Custom Hairwork Commissions
OPEN

Hi there! I’m Zen and I’m so happy you’ve found me. Creating a meaningful hairwork piece just for you would be an honor. Harnessing the sentimental power of hair through this rare craft is my passion, and I dream of braiding exceptional jewelry for you to cherish forever.

Between research, writing, teaching, and lectures scheduled for 2025, I can only take on a handful of custom projects each year. This art form requires slow, patient work. Each piece is treated with the utmost care and respect, and I hope you appreciate the time and dedication that goes into every project.

I’ve introduced two types of commissions to meet your needs better:

1. Fully Custom Hairwork

Fully custom heirloom hairwork pieces start at $850 (hairwork + metalwork) for silver rings, and $1600 for silver cuff bracelets and include:

• Design support to bring your vision to life.

• Options for braiding patterns, including researching specific patterns or techniques for a unique look.

• Collaborating with a jeweler to create or alter findings for your hairwork.

• *Gold & Antique jewelry pricing is available upon request.

To start the process, please fill out the contact form below. Based on the information you provide, I will send you a general estimate for your project. From there, we can proceed further. No obligation until we schedule your consult.

*Please note that fully custom commissions typically require a design consultation with me via Zoom (you don’t have to turn your camera on). Sadly I’ve had too many people back out on me and this takes away from my precious time to work on these pieces, so I now require a deposit of $150 to make a consult appointment.

2. Semi-Custom Hairwork

Semi-custom options involve incorporating the hair you provide into existing jewelry designs. Because of the varied size requirements, semi-custom braid pattern options are minimal. You can request a pattern, but I will work my magic to braid your hair into something beautiful that will fit the piece.

To order: Choose from the antique jewelry pieces available in the shop. Add on the Semi-Custom Hairwork option before checkout.

After placing your order, I’ll email you detailed instructions on how to prepare and mail your hair. The current turnaround time is 6-8 weeks after I receive your hair.

Before you proceed, I encourage you to:

• Review the FAQ page for answers to common questions about pricing, hair length requirements, and more.

• Browse the Gallery to see examples of previous hairwork keepsakes I’ve made for clients, and look at some antiques to gain inspiration for your project.

Your trust means the world to me. Working with something as personal and unique as your hair is an honor. Thank you for considering me to create a unique piece of hairwork that celebrates your memories and connections.