Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have a question?
Personalized jewelry starts with clarity
Would you like to have a piece of jewelry designed, give precious metals (platinum, gold, and silver) a new purpose, or turn a memory into something tangible? Below you’ll find answers to frequently asked questions about our services, process, materials, and jewelry care.
At Burgant, you have direct contact with the creators. We listen to your story and carefully work with you to find the best solution.
Are you planning to visit us soon? If so, be sure to read about our process. That way, you’ll know in advance what to expect from the meeting and the follow-up.
Select a topic:
Introduction, Costs, and Scheduling
How do I go about having a piece of jewelry made?
We’ll start with a brief, free introductory session, during which we’ll tell you who we are and what we do. This will give you a first impression of Burgant and what we have to offer.
Would you like to develop your idea further? If so, we’ll begin a design and consultation process— including a quote—with a meeting with Bram and/or Margriet. Together, we’ll discuss the design, materials, personal touches, and budget.
For one-on-one sessions, we work by appointment only, so we can take our time with you. Schedule a free introductory session →.
How can I get to know Burgant?
An introductory meeting is a short, free conversation during which we tell you who we are and what we do. This can take place over the phone or via video call.
Would you like to meet us in person and take a look at the studio? Then you’re welcome to join us for our open studio day, Experience the Jewelry. There, you’ll meet our whole family: father Erno, mother Margriet, son Bram, daughter Marit, and daughter-in-law Shardee. A true family business, where everyone has their own role and is actively involved.
We’ll schedule a separate design and consultation meeting to discuss and develop your jewelry.
How much does a custom piece of jewelry cost at Burgant?
Custom jewelry made with your own gold starts at €845. Denk aan dierbare gouden sieraden die je wilt laten vermaken of omsmelten tot een nieuw, persoonlijk sieraad.
A completely new piece of custom jewelry made from new gold, platinum, or silver starts at €1,295.
The final price depends on the design, the quantity and type of precious metal, any diamonds or other gemstones, and the craftsmanship required. During the design and consultation meeting, we’ll discuss your preferences and budget. You’ll then receive a clear, customized quote.
How much does the design and consulting process cost, and what is included?
The standard rate is €89.95, including VAT. For that price, you get:
- A personalized design and consultation session with Bram and/or Margriet.
- Advice on design, precious metals, the Precious Metals Guarantee Act, and gemstones.
- Evaluation of any jewelry you may have: We test the precious metal and explore options for altering, remelting, and reusing gemstones.
- A proposal containing one or more customized quotes.
- If desired, one follow-up call regarding the same assignment, at no additional charge.
The consultation can take place in our studio or via video call. To evaluate existing jewelry, we need to be able to examine it in person.
You will usually receive the quote by email within one week. It is valid for two weeks, due to the fluctuating prices of platinum, gold, and silver.
For a custom design or an existing Burgant design, we adjust the rate based on the amount of work required. You will receive this quote in advance.
Learn more about our approach.
Can I submit my own design?
Yes. You’re welcome to bring your own design or sketch with you or submit it in advance. During the design and consultation session, we’ll work together to see how your design can be transformed into a wearable and technically feasible piece of jewelry.
For custom designs, we adjust the design fees based on the work required. We consider factors such as technical feasibility, material selection, and any necessary adjustments or further development. You’ll receive the adjusted rate for the design and consulting process—including the quote and VAT— upfront, so you’ll know exactly what the process will cost.
Even for custom designs, we evaluate the materials and any gemstones, and you’ll receive a customized quote for the production. The cost of the consultation and the price of the jewelry are clearly listed separately.
Can I choose a Burgant design that I saw online?
Yes. Have you seen a Burgant piece of jewelry on our website or social media that catches your eye? If so, please send us the link or a picture. During the design and consultation meeting, we’ll discuss how we can craft this design for you and what personal customizations are possible—for example, in terms of materials, gemstones, dimensions, or engraving.
Since an existing Burgant design serves as the starting point, we adjust the design fees based on the scope of work and any changes that may be necessary. You will receive the adjusted rate for the design and consultation process—including a quote and VAT— in advance. After our consultation, you’ll receive a customized quote for the creation of your piece of jewelry.
Can I schedule a second design and consultation meeting?
Yes. After receiving the proposal and the quote, you may want to ask some questions, compare the options offered, or discuss a few details.
One follow-up meeting regarding the same assignment is included in the design and consulting process. You won’t be charged again for this. The standard rate of €89.95 (including VAT) covers the initial design and consultation meeting, the development of the proposal with a quote, and, if desired, one follow-up meeting.
Would you like to have a completely new design developed afterward, or expand the scope of the project? In that case, we’ll discuss in advance what additional work and costs are involved.
Can you give me a price based on a photo or an idea?
A photo, sketch, or example will help us understand what you’re looking for. Where possible, we’ll use that to provide an initial price estimate.
