How We Work

Our Process

A fine piece of jewelry does not begin with metal or stone — it begins with trust. Here is how we earn it, step by step.

Step 01
01

Discovery & Vision

Every ỌLA piece begins with listening. We sit with you to understand not just what you want, but why — the occasion, the story, the feeling you want to carry with you. From here we sketch a direction, not a design, to leave room for what emerges.

Duration: 60–90 minutes · In-atelier or remote
Step 02
02

Stone Selection

The stone is not chosen last — it is chosen first. We curate a shortlist of exceptional gems from our Carat Catalogue and trusted suppliers, bringing the candidates to you. You hold each one in different light, in different moments, until one holds you back.

Duration: 60 minutes · Atelier viewing
Step 03
03

Design & Sketch

Our master goldsmith translates your vision into hand-drawn sketches, exploring scale, proportion, and setting styles. We work in iterative rounds — you shape every detail until the drawing feels like something you already own. Wax or resin models may be made at this stage.

Duration: 1–2 weeks · Two revision rounds included
Step 04
04

Master Crafting

The piece is brought into being by hand. We work in ethically sourced 18ct gold or platinum, employing techniques passed through generations — from lost-wax casting to hand-filing and setting under loupe. No shortcuts. No compromise.

Duration: 3–6 weeks · Dependent on complexity
Step 05
05

Setting & Finishing

The stone is set by our most experienced setter, who examines every prong, every bezel under magnification. Polishing brings the metal to its final character — high mirror, satin, or hammered, as you chose. The piece is photographed and documented before leaving the bench.

Duration: 3–5 days
Step 06
06

Your Moment

Collection is by appointment — never by mail. We present your piece with its full documentation: the stone's GIA certificate, its provenance, and a care guide written for your specific materials. The box, the ribbon, the handwritten note — every element is considered.

By appointment · Atelier only
At a Glance

From first meeting to final piece

01

Discovery & Vision

Duration: 60–90 minutes · In-atelier or remote
02

Stone Selection

Duration: 60 minutes · Atelier viewing
03

Design & Sketch

Duration: 1–2 weeks · Two revision rounds included
04

Master Crafting

Duration: 3–6 weeks · Dependent on complexity
05

Setting & Finishing

Duration: 3–5 days
06

Your Moment

By appointment · Atelier only

Common questions

From first meeting to collection, most pieces take 8–14 weeks. Complex commissions requiring specialist stone sourcing may take longer — we will always give you an honest timeline upfront.

We welcome heirloom stones. We will assess the stone's condition and suitability for setting at no charge during your consultation, then design a piece around it. At this time, we do not offer setting services for lab grown stones sourced outside of our atelier.

Design revisions are welcomed through the sketch stage at no additional charge. Significant changes after the CAS has been approved may incur additional costs, which we will discuss openly.

Yes. We offer virtual services for our clientele outside of the Los Angeles area.

Ready to begin?

Your first consultation is a conversation. We would love to hear your story.