The Process
From photograph to precious metal
Every commission follows a careful, collaborative journey — from first email to finished piece in your hands.
Most commissions are delivered within 8–10 weeks of your first enquiry. Working to a specific date? Rush timelines from 5–6 weeks — see below.
What affects the timeline?
Bespoke and multi-figure pieces require more sculpting time than a single portrait.
Some metals — particularly 18k gold — require additional casting and finishing stages.
A sharp, well-lit photograph allows sculpting to begin sooner; we may request alternatives if needed.
You share a photograph
We guide you to the best image
We sculpt & you approve
Refined until the likeness is perfect
Your piece is delivered
Cast, finished by hand & presented
Share Your Photograph
Send us a clear, well-lit photograph of your loved one — person or pet. We'll personally review every image and guide you toward the best reference for sculpting. If we need a different angle or a higher-resolution version, we'll let you know before anything begins.
Sculpted in Relief
Your portrait is sculpted by hand in digital bas-relief — not engraved, not printed. Layer by layer, we build depth, form, and expression into the piece, capturing the subtleties that make a likeness feel alive. This is where craft meets artistry.
Review & Refine
You review the sculpted design before production begins. We refine until the likeness feels right — this is your piece, and it must be perfect.
Cast & Finished by Hand
The approved design is precision-cast in your chosen precious metal, then hand-finished, polished, and inspected at every stage. Each medallion passes multiple quality checks before it reaches you — because a piece made to last generations must be flawless.
Each piece is created through a considered and personal process. Most commissions are delivered within 8–10 weeks of your first enquiry — reflecting both the likeness and the meaning behind your photograph.
Ready to begin?
Share your photograph and we'll guide you through every step
From first image to finished heirloom.
Before You Enquire
A few minutes of preparation
makes a great deal of difference.
You don't need everything in order before you reach out — but knowing what helps us helps you get a better result, faster.
Choosing Your Photograph
Natural side-lighting
A photo taken near a window — bright but not harsh — shows the face in three dimensions. The shadows tell us how the features project.
Three-quarter angle
A face turned 30–45 degrees from the camera gives us the most structural information. Both eyes visible, but clearly angled — this is the most useful single view.
Sharp and unobstructed
The face should be in clear focus, not obscured by hair, glasses, or other people. A slightly old photograph that is sharp is more useful than a recent one that is blurry.
Send more than one
Different angles from different periods of a person's life help us understand which features are structural. Seven average photographs outperform one perfect one.
Not sure if your photograph is good enough? Read our full guide to choosing a photograph — or simply send us what you have and we'll advise.
What to Have Ready
What Happens Next
Within 2 working days
We respond personally
A member of the atelier — not an automated system — reviews your enquiry and responds with initial thoughts, any questions, and a proposed approach.
Week 1–2
Design conversation
We share a design brief and, if needed, a sketch or reference study. You approve the direction before any sculpting begins. Nothing proceeds without your sign-off.
Week 2–4
Sculpting by hand
Your portrait is sculpted in jeweller's wax — layer by layer, feature by feature. We share progress images throughout so you're never left wondering.
Week 8–10 · Most commissions
Delivered to you
Cast in your chosen metal, hand-finished, and presented in our signature cedar box. Your piece arrives ready to wear, gift, or treasure.
No obligation
Submitting an enquiry carries no commitment. We respond to every message personally and will never pressure you to proceed. We simply begin a conversation.
Rush Timelines
Working to a specific date?
Tell us your occasion early — the sooner we know, the more we can do.
Typical vs. Rush — at a glance
Bar length represents approximate weeks relative to a 10-week standard commission.
Any commission with a fixed delivery date — a birthday, anniversary, memorial service, or wedding — qualifies. We ask that you mention the date in your very first message so we can assess feasibility before anything begins.
For a straightforward portrait medallion in sterling silver, we can occasionally deliver in 5–6 weeks from first enquiry. This requires a clear, high-quality photograph, prompt approvals at each stage, and availability in our schedule. We'll tell you honestly if it's achievable.
For timelines under 6 weeks, a priority handling fee applies — typically 20–30% of the piece price. This reflects the rescheduling required and the additional care needed to maintain quality under a tighter window. We'll confirm the exact figure before you commit.
Reach out immediately — we'll be honest about what's possible. In some cases we can expedite casting and finishing; in others, we may suggest a beautiful interim gift (a framed design proof or a wax study) while the finished piece follows shortly after.
Simply mention your date in the story field of the enquiry form — or email us directly at hello@ashbourneandvale.com. The earlier you tell us, the more options we have.
Have a date in mind? Mention it in the story field of your enquiry — or email us directly at hello@ashbourneandvale.com. We'll respond within two working days with an honest assessment.
Two Working Days
We respond to every enquiry personally within two working days.
Complete Confidentiality
Your story and photographs are held in strict confidence, always.
No Obligation
Submitting an enquiry carries no commitment. We simply begin a conversation.