Business Details
7 Years
experience
Custom Jewelry & Goldsmithing Services in Lafayette
At CG Designs, we bring over three decades of expertise in custom jewelry creation and goldsmithing. Founded by Catherine Dining, our studio specializes in transforming client visions into unique, handcrafted pieces using both traditional techniques and modern innovations like lab-grown diamonds. We offer comprehensive services including personalized design consultations, jewelry repairs, appraisals, and repurposing heirloom pieces. Our commitment to quality is underscored by partnerships with respected institutions like the Gemological Institute of America for stone certification.With a focus on sustainability and client collaboration, we maintain an open studio environment where transparency and craftsmanship converge. Our accolades, including the NICHE Award for Jewelry, reflect our dedication to excellence. Whether creating engagement rings or reimagining vintage collections, we prioritize individuality and precision in every project.
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Jewelry Repairs
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Gemstone Appraisals
Heirloom Repurposing
Gold Buying Service
Classical Stone Setting
Ring Resizing
Metal Recycling
Design Consultations
Details
- Year established: 2019
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in custom jewelry design and goldsmithing
- Our studio provides GIA-certified stone appraisals and lab-grown diamond options
- We maintain in-house manufacturing capabilities for quality control
- Specialize in repurposing heirloom jewelry with personalized design consultations
- Our open studio policy allows clients to observe the jewelry creation process
Associations and certifications
- Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Services
Custom Jewelry Design
Create one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces through personalized consultations. We transform client visions into reality using traditional goldsmithing techniques and modern technology. Our process includes design development, material selection, and transparent manufacturing oversight in our open studio environment.
Jewelry Appraisals
Professional valuation services for insurance and estate purposes. We provide GIA-certified gemstone analysis, precious metal testing, and detailed documentation including photographic records. Our appraisals meet industry standards for accuracy and reliability.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Ethically produced diamonds with identical properties to mined stones. Available in various cuts and colors, these eco-friendly options offer cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or beauty during custom jewelry creation.
Heirloom Repurposing
Transform inherited or outdated jewelry into modern designs. We preserve sentimental value while updating aesthetics through metal reclamation, stone repolishing, and creative redesign solutions that maintain material integrity.
Jewelry Repairs
Comprehensive repair solutions for damaged jewelry. Our services include resizing, stone replacement, prong restoration, and structural reinforcement using professional goldsmithing techniques to restore both functionality and appearance.
People
Catherine Dining
Designer Goldsmith
Award-winning goldsmith with over 30 years of experience in custom jewelry design. Recipient of the NICHE Award for Jewelry and former instructor at The Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts. Specializes in handcrafted pieces and sustainable jewelry practices.
Questions
How does the custom jewelry design process work?
Our process begins with a design consultation where we discuss your vision. We use reference materials to develop concepts, create drawings, and produce prototypes before final manufacturing in our open studio environment.
Do you work with lab-grown diamonds?
Yes, we offer lab-grown diamonds as an ethical and sustainable alternative to mined stones. These diamonds have identical physical properties and can be customized in various cuts and colors.
Can you appraise jewelry for insurance purposes?
We provide professional appraisals with GIA-certified stone analysis. Our documentation includes photographic records and meets insurance requirements for both new and inherited jewelry pieces.
Do you repurpose old jewelry?
Yes, we specialize in transforming heirloom or outdated jewelry into modern designs. This process preserves sentimental value while updating aesthetics through metal reclamation and creative redesign.
Are financing options available?
We currently don't offer financing options. However, we provide transparent pricing and can discuss payment plans for custom projects on a case-by-case basis.
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can request an appointment through our website contact form or by calling our Lafayette studio directly at (925) 937-9570 for design consultations or jewelry services.
