Frequently asked quesitons

• Will prices change?

  On occasion yes, there is a chance the price could change slightly depending on the spot price of the precious metals market from the time of commission to the completion, it is simply the nature of the precious metals industry.

• Will you travel to my location?

  Yes, I am willing as long as my schedule supports it. All travel and accommodations must be covered in advance. I will be traveling with precious metals and small gilded examplars so accommodations must be as safe, direct and comfortable as possible.

• Are you able to do a consultation online?

  Yes. Often we can speak over video to work out the details and size requirements and design ideas. Consultation rates apply.

• Can you use lower karat weights or mixed metals?

  Not usually. I work exclusively with the precious pure noble elements but on rare occasions such as a small frame or antique gilding repair that requires lower karat weights to match the vintage gilding used it might be necessary. For new or custom artworks I only use pure 24k or pure platinum. No glitter or inferior, coated, or mixed schlagmetals are ever used.

• Is this real gold?

  Yes. It is pure 24k gold. It is the precious elemental noble metal Au 79 and it is 99.999% fine or considered 5N fine in the industry.

• Where is the gold sourced?

  Our gold is responsibly sourced only within the United States of America from a family of gold beaters who have been in business for over three generations since 1905 and are the last domestic gold beaters remaining in the US. My platinum is from a trusted source in Italy that has been beating gold and platinum since the 1600’s.

• How are payments structured for trade commissions?

  Commissions are booked with a simple three-part payment structure:

  • 50% booking retainer – reserves studio time and allows me to begin design work, sketches, and material preparation (including hand-refined 24k gold).

  • 25% progress payment – due once the design is approved and primary work has begun (for example, sculpting, underpainting, or major groundwork).

  • 25% final balance – due upon substantial completion of the artwork and before delivery or shipment. Shipping charges must be paid in full.

  All payments are invoiced electronically and may be paid by the approved methods listed in your proposal. This schedule ensures the studio is properly resourced throughout the life of the project.

  What happens if my client cancels the project?

  Commissions reserve studio time, design work, and materials, so payments are structured to protect that commitment.

  • The 50% booking retainer and any progress payments are non-refundable once work has begun. These cover design time, studio hours, and materials (including hand-refined 24k gold) already dedicated to the project.

  • If a project is cancelled before completion, all amounts paid to date are retained as compensation for work performed.

  • If cancellation occurs after the piece is substantially complete, a “end fee” of up to the remaining balance may still apply, as outlined in your proposal.

  All agreements are made with the designer or purchasing party of record. Any change of heart or non-payment by the designer’s client does not release the designer from their financial obligations to the studio.

• Who owns the artwork if a commission is cancelled or not fully paid?

  Until the invoice is paid in full, the artwork and all designs remain the property and copyright of The Gilded Hart Studio / Karena Franklin. Title to the physical artwork transfers only once final payment for shipping/delivery has been received and cleared.

  If a commission is cancelled or a final payment is not made, the artwork remains with the studio. I may modify, complete, and place or resell the piece at my discretion.

• How far in advance should I commission a piece?

  Most trade and designer projects are booked 3–6 months in advance, especially for medium to large-scale works. Smaller Luminosa pieces may be possible on a shorter timeline, depending on the studio schedule. Larger or multiple works could take 1 year+ due to exclusive availability.

  Timeframes vary by size and complexity, but as a general guide:

  • Small Luminosa Collectables: approximately 8–12 weeks

  • Medium feature or devotional works: approximately 12–20 weeks

  • Large cathedral or iconic commissions: 4–9 months, depending on scope and current bookings

  If you have a specific deadline (home completion, chapel dedication, event, etc.), please share this in your initial inquiry so we can discuss what is realistically possible.

  Because each piece also involves layered grounds, sculpted relief, drying time, and gilding, I recommend reaching out as soon as you know your approximate install date so we can plan backwards from your project timeline.

• Do you offer trade pricing for designers or galleries?

  Yes. Because of the rarity of the materials and the amount of handwork involved, my pricing for originals remains consistent across private collectors and design professionals.

  However, for design firms and galleries planning multiple placements or ongoing collaboration, I’m happy to discuss tailored options such as reserved studio time, pre-planned series, or priority scheduling on a case-by-case basis.

  I’m grateful for the designers, galleries, and trade partners who help place my work in beautiful spaces, and I do offer a structured trade program.

  For hand-gilded originals and commissions (Luminosa pieces, feature works, and cathedral-scale projects), I offer a standard trade consideration of 20% off retail. In some cases, such as multi-piece projects or ongoing collaboration with a returning designer this may be extended up to 25%, depending on scope and schedule.

  For hand gilded prints, gilded gifts, and select non-original or minimal gold application items (ex: a dozen or more hand gilded ornaments for a large holiday tree), trade pricing is more in line with traditional design expectations and typically ranges from 25–30%, with up to 35% available for larger quantity or ongoing orders where production costs allow.

  Because each project and product type is different, final trade terms are confirmed in writing on your proposal so there are no surprises for you or your client.

• Can you match a specific palette, mood board, or interior style?

  Yes. I frequently work from designer mood boards, fabric swatches, finish samples, and photos of the space. My work maintains a consistent visual language, sculpted relief, mineral whites, gentle colour, and 24k gold but within that, we can choose:

  • warmth or coolness of the palette,

  • intensity or softness of colour accents,

  • scale and proportion in relation to architecture or furnishings.

  The goal is to create a piece that feels like it truly belongs in your project, not just added onto it.

• Do you handle shipping and installation?

  Finished works are carefully packed and shipped via insured carriers, with shipping charges quoted separately based on size, weight, and destination.

  For local projects or significant pieces, white-glove delivery can be arranged through trusted partners, or coordinated with your preferred art installer.

  For very large or complex installations, I recommend involving your contractor, designer and installer early so we can plan anchoring, wall support, and access.

• Do you frame the artwork?

  No. I do not frame my pieces. Here is where my experience as an early artisan comes into play and I saw how deeply personal and subjective frames can be depending on each piece and the room and lighting they will be in. Sometimes it will take many tries to find the perfect framing, if any at all. This is a highly custom process for the client and the space it is best to collabourate with a designer or framing expert to help choose.

  If you have a deep gallery board or canvas I can offer the options of extending the design to wrap on the edge, hand gilding the edges with pure 24k gold or platinum or simply painting the edge with any colour you prefer.

• Are the materials archival and suitable for long-term installations?

  Yes. My studio practice uses archival grounds, professional artist materials, and true 24k gold, which does not tarnish. Works are built on carefully prepared substrates appropriate for long-term display in residential and gallery environments.

  As with all fine art, I recommend avoiding direct, harsh sunlight and extreme humidity changes whenever possible. For hospitality or very high-traffic placements, we can discuss additional protective considerations during the planning phase.

• Can I show my client concepts before we commit to a full commission?

  Yes. Many designers begin with a Private Studio Consultation to clarify vision, investment level, and scale. Following that, I can prepare a simple concept sketch or digital mockup as part of the proposal process, which you may share with your client.

  More detailed renderings, multiple concepts, or revisions beyond the agreed scope may incur additional design fees, which will be outlined in your proposal if needed.