Frequently asked questions
What materials do you make your jewelry from? Is it suitable for everyday wear?
I work mainly with gold (14kt / 18kt) and silver 925/1000 , or with gold plating. I use natural and laboratory-created gemstones, pearls and other materials depending on the character of the specific piece of jewelry. Most of my jewelry is designed to be worn every day . However, it still needs to be treated with respect - it is an original handmade work , not mass-produced jewelry. If you have very sensitive skin or specific requirements for the material, please write to me in advance, I will recommend a suitable option for you.
Do you work with my own gold (e.g. from old jewelry)?
Yes, I also like to work with the gold you bring in - it can be jewelry from an inheritance, old models that you no longer wear, scrap gold, or dental gold that you would like to turn into a new, personal piece of jewelry.
During the consultation, we will discuss together what is of greatest value to you and how to create a new piece of jewelry from it.
I always weigh the gold and check its purity to determine whether it is suitable for further processing. In case of uncertainty or a mixture of different alloys, I can arrange for a detailed analysis at the Assay Office to accurately determine the composition and purity of the material.
When remelting and purifying the material, there is a natural technological loss - as a standard, I expect about 10% of the original weight of gold .
This means that if you bring, for example, 10 g of gold, I count on approximately 9 g of usable material for further calculation.
I then recalculate this "net" weight according to the current purchase price of gold , which is based on the market/stock exchange price in the given period.
The resulting amount will be reflected as a "gold credit" that reduces the material part of the price of the new piece of jewelry. This is not a classic buyout, but a fair inclusion of the value of the material that you bring to the order.
Financially, the final price of the jewelry is not only made up of gold, but above all:
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design and sketching,
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my handiwork in the studio,
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3D modeling and technology (casting, modification, surface treatment),
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stone packing and technical processing,
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precious stones, pearls and other materials,
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packaging, certification and service.
So your own gold helps reduce the cost of new material , but it does not replace the cost of design and handwork .
Before the start of production, I always prepare a specific price calculation , where you will see how your gold is reflected in the price of the jewelry. In justified cases, I reserve the right to refuse to process the gold brought in (for example, if the material is technically unsuitable or does not correspond to the declared purity).
Can I supply my own stone (diamond, family stone)?
Yes, in some cases it is possible to work with a stone you provide – for example, a family diamond, emerald or a stone from another piece of jewelry.
I always assess the technical condition and suitability of the stone for the new design and setting method in advance.
I charge a separate fee for the frasing and working with your stone, which includes the work of the fraser and technical processing. I reserve the right to refuse the order for significantly damaged, cracked or otherwise problematic stones - it is important to me that the result is safe and aesthetically high quality .
I always work with your stones as carefully as possible , but it is important to note that some stones may have hidden internal defects (inclusions, fine cracks) or may have been additionally treated (for example, oiled emeralds, which may have hidden cracks and inclusions). These hidden properties cannot always be detected in advance - even with the utmost care, the stone may be damaged during packing or processing.
For this reason, I cannot be fully responsible for any damage to the stones you deliver . However, I will always warn you in advance of possible risks and together we will choose the most gentle solution.
How does a custom order work?
Initial consultation – together we will discuss your ideas, style, budget and the occasion for which the jewelry is to be created. The consultation can take place in person in my studio in Prague or online.
Design and sketching fee – if we agree on the order, I will issue a sketching fee of 6,000 CZK . For this amount, I will prepare 2x 3D visualizations and suggest suitable materials and stones. The sketching fee is non-refundable , but if the order is implemented, it is included in the final price of the jewelry . For exceptionally simple or very complex orders, the amount of the sketching fee may vary – I will always inform you of the exact amount in advance.
Confirmation, calculation and payment – based on our consultation, your budget and the selected design, I will prepare an accurate price calculation (possibly with one or two solution options).
You can use this amount:
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pay the entire amount in advance , or
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pay a 70% deposit for materials and production and pay the remaining amount after the jewelry is completed.
In the case of a deposit payment, you will receive a final invoice for the remaining payment when the jewelry is finished and ready for delivery.
Production and delivery – I will handcraft the jewelry in the studio and we will arrange for personal delivery in Prague or safe delivery by courier.
I'm not from Prague - can we handle the order remotely?
Yes. We can handle most of the steps online – via email, video call or phone. I will send you drawings or 3D visualizations, we will select materials and stones together and fine-tune everything remotely.
I will send you the finished piece of jewelry by insured shipment or courier, or we can arrange for personal delivery in Prague.
How far in advance should I consider engagement and wedding rings?
It is ideal to start considering an engagement ring at least 6-8 weeks before the planned proposal , and even earlier for more complex proposals.
I recommend planning your wedding rings at least 1-3 months before the wedding , especially if you want an original design or special stones.
In urgent cases, please feel free to contact me - sometimes a faster solution can be found, but it always depends on the complexity of the design and the current workload of the studio.
How do I find out my ring size?
The most reliable way is to stop by my studio in Prague , where I will accurately measure your finger size and advise you on the appropriate width and shape of the ring.
If you are not from Prague, I recommend going to any jewelry store and having your finger or ring size measured to find a ring that fits you well.
For engagement and wedding rings, I always recommend either a personal meeting or at least an online consultation , where we will discuss together how to best find the right size.
You can find out more information here .
Do you offer gift wrapping and a certificate?
Yes. I send each piece of jewelry in an original luxury Antonia Lecher gift box , ready to be handed over to the recipient.
A card with information about the jewelry and care is also included. For jewelry with precious stones, I enclose more detailed information, or a certificate.
What if the jewelry doesn't fit me?
If the size doesn't fit you, please contact me as soon as possible after receiving it.
Most rings and bracelets can be resized - depending on the type of jewelry, we will agree on the most economical solution and any fee. Resizes and enlarges rings are free of charge as standard.
For some very delicate or heavily set jewelry, the range of adjustments may be limited - I will always explain to you in advance what is possible to ensure that the jewelry remains safe and aesthetically perfect.
How to care for Antonie Lecher jewelry?
I recommend taking off your jewelry when playing sports, swimming, using the sauna, sleeping, and working with chemicals.
Avoid contact with perfume, hairspray or aggressive cosmetics - this will extend the life of the surface treatment.
It is ideal to store jewelry separately in a box or soft bag to prevent its structure from being damaged.
I also offer professional cleaning and restoration - if you are interested, write to me, I will be happy to "light up" your jewelry again after some time.
You can find out more information here .
What are the conditions for returning and exchanging jewelry?
You can return or exchange jewelry from collections purchased online within 30 days of receipt, provided it is unworn and in its original condition and packaging.
For custom-made and personalized jewelry (e.g. with engraving, made of imported gold, or made to measure), returns without giving a reason are not possible - but I always individually handle adjustments so that the jewelry fits you best.
Detailed rules can be found here .
What warranty do you provide and what to do in case of damage?
I provide a 24-month legal warranty on my jewelry for manufacturing defects. If anything happens to the jewelry, please write to me - we will assess the situation together and propose a solution.
I also offer post-warranty service : cleaning, re-polishing, size adjustment, replacement or setting of stones, etc. The price always depends on the specific scope of the repair; I will give you an estimate in advance.