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FAQ

How much does it cost to ship?

We offer FREE shipping. However, if you would like expedited shipping, such as overnight, we offer that as well for a nominal fee.

What is your return policy?

With most items, you have 30 days from the date of invoice to return your unused jewelry. Please see our Return Policy for full details.

What’s the difference between an engagement ring, a wedding ring, and a wedding band?

A wedding band and wedding ring are more or less the same thing. It is the ring that each of you gives the other at the wedding ceremony while exchanging vows. Many times it is a simple, plain gold or platinum band. Sometimes, though, it may have small diamonds along the top or something similar.

An engagement ring is the ring that you offer when proposing. It will usually have a larger diamond at the top center of the ring. Depending on style and taste, it may have some stones surrounding it, like a halo, or along the sides, adding more fire and brilliance to the overall look of the ring.

What are the 4 Cs?

The 4 Cs are Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight. These are the four main characteristics of a diamond that determine its brilliance, quality, and value. For more detailed information, please go to Education.

What is the most important feature of a diamond?

It takes all the characteristics of a diamond to truly make it beautiful. Some may say Cut, others may say Color…. You may have a well-cut stone, but if the color is off or it has large inclusions in it, you probably won’t like it. Or, you may have excellent color and clarity, but a horrible cut will kill the fire and brilliance of the stone, also making it undesirable.

Assuming you have an overall good quality stone, which characteristic is the most important is subjective. At that point, you have to ask yourself which stone appears most beautