Lucille Nyikuri captured Michael's passion by crafting two pairs of cufflinks, blending the essence of Africa and the elegance of music. What's your wish?
A request by Michael from Hannover, Germany
I read that someone has made cufflinks with the outline of Africa. I think this is a great idea and I would like the same. Furthermore I would like a pair of cufflinks with the outline of a double bass instrument.
The Journey of Creating Two pairs of custom made cufflinks
Negotiation & Planning
Artisan's Proposals
Hi Micheal
Thanks for expressing interest in our work.we would be honored to make for you cuff links.We shall initiate the process by creating a prototype for the double bass instrument shape and sharing photos of our previous work.As the process ensues we shall update you with images and photos.Please feel free to give feedback on the shape once we post the images.We shall work together to ensure you get a product that meets your expectations.The prototype which is best known as the mold will be made from plastic.The shape of the mold will be used to create the final product which will be cast in Brass metal.If you have any queries please feel free to ask.Thanks
Lucille
Hello Lucille,
thank you very much for your response and apologies for the delay - I was travelling in Africa.
I have seen the pictures you provided and like the form. But I would prefer the cufflinks in silver instead of gold. (This does not mean that it has to be real silver/real gold ... of course the "gold" is brass - just referring to the colour). Would that be possible?
When it comes to the cost: are these for one pair of cufflinks or for both pairs?
BR
Michael
Hi Michael
I hope you enjoyed your excursion in Africa.I have quoted for both cufflinks.It is possible to do them in silver color.
Thanks
Dear Lucille,
thank you for your prompt reply. Yes, indeed I did enjoy my trip although it was for business purpose only. Also it has been South-Africa this time which is not really Africa, to be honest. And personally I enjoy East-Africa much more 🙂
With respect to your response: understanding that the price you have offered is for both pairs together and understanding that they will be in "silver", please proceed
br
Michael
hi Michael
I hope your great.I have attached a ring we made in the shape of the double bass instrument.Please approve the shape so we can use this as a prototype for making the cuff links.
Thanks
Lucille
Hello Lucille,
Frankly, I cannot really recognize the form (I assume it is the image on the far right). Would the cufflinks be massive or rather delicate, as the picture on the right?
Regards
Michael
Hi Michael
The cuff links will be delicate nothing massive.Unfortunately we cant do them in silver we are forced to use aluminum and we cant realise the product with this metal.The only metal we can work with for now is Brass.If your fine with that then we can proceed.
Thanks
Crafting Process
Artisan’s Progress Updates
Hi Michael
Please give me feedback on the metal.
That's ok 🙂 Silver won't work, right?
Hi Micheal
We can do them in Brass and coat them with Silver.If that is okay with you.
What would be the extra costs?
Hi Micheal there will be no extra cost for that.
Then please coat it with silver.
ok we shall begin the work
Hi Micheal
How are you?The work is progressing well.I will send you images of the mold for your approval.
Thanks
Hi Lucille
I'm fine and I hope you are too.
Unfortunately I don't see any new pictures...
Regards Michael.
Hi Michael
I hope your well.We have completed the map of Africa cufflink the second is abit of a challenge.
I will furnish you with an image of the mold as soon as we complete.
Thanks
Hi Michael
I hope your well.We are concluding on the mold for your approval.I will send you images of the same on Monday.Sorry it has taken time it has been a bit of a challenge.
Hi Michael
We have done the mould in plastic.Please have a look and give me feedback.
Thanks
Hi Michael
I hope your well? Please give me feedback on the mould so we can proceed.Have we captured the shape correctly?
Thanks
Yes - please proceed
Thanks,we shall proceed to cast it in Brass.I will share the image with you before we do the silver coat.
Hi Michael
I hope your well.Sorry for the silence.I have been unwell, sorry to bog you down with that but I would rather be honest.We have a public holiday tomorrow the work continues on Tuesday.I will have some crisp and clear images for you this week.
Thank you for your patience.
Hello Lucille,
I am sorry to hear of your illness. I hope that it was nothing serious and that you're better now. In any case, I am very happy that production has recommenced.
Greetings to Kenya
Michael
Hi Michael
I am back on my feet thanks.I have attached a video of the process it takes to make the sample of your cuff link.I have also attached the final image of the top part of the cuff links.
I hope we have captured the correct shape and appearance as per your description.
Thanks
Everything is fine
Great we shall proceed.
Hello Lucille, When can you send? I would be delighted to be able to wear the cufflinks in the near future 🙂
Hi Micheal
I have attached the Brass version of the cuff links.I will then proceed to take them for dipping so that they are silver coated.
Very good. Thank you Lucille 🙂
Hi Micheal
The final product is here.I have uploaded the images of both cuff links.Give me your feedback then we can ship them.
Thanks
They look great - I look forward to wearing them 🙂
Hi Michael
Please confirm if your satisfied with the map of Africa cufflinks?
The Finished Unique Piece – Individually Handmade
Reference: ON000506E-1896
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Price | |
|---|---|
| Cost of material |
56.15
|
| Cost of labour |
65.51
|
| Cost of packaging |
4.68
|
| Cost of delivery to local operations manager |
3.74
|
| Subtotal – payout to artisan |
130.08
|
| Customer acquisition costs (advertising etc.) |
13.01
|
| Handling fee Urban Change Lab |
13.01
|
| Shipping costs from Kenya to Germany* |
15
|
| VAT (Germany)* |
32.51
|
| Total |
203.61
|
*Shipping costs and VAT vary depending on your location.
