About Noesis

I create pieces that fall into one of two categories: seriously beautiful, or purely fun.

Either way, each piece is designed to withstand the inevitable changes in the fashion industry.

Due to the inclusion of vintage elements, the majority of my pieces are either one-of-a-kind or limited-edition. However, designs can be recreated using similar materials when I can obtain them.

It is important to note that Noesis jewelry incorporates a lot of delicate chain and fine-gauge wire. They are an important part of what gives Noesis jewelry its signature look. However, delicate jewelry demands delicate handling.

If you're used to handling or wearing costume jewelry -- anything from high-end costume jewelry to the 3-for-$10 pieces you'll find at the mall -- you will need to take care to handle your Noesis jewelry differently in order to keep it looking beautiful.

Here's why:
Noesis jewelry is created by one person, one piece at a time. Connections are made using fine-gauge wire which is looped by hand and left open. Why? Because in most cases it cannot be soldered closed. The process would destroy the surrounding components (vintage glass, pearls, silk thread, etc.).

Some mass producers of costume jewelry also use this process. In order to improve the durability of their pieces, they will use heavy-gauge wire (usually not sterling), which makes those open connecting loops more difficult to pull apart.

The downside is that the heavy wire is very thick, which makes the jewelry look bulky. In my opinion, bulky equals casual, and often cheap-looking as well. And since I'm not interested in making jewelry that is casual or cheap-looking, bulky wire is not an option.

Bulkier wire will also only fit through chain links that are large enough to accommodate the wire.

I've made the decision to forego a certain level of durability for the sake of delicacy.
This does not mean your jewelry will fall apart.
Rather, it just means that you will need to take special care of it:

  Be careful putting it on and removing it.

  When you remove it, lay it down carefully so that it does not 
      become tangled.

  Should it get caught on your clothing or hair, don't pull it out. 
      Instead, find out which component is creating the snag, and 
      carefully remove it.

  Only store Noesis necklaces lying down, either in a jewelry 
      pouch or box, particularly the heavier pieces that incorporate 
      brooches. Do not hang them.

  Keep sterling silver jewelry in a plastic, zip-top bag, preferably 
      with an anti-tarnish strip. This will help keep your silver jewelry 
      from tarnishing. The more air and moisture that come into contact 
      with sterling silver, the more quickly it will tarnish.

Noesis is about more than jewelry. At its heart, Noesis is about service. And when you become a Noesis client, it's absolutely about you.

As a Noesis client, you can have as much or as little involvement in the design of your jewelry as you desire. You can choose to meet with me in person for each review, or view digital photos of your jewelry via e-mail at various stages.

Any design option that will affect cost is presented to you for your approval, along with a cost estimate, in advance of my purchasing any materials, so your final cost will never be a surprise.

And you can always select from the current collection of ready-to-wear pieces.

At present, Noesis custom designs are only available in person, exclusively through Brides & Beaux in Colleyville, Texas. To schedule a consultation, please contact Brides & Beaux directly.

Pieces that are currently availble for sale through this site show price information. Pieces that are available for sale through another retailer will usually not show price information. In those cases, please contact the specific retailer for price information.

Keep in mind that the cost of a piece is largely determined by the cost of the vintage materials it contains. Prices for custom orders may run higher than ready-to-wear pieces because I may have to pay a higher price for a vintage component if it's something difficult to find. You'll find more information about pricing of custom pieces in the Custom Orders section.

Orders from outside the Dallas/Fort Worth area will incur shipping and insurance charges. The charges will be based on:
Package weight
Order total (this affects the cost of insurance only)
Your preferred shipping method.

Bride Amy Ladd commissioned a custom necklace and
matching watch band for her great-grandmother's Art Deco watch. Click to see Amy's approval photos.

Considerations: Before you decide to commission a custom piece, it's important that you take a look through all of the Noesis design portfolios. This is the best way for you to get an understanding of the Noesis style. However, know that the portfolios are by no means all-inclusive; that is, I can certainly design pieces beyond what you see represented here. And if you are looking for something that I cannot do, I may know where to refer you to find exactly what you're looking for, so please always feel free to ask.

Timing: Of course, the earlier you contact me, the better! This gives us plenty of time for revisions, to order special materials, etc. I generally require a minimum of two months' lead time.

Cost: When you order a custom piece, you will receive a cost estimate for approval before I begin work or purchase any materials. Work will begin upon receipt of a nonrefundable deposit based on 50% of this initial estimate. The remaining balance will be due upon completion.

Any design changes along the way that could affect your final cost will be communicated to you in advance of my ordering any additional materials or completing any further work. I will wait for your approval before proceeding further.

Rush orders: An additional 15% charge will apply for custom orders placed with less than six weeks' lead time. The six-week timeframe runs from the date on which I receive your deposit, to the date you expect to receive your order, so shipping time is included in this calculation.

For more information on Noesis Custom Designs, click here.

Cash in person
Checks, money orders
Electronic funds transfer via PayPal
MasterCard, VISA, Discover, or American Express via PayPal

The following information applies to orders placed directly through NoesisBoutique.com. Pieces purchased through another retailer will fall under the retailer's the return and repair policies.

Within 30 days: Repairs necessitated by a design flaw will be done at no charge. This includes jump rings or other open wire connections either opening or slipping, or detachment of clasps from chain without breakage involved. Individual contemporary components that are manufactured by a third party, such as clasps and ear posts, will also be replaced at no charge, if they detach or break due to a manufacturing flaw. Any shipping and insurance costs associated with repairs/replacements will be the buyer's responsibility.

Repairs necessitated by improper handling/dropping will incur the cost of parts, labor and shipping/insurance.

After 30 days: All repairs will incur the cost of parts, labor and shipping/insurance. If you prefer, we can discuss the repair and I will write an estimate for you before any work begins.

Hand-knotted pearls: Should breakage occur to a pearl necklace, whether genuine or synthetic, either to the thread, the clamshell (metal end connector), or one of the pearls, restringing of the entire segment is necessitated. Pearl restringing charge is $5/inch plus cost of materials.

I cannot guarantee vintage elements. All have had previous lives and wear, which is what imbues them with their charm and value. If a vintage element used in your piece is in need of repair, please contact me. If I can't handle the repair myself, I may be able to help you find someone who can, or we can discuss replacing the element entirely and what that will cost.

Please note that most Noesis designs incorporating chain use either vintage chain or contemporary chain with very delicate links. This is an integral part of the Noesis look. However, delicate chain must be handled delicately. Links can break with the application of very little force. This is not a design or manufacturing flaw; it is merely the natural property of the metal. If the chain on your piece should break, I will be happy to replace it for the cost of materials and labor. However, vintage chain may not be replaceable. If this is the case with your piece, I can replace it with a suitable alternative.