we are not VAT-registered, so no VAT is added to your purchase.

  • Yes, we are happy to provide a formal Militza Ortiz valuation, which you can use for insurance purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Bespoke Jewellery Process

  • Jewellery design and making is a skilled craft and is not an instant process. From the moment we have agreed on the design and the initial 50% deposit is paid, the process takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

  • Yes, we can. We would be honoured to create a bespoke setting for your stone. Because we did not originally source the gemstone, we want to be transparent about the process: when setting existing stones—especially those with a history—there is always an inherent risk of damage during the setting process or due to pre-existing structural flaws.

    While we take the utmost care with your jewellery, our responsibility is for the design and integrity of the setting, not the stone itself. For your peace of mind, we strongly recommend having your stone professionally appraised before we begin. This creates an official record of the stone’s condition, which is a great safeguard for you. If you are comfortable moving forward with this understanding, we would be delighted to bring your vision to life.

  • While we prefer to work with natural diamonds—whether new or vintage—we can source lab-grown diamonds if the client prefers.

  • Engraving is a wonderful way to personalise a piece, and we encourage it wherever possible.

  • No. As all bespoke and redesigned jewellery is crafted specifically for you, these sales are final and non-refundable.

Frequently Asked Questions about our jewellery remodelling service

  • Yes, we would be delighted to. We can upcycle your old, inherited jewellery and transform it into something contemporary.

  • While it is possible, it involves a considerable amount of labour—melting, milling, and casting—to get the metal into a workable state. This often incurs a significant cost, so it is not always the most cost-effective way to use your metal.

  • The exact alloy composition of older jewellery is often unknown. Old pieces can contain contaminants that, when melted down, compromise the structural integrity of a new piece, leading to brittleness or cracking. While your metal may have strong sentimental value, there are times when we must decline to use it to ensure the lasting quality of your new piece.

  • Email us at militza@militzaortiz.com to book a free consultation where we can discuss the entire process with you.

  • Unfortunately this is very difficult to provide without knowing more details about what you’re looking for, which is why my initial consultation is free.

    Before giving an estimate, I would need to know details such as, what kind of jewellery you’re looking to have made, what metal you would like to work with, what gemstones you would like to use, and what size. In addition, until we have decided on a final design I cannot provide a definitive overall cost.