To provide a final quote, we also need to determine the dimensions, materials, any gemstones, and technical feasibility. We do this during the design and consultation process. This way, you’ll receive a proposal that matches the piece of jewelry we can actually create for you.
How long will it take for my jewelry to be completed?
Generally, allow six to eight weeks for production after the proposal has been approved and the agreed-upon deposit has been paid. The timeline depends, among other things, on the design, the availability of materials, and the work involved.
Do you have a special occasion in mind, such as a wedding or birthday? Please let us know during our initial consultation. We’ll discuss what’s feasible in advance. Rush orders are only possible by arrangement.
Repairing and Remelting Cherished Jewelry
Can I use old gold jewelry to make a new piece of jewelry?
Yes. Resizing and remelting cherished gold jewelry is one of our specialties. Think of your parents’ wedding rings, an heirloom piece, or gold you no longer wear but whose story you want to preserve.
We can incorporate the gold into a new design or see if recognizable elements of the existing piece of jewelry can be preserved. We first assess the material, the purity, and the technical possibilities.
A new form, with a story that continues.
Check out our keepsake jewelry for more information and inspiration.
Can I have old silver melted down?
Yes, if the silver has personal or emotional significance to you, we’d be happy to explore the options for a new piece of jewelry.
From a cost-saving perspective, remelting silver is usually not a cost-effective choice. The labor involved in remelting and reprocessing it typically costs more than purchasing new silver. The value here lies primarily in preserving your precious material.
Is jewelry made from your own gold less expensive?
Using your own gold can save you money on buying new gold. The design, processing, finishing, and, if necessary, setting of gemstones remain meticulous craftsmanship.
The total price therefore depends on both the available material and the new design. Sometimes additional gold is needed. We’ll discuss in advance how your gold can affect the final product and the price.
Can I turn in old gold or silver to you as payment?
We are not a gold or silver dealer, and we do not purchase loose precious metals.
Are you having a piece of jewelry made or altered by us? If so, you can bring in suitable gold or silver to be incorporated into the project or to be applied as partial payment. Any remaining precious metal can also be credited toward the cost, subject to agreement.
We clearly specify in advance which materials will be used and what will be billed.
How is the personal significance preserved during remelting?
When melted down, the original shape changes, but the cherished material can find a place in a new piece of jewelry. For many people, it is precisely that connection that makes the new design special.
Would you rather keep a recognizable part of it? In that case, we’ll explore whether altering it would better suit your wishes. Together, we’ll choose a form in which you’ll recognize your memory.
Would you like to document the creation process as well? If so, please discuss the options for process photos during the design and consultation meeting.
Craftsmanship, Quality, and Precious Metals
What is the difference between a jeweler, a goldsmith, and Burgant?
A jeweler typically focuses on selling and advising on jewelry from existing brands and collections. A goldsmith designs and crafts jewelry and often performs repairs as well. Some businesses combine both fields.
At Burgant, we combine traditional goldsmithing craftsmanship with creativity and modern techniques, such as 3D design, 3D printing, and laser engraving. With 36 years of experience and the diverse talents within our family business, we create personalized, custom jewelry and our own collections, Gràdh and Reijn.
With us, you’ll sit down directly with the creators. We’ll listen to your story and work with you to explore the design, materials, and possibilities. A new idea, your own design, or an existing Burgant design can serve as the starting point.
Precious metals such as platinum, gold, and silver, as well as gemstones and other unique materials, can also be incorporated into your jewelry. We carefully assess what’s possible and which techniques are best suited for the project.
From the initial idea to a personalized piece of jewelry: in collaboration with the creators at Burgant.
Do you make all the jewelry yourselves?
Our custom jewelry and the pieces from the BURGANT collection are designed by us and crafted with care. Within this collection, we distinguish between the Gràdh and Reijn styles.
We can also provide a matching necklace to go with a pendant. Not all of these necklaces are made by us. We’d be happy to tell you where they come from.
View our portfolio → for examples of our work.
Is a piece of jewelry made using 3D technology also considered handmade?
Yes. At Burgant, we combine modern 3D technology with traditional goldsmithing craftsmanship. The design is carefully developed, and the manufacturing, finishing, and setting of any gemstones require a great deal of expertise and skilled craftsmanship.
This technology gives us more options in terms of shape, detailing, and personalized customization.
3D technology supports craftsmanship, but does not replace it.
What defines the quality of a Burgant piece of jewelry?
We work with high-quality precious metals and carefully selected gemstones. Our custom-made jewelry is solidly crafted—not hollow—and carefully finished by hand.
We pay close attention to the design, comfort, and the way any gemstones are set. This results in a personalized piece of jewelry that balances beauty with practicality for everyday wear.
Even a carefully crafted piece of jewelry requires proper care and appropriate use.
What precious metals do you work with?
