Custom Commission Work
I take one custom commission per month.
If you want a gemstone designed and cut specifically for you—not a
commodity cut, not off-the-shelf—this is how we work together.
How It Works.
I don't accept every project. I work with clients who value precision, design intent, and the craft of transforming rough material into finished gemstones.
Choose the tier that fits your material type and budget.
How Pricing Works
Pricing is quoted based on project complexity, then locked in.
Each tier has a price range because project complexity varies:
Simple designs (standard cuts, basic modifications) → Low end of range
Complex custom designs (original cuts, intricate patterns, tight tolerances) → High end of range
Once I provide a formal quote, that price is final.
What I quote is what you pay.
TIER 1: Lab-Grown Commission
$4,500 - $6,000 (final price depends on design complexity)
Simple designs (standard brilliant, step cut, basic modifications): $4,500
Complex custom designs (original cuts, tight tolerances, intricate facet patterns): $6,000
Best for: Engagement center stones, statement pieces, custom designs with lab-grown material
What's included:
End-to-end custom gemstone cutting service
Material sourcing (lab-grown only I source it based on your specifications)
Up to 2 design iterations with feedback
High-quality precision cut optimized for your design intent
Behind-the-scenes progress photos throughout the cutting process
Certificate of authenticity with my signature
Design diagram (GemCut Studio file visualization)
Care instructions and gemstone properties guide
Ships within 60 days of deposit
What's NOT included:
Client-supplied rough materials
Natural stones (see Tier 2)
Heirloom or rare materials (see Tier 3)
Material options: Lab-grown sapphire, lab-grown alexandrite, synthetic spinel, CZ, YAG, LuAG, other less common lab materials.
TIER 2: Natural Stone Commission
$7,500 - $10,000 (final price depends on design complexity and material rarity)
Standard natural stones with moderate design complexity: $7,500
Complex designs or harder-to-source materials: $10,000
Best for: High-quality natural gemstones for custom jewelry, collectors' pieces, meaningful stones with natural origin
What's included:
Everything in Tier 1, PLUS:
Natural stone sourcing (I select and procure rough material based on your needs)
Up to 3 design iterations with feedback
In-depth material analysis and recommendation
Priority communication (faster response times)
Ships within 75 days of deposit
What's NOT included:
Rare/precious stones (ruby, sapphire, emerald, alexandrite—see Tier 3)
Client-supplied heirloom materials (see Tier 3)
Material options: Garnet, amethyst, citrine, topaz, tourmaline, sunstone, spinel, beryl (aquamarine, morganite), quartz varieties.
TIER 3: Heirloom & Rare Stone Commission
Starting at $12,000 (quoted after material evaluation)
Most Tier 3 projects range from $12,000-20,000+ depending on material rarity, risk factors, and design complexity.
Why the range:
Heirloom rough with moderate risk: ~$12,000
Rare precious stones (ruby, sapphire, emerald) with complex designs: $15,000-20,000+
Extremely rare collectors' materials or high-risk projects: Quoted individually
I'll provide an exact quote after evaluating your specific material and requirements. That quote will be final.
Best for: Family heirlooms, rare collectors' stones, irreplaceable materials, precious gemstones (ruby, sapphire, emerald)
What's included:
Everything in Tier 2, PLUS:
High-risk material handling (precious stones, rare collectors' materials)
Option for client-supplied heirloom rough (subject to material evaluation and approval)
Comprehensive material analysis and risk assessment before proceeding
Priority scheduling (your project moves to the front of the queue)
White-glove service: video calls, detailed progress updates, direct access to me
Ships within 90 days of deposit (or longer for complex projects)
What's NOT included:
Guarantees on yield or final size (material risk is inherent and accepted by client)
Material options: Ruby, sapphire, emerald, alexandrite, rare collectors' stones, client-supplied heirloom rough (subject to approval)
Important: All Tier 3 commissions are final sale due to material risk and irreplaceability. There are no refunds once cutting begins. You accept this risk when you proceed.
Why commission work with Many Rocks?
You're not hiring a commodity cutter. You're hiring a gem designer and precision faceter who understands optical performance, design intent, and how a stone should look and behave.
What you get:
Original cut designs or modifications to existing designs based on your vision
Material selection informed by gemology knowledge and years of cutting experience
One stone at a time—controlled decisions, managed risk, exceptional finish quality
Transparency throughout the process (progress photos, open communication)
What you don't get:
Mass production cutting
"Maximum size for money" approach (I prioritize design intent and optical performance)
Rushed timelines
Limited availability
I take one commission per month maximum due to my part-time capacity and commitment to quality over volume.
If my schedule is full, you'll be added to a waitlist for the next available slot.
Current pricing is subject to change. Rates are locked in with a 50% deposit.
Client-Supplied Rough
A note on client-supplied materials
I do not accept client-supplied rough for Tier 1 or Tier 2 commissions. Why? Because I can't guarantee the quality, cutting behavior, yield, or final outcome of material I didn't source. My reputation depends on delivering exceptional results, and that starts with material selection. Exception: Tier 3 (Heirloom & Rare Stone) commissions MAY include client-supplied rough, but only after material evaluation and approval. There's no guarantee I'll accept your material—it depends on quality, cuttability, and whether I believe I can deliver the result you want. If you have rough you'd like evaluated, email me at chris@manyrocks.com with high-quality photos. I'll let you know if it's a fit.
Ready to inquire?
Answer the questions below. I'll review your request and respond within 48 hours if it's a fit for my schedule.