QuestionThomas,
I am sure you are asked this question alot, and I apologize for the repitition, but my girlfriend lost one of her earrings that was very special to her. It is a very simple earring, just a thirty dollar earring in the shape of a dog. It is all metal and is not intricate and does not have any stones. I was wondering how much it would cost to duplicate this specific earring. If you could help that would be fantastic! Unfortunately I do not have the earring handy and cannot send a picture. If you need it I can try to get a picture of it for you to look at.
AnswerMichael, to duplicate the earring will certainly be more costly than was the original pair. Labor to do one item is much, much higher than when a model is made and manufacturing processes are used to make many multiples. For instance, a die might be made for a few hundred dollars then used to stamp out hundreds of duplicate items to sell at less cost each than the original die.
I cannot say how much it would cost without knowing the metal needed, the sort of ear connector and the intricate or simple nature of the earring. We could likely saw out an outline form in silver for something in the $100 range if very simple but if it has raised detail casting would be needed and the minimum for any castings we do would be close to $500. Some jobs simply are not practical for a jewelry shop to do below a certain price level.
Unless the earring is fairly simple and you can find a hobbyist who will do it inexpensively, the best solution is to look for another pair.
Best Wishes and God Bless. Thomas.