We specialize in gold, platinum, and silver. When it comes to gold, we discuss, among other things, the karat content and the color, such as yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold.
The choice depends on your taste, the design, the intended use, and your budget. Even if you want to use your own precious metal, we’ll carefully assess what’s possible with it.
Does your jewelry have a maker’s mark and a fineness mark?
Yes. We mark our jewelry with the hallmarks required by the Dutch Hallmarking Act. The mandatory hallmarking applies as of:
- Gold: 1 gram.
- Silver: 8 grams.
- Platinum: 0.5 grams.
The official fineness mark certifies the precious metal’s fineness. Our hallmark, also known as the maker’s mark, identifies the item’s origin.
For more information, visit Edelmetaal Waarborg Nederland.
Are you members of the Gold & Silver Federation?
Yes. Burgant is a member of the Gold & Silver Federation (FGZ), the trade association for goldsmiths and jewelers, among others.
We believe it’s important for you to understand which materials and options are best suited for your piece of jewelry. During the design and consultation session, we’ll explain this to you in person.
Would you like to read more about precious metals, gemstones, or maintenance? Check out the FGZ knowledge base.
Diamonds, Gemstones, and Pearls
Do you also sell gemstones?
Yes. At Burgant, we have a beautiful collection of gemstones, each with its own color, character, and story. During your design and consultation appointment, we’d love to show you the options and tell you about the quality, characteristics, and suitability of each gemstone for your piece of jewelry. This way, you can make an informed choice that fits your preferences and budget.
Are you looking for a specific gemstone, cut, or size? We can source a wide variety of types and sizes from reliable suppliers with whom we’ve been working for many years.
We set the selected gemstones into your jewelry ourselves, paying close attention to the stone, the design, and ensuring they are securely fastened.
Which gemstones can I choose?
There are many options: from diamonds, sapphires, and rubies to emeralds, aquamarines, tourmalines, garnets, and other unique gemstones. Lab-grown diamonds are also an option.
We’ll help you choose based on color, cut, quality, budget, and how you plan to wear the piece. Not every stone is equally suitable for heavy daily wear; we’ll give you honest advice on that.
Do you have a precious gemstone that’s special to you? If so, we’ll see if it’s suitable for reworking.
What is the difference between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond?
Both are real diamonds. A natural diamond is formed deep within the Earth; a lab-grown diamond is grown under controlled conditions in a laboratory. They essentially have the same chemical composition and physical and optical properties.
The differences include origin, rarity, and price, among other things. We’ll discuss which option best suits your needs and budget.
Diamonds are highly scratch-resistant, but a hard impact can still damage them. Therefore, diamonds also require careful handling.
Would you like to read more about precious metals, gemstones, or maintenance? Check out the FGZ knowledge base.
Are gemstones and pearls glued in place?
We typically set diamonds and other gemstones in a precious-metal setting that securely holds the stone in place. The chosen setting is part of the design and is tailored to the stone and its intended use.
Pearls may require a different type of attachment. For example, a drilled pearl is placed on a post and secured with a jewelry adhesive designed for that purpose. The appropriate method depends on the material and the design.
What kinds of pearls can I have incorporated into my jewelry?
We can work with various types of pearls, including freshwater pearls, Akoya pearls, Tahitian pearls, and South Sea pearls. Color, shape, size, and luster give each pearl its own unique character.
Together, we’ll choose a pearl that fits the design and your budget. Because pearls are more delicate than many gemstones, we’ll also discuss what’s best suited to how you plan to wear the piece.
Memorial jewelry and personal touches
What types of cherished materials can I have incorporated into a piece of memorial jewelry?
We can incorporate all kinds of materials with personal significance into a piece of memorial jewelry. For example:
- A small amount of ashes or hair.
- Teeth—for example, a cherished baby tooth.
- Ornaments or a distinctive part of an object.
- Stones or a piece of glass found that reminds one of a person, place, or moment.
- Precious platinum, gold, or silver, or your own gemstones.
Other materials are also possible. Feel free to tell us what you’d like to have incorporated and the story behind it. Together, we’ll explore how your cherished material can be incorporated into a personal, wearable piece of jewelry. The appropriate method of incorporation depends on the material’s properties, dimensions, and fragility.
A personalized engraving can further enhance the meaning of the piece of jewelry.
You can find more information in our memorial jewelry section.
Is the shaft or the hair always visible?
No. Depending on the design , the precious material can be incorporated in a way that makes it visible, partially visible, or completely hidden.
Maybe you’d like to be able to see the memory, or perhaps you just want to know for yourself that it’s there. We’ll discuss which option is right for you.
May I be present at the placement of ashes or hair?
Yes. Upon consultation, you may be present when we place the ashes or hair. If the design and process allow it, you may also do this yourself under our guidance.
