Frequently Asked Questions

MeowTown is the home and brand of stone artist Nick Leavens.

I’ll tell you over coffee someday. With two other careers, I wanted a brand for my stone sculpture and carving that was distinct and different. Hence MeowTown. I'm happy for the name to be a somewhat silly sounding name to lighten my sometimes over thinking nature.

Everything is made by me, by hand, in my studio in Brooklyn, NY. Occasionally I go to Italy and make things there too.

I work primarily with found, reclaimed, and salvaged stone. For the sake of definitions, found stone is from in the wild or of unknown origins, reclaimed stone has been discarded and in quarry heaps or heading to landfills (ie unused pieces from quarrying or cuts from stone counters or tiles), and salvaged stone was used for some other purpose and are no longer used (i.e. buildings that get destroyed, kitchens that get torn out). Stone quarrying/mining can be very destructive and by using waste products, I want my work to make something beautiful out of something that will be trash, waste, or otherwise unused. There is certainly enough beautiful stone out there and I’m excited about making it into something surprising and new.

Yes, you can read our international shipping FAQ here.

No, my sculpting work is not represented by a gallery and I would be open to regional or national representation.

MeowTown's handle across platforms is @meowtown.art, links are below as well.

I'll continue to add lines of object art, wearables, furniture, and sculpture to the website as I make them. In general, I’m normally working on at least a dozen pieces at the same time in a variety of styles and categories. It keeps me on my toes.

No, my pieces are only sold directly to collectors.

Everything I make is hand made and not mass produced. I am open to having items in stores, but only under specific terms. Reach out, let’s talk about it.

All the pieces are handmade to order so, in general pre-order and commission rings will take between 1-6 months depending on the number of back-orders. You’ll receive an estimate upon making an order. The website is also regularly updated with estimates on how long production will take. Commissions will vary on the type of piece, and you can read more about the commissioning process here.

When you commission a piece, we will talk about the types of stone you dig and what I have in stock. If you would like something highly specialized, it may be able to be sourced. Some types of stone I don’t work with because it is too hard, too hazardous, or too delicate. But, it is safe to say, if there is an example of something on my site, I will work with it again.

• It depends on the stone. Let's take a look and we can talk about it.

If a ring is listed as for sale on the site and it’s your size, go for it! If you are looking at a ring from the archive, unfortunately, no. Each ring is made for a specific person with a specific intent. I spend a lot of time considering the person, what ring they need, the style of the ring comes from conversation or inspiration, and I bless the rings with intent for each person. I'll do that for you in this process, but your ring will be completely unique and just for you.

If the piece is from the repeated design section, I can make a ring of that design for you in your size. If it’s a one of a kind ring, the size can not be adjusted.

Unfortunately, that's not how I work. I am happy to make you a sculpture based on inspirations you share and styles you are excited by, but do not make rings to others’ design specifications.

Most importantly - no smashy. Smashy bad. Think of your ring as a little stone sculpture, because that’s exactly what it is. Your little sculpture will take a little more mindfulness than a ring made of metal, most importantly, not hitting it hard or dropping it. Otherwise avoid harsh chemicals, things that could stain it (dyes, foods that stain, etc.). You can clean it with warm water and, if needed, a mild dish washing liquid or hand soup. Do your best to remove the ring when washing, cleaning, carrying things that are heavy.

I’m going to level with you, friend, it might. Not saying it will, but it’s possible. Your ring is a sculpture made of stone and it’s delicate and special (whispers: just like you), so if you take care of it you can have it for a really long time.

Unlike a ring of metal, a stone ring may break in time. Should the ring break, that moment should denote a moment of particular importance. Much like casting runes, the circumstances of the break will determine the meaning. If it is a positive time, it should be seen as a good omen. If it breaks in distress, it’s a time to reflect. Because each ring is made with specific intent and/or imbued with unique runes, blessings, etc. the meaning of the break will be unique to the piece and the circumstances. The ring’s breaking is not inevitable but not deniable. Such is our journey.

Yeah, I’d be happy to. In the event that a ring does break, if all the pieces are kept, it may be able to be mended. I’ve mended pieces using the kintsugi technique. If you’d like a piece to be repaired you will be responsible for shipping both ways.

I recommend going to a jeweler and having a measurement done of the finger you intend to wear the ring on. You can also buy a ring sizer like this to get your measurement.

IMPORTANT SIZING INFORMATION: These stone rings can fit differently than standard metal rings, I always recommend going at least a half size higher than what you normally wear. Remember: 1) the piece is hand carved, so it may not be a perfect circle, 2) stone doesn’t expand and contract like metal and your finger does, so if you get hot or drink a bunch of water, it may become hard to remove, 3) the bands tend to be wider than metal rings and so harder to get on and off. If the size ring you wear is tight on your finger, go a full size higher, so you can ensure it will come on and off with ease.

No, I’m sorry, but all sales are final.

Hooray for you and the thoughtful gift. For all commissions, wearables or otherwise, I will need to work directly with the future owner of the piece, so we can break the surprise to them together. The design process involves direct input from the future wearer, so I’ll need to talk with them to make the piece. You can learn more about the process on our Custom Pieces page.

Unless you specifically buy a cursed ring, no your ring isn’t cursed. I got you, boo.

In general my work is priced based on the time taken to make it, the materials used, and demand. Some pieces take a lot of time to make, some stone is harder to work, and some designs are very complicated; all of this will increase the price. Also, if I am working with a rare stone or something that is delicate, it changes the price. Finally, as interest grows in the work, especially with the wearables, the price will increase over time.

I don’t do sales, but I will regularly release pieces at a range of price points. I will also occasionally send direct offers for first looks and early purchasing options to those on my email list..

For most of the work reflected on the website, payment is needed up front. For some high-priced commissions I will break up payments for collectors.

Sorry, no crypto, but I may accept 1) deeded land, 2) gold bars, 3) art trades of equal or greater value.

Yes, I do in person consultations and studio visits at my studio in Brooklyn. If you’ve purchased a ring commission, we can set up a time. If you are commissioning a sculpture, object art, or furniture piece we’ll do a call before setting up an in person visit.

My inventory of found, reclaimed, and salvaged stone is always changing, but I normally work with a variety of limestone, marble, onyx, and travertine. Occasionally I’ve also worked with other materials such as anthracite coal, calcite, jasper, lapis lazuli, and others.

Send me a note to let me know what you are interested in. I’ve found that, unless inspiration strikes, I don’t love making pendants and bracelets, but I am always open to new ideas and avenues to be moved into action.