WELCOME
Kate Baker Designs provides bespoke jewelry design & production, heirloom jewelry redesign, hand-fabricated fine jewelry, and jewelry repairs.
We intend for our jewelry to express your individuality – to be an extension of you. Its story helps tell your story. Every piece of Kate Baker Designs jewelry has two stories to tell: creation and celebration. Each saw cut separates from the ordinary. Each hammer blow impresses a rhythm of life. Each lick of heat builds energy. Each file stroke shapes its uniqueness. Each gem defines its character. Once finished, it’s a celebration of you!
Our pieces transition well to all occasions and are not destined for a jewelry box, but to be worn daily. Each piece is well-balanced, of fine quality, and often embraces the unexpected element.
So we invite you to give yourself a gift. Look into your jewelry box and see what doesn’t fit, what needs a repair, what needs a remodel, or what’s missing. We’d love to help you!
ABOUT KATE
Kate Baker is a bespoke jewelry designer, goldsmith, and gemologist. She has over 20 years of experience designing, fabricating, repairing, and re-styling jewelry. As a GIA Graduate Gemologist, her extensive knowledge of diamonds, other precious gemstones, and pearls enables her to expertly advise her clients on their purchase or care, and with the assessment of an heirloom piece.
She is a lifelong lover-of-learning and continues to build her already extensive list of artistic and professional jewelry qualifications. Kate enjoys the “getting her hands dirty” part of bringing design ideas to life (so – no pretty nails for her)! She loves working with tools to create something beautiful. Kate’s fine eye for design comes naturally from her mom, Pat Denman, AWS, NWS.
Kate’s work, noted for its high craftsmanship, clean lines, and versatility, is best self-described as “Controlled Spontaneity”, which strikes a unique balance between conservative and free spirit. Her jewelry seamlessly transitions between that little black dress and jeans.
We intend for our jewelry to express your individuality — to be an extension of you.
BESPOKE JEWELRY
Simply put, “bespoke jewelry” refers to jewelry which is created to meet your specifications. It’s a custom design process that results in custom made jewelry. With Kate Baker Designs, it’s a 6-step process from Design through Fabrication and Delivery. Kate handles each step with expertise, passion, and focus so that your finished piece meets and exceeds your expectations.
JEWELRY REPAIR
Kate offers all types of jewelry repair. Common repairs are new settings or ring shanks, replacement stones or pearls, ring sizing, stone tightening, restoration, or re-stringing pearls. It is best to schedule an appointment to discuss your repair needs. All repairs are done by Kate in her studio and not sent out. Turn around for repairs is typically within 2 weeks, though Kate always tries to return wedding bands within a few days.
Please note that, although it is rare, there is always some risk of gemstone breakage during the repair process. For this reason, you should carry an insurance rider for diamonds or other large gemstones.
TESTIMONIALS
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What is your payment policy?For all purchases, payment is safely accepted using MC, Visa, Amex, or PayPal. For Bespoke jewelry orders only, a non-refundable $250 initial design fee is charged, which will be credited back against the final purchase price of the finished piece. A 50% deposit is required to begin fabrication. The completed piece will be shipped once final payment is received.
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What is your shipping policy?A $25 shipping and handling fee is charged for each order shipped, which includes insurance. We typically use Fedex. For jewelry purchased from our online Shop and which does not require customization, please allow 2 weeks for delivery. If customization is required, please allow 4 weeks.
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What is your return/exchange policy?We don’t do exchanges, but we do offer store credit for jewelry pieces purchased from our online Shop which have not been customized/sized and which are returned within 2 weeks in their original condition and packaging. Please include the original invoice with the return. Bespoke and customized online Shop jewelry pieces may not be exchanged or returned for store credit.
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Can I customize online Shop jewelry pieces?Absolutely yes! We can shorten or lengthen necklaces or bracelets, convert earrings from wires to leverbacks, and size rings. All necklaces are made to a standard 18”; bracelets are 7.5”; rings are size 7. Generally, for pieces that need to “go smaller”, there is no charge. For pieces that need to be increased in size, a charge will apply. Please contact Kate for details.
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Will you design something to use a gemstone I already have?Yes. We would be happy to design a piece of jewelry around a gemstone you already have. We have a wide range of settings available, or we can custom design one for you. Either way, that “little guy” will shine!
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Can you replace a gemstone or a damaged pearl in a piece of jewelry I already own?Yes, of course. We work with reputable vendors to source these needs. You may decide to replace the stone or to have the entire piece upgraded. Kate is a GIA Graduate Gemologist and will happily find you a loose diamond, other gemstone or pearl that fits your needs.
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Do you restring pearls?Yes! If your pearls are in a not-so-pretty state, contact us; we will get them fixed straight away. We work extensively with all types of pearls: Mikimoto, Tahitian, South Sea, and cultured freshwater pearls.
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Do you use recycled metal and ethically sourced gemstones?Kate Baker Designs uses recycled precious metals and gemstones purchased from responsible sources where the origin is traceable. In all cases, we are particular about the vendors we work with and seek to operate with the highest ethical and environmental standards.
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Do you use/melt customer-provided precious metals in your designs?The answer is – it depends. Yes, if a small piece is used as a sentimental additive element to the new design. No, if melting and reusing for a new piece. Old jewelry needs to be refined before reusing in new jewelry. Impurities from old solder and alloys create pits, resulting in areas of weakness, which would compromise the integrity of the piece.
KATE'S STUDIO