We’ll discuss in advance how you’ll deliver the cherished items. If you’re unable to visit, please contact us first so we can arrange a suitable shipping method.
We will discuss any photos taken during the proceedings in advance. We will not publish them without your express consent.
What should I bring to the interview?
Feel free to bring along any jewelry you’d like to have altered or melted down, as well as any gemstones, photos, or ideas you may have. A detailed design is not necessary.
For a memorial piece of jewelry, you can also bring a small amount of ashes or hair, as well as a tooth, an ornament, a found stone, a piece of found glass, or any other cherished material you’d like incorporated into the piece. Only a small amount of ashes or hair is needed; we’ll discuss what’s sufficient for your design and how we’ll carefully store and incorporate it.
Can I have a handwritten message, fingerprint, or other personal detail engraved?
Yes. A handwritten message, a fingerprint, a name, a date, or a personal symbol can give a piece of jewelry extra meaning.
We review the sample you provide and determine what works best with the design, material, and available space. This ensures that the engraving becomes a carefully crafted part of your piece of jewelry.
Repairs and Maintenance
Do you repair jewelry purchased elsewhere?
Burgant is not a repair shop. We do not perform minor repairs on jewelry purchased elsewhere, such as fixing a broken necklace, replacing a clasp, or resizing a mass-produced ring. For these repairs, we recommend returning to the store or jeweler where the jewelry was purchased.
In many cases, we can alter or remelt cherished jewelry made of gold, platinum, or silver that meets the legal fineness requirements to create a new, custom piece. We take into account your story, the material, and the technical possibilities. Mass-produced jewelry that is not technically suitable for alteration is not eligible for this service.
For maintenance and repairs of jewelry made by Burgant, please feel free to contact us.
How do I care for my jewelry?
Jewelry stays at its best when handled with care and maintained regularly. Wearing it causes signs of wear, such as scratches, a loss of luster, and general wear and tear. Even a carefully crafted piece of jewelry requires care and proper use.
You can gently clean many pieces of jewelry with lukewarm water, a small amount of mild dish soap, and a soft brush. However, the correct method depends on the gemstone, any treatments it has undergone, and the jewelry’s construction. A metal setting does not automatically mean that every stone can be submerged.
For routine maintenance, you can gently wipe pearls and delicate or glued parts with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Avoid harsh cleaning agents and sudden temperature changes.
Remove your jewelry before doing heavy work, exercising, or working with chemicals. Store jewelry separately to prevent scratches.
Have your Burgant jewelry checked regularly for wear and loose settings. Contact us to schedule an appointment or for cleaning advice tailored to your piece of jewelry.
Other Questions and Contact Information
Do you work with gold-filled jewelry?
No. Gold-filled jewelry is not made entirely of gold: it has a core made of another material, often brass, with a layer of gold. We do not repair or melt down this jewelry.
For our custom jewelry, we work with gold, platinum, and silver. If you’re working with a smaller budget, we’d be happy to help you come up with a design in silver.
Do you work with titanium?
No. We specialize in gold, platinum, and silver. The manufacturing and processing of titanium require different techniques and are outside the scope of our work.
Do you sell or repair clocks and watches?
No. Burgant specializes in designing and crafting personal jewelry. We do not sell, service, or repair clocks or watches.
For this, you can contact a specialized watchmaker or jeweler. You can use the Gold & Silver Federation’s member directory to find an affiliated professional business. Ask in advance if they can service your clock or watch.
Do you make or repair silver utensils?
No. We specialize in platinum, gold, and silver jewelry. We do not make or repair everyday items such as silver cutlery, bowls, candlesticks, or tableware.
For this, you can consult a silversmith who specializes in everyday items. For help finding a suitable specialist, please contact the Gold & Silver Federation.
Do you work with funeral homes?
Yes. We work with funeral directors, crematoriums, and personal counselors. Care, trust, and respect for personal memories are at the heart of what we do.
Would your organization like to learn more about a partnership? Please contact us →.
What can I do if I’m not satisfied?
Please let us know. We take your experience seriously and would be happy to work with you to find a suitable solution. You can contact us by email, phone, or mail; our contact information is listed on our contact page.
Once we receive your complaint, we will acknowledge it and aim to respond to the substance of your complaint within fourteen days. If we need more time, we will let you know.
Can’t we work this out together? You’ll find information about our mediation and dispute resolution procedures in our terms and conditions.
Do you work with funeral homes?
Yes. We work with funeral directors, crematoriums, and personal counselors. Care, trust, and respect for personal memories are at the heart of what we do.
Would your organization like to learn more about a partnership? Please contact us →.
Is your question not listed here?
Please briefly tell us what kind of jewelry you have in mind or which cherished materials you’d like us to incorporate. We’d be happy to brainstorm ideas with you.
Contact us → or Schedule a free introductory meeting →.
Your story, thoughtfully crafted.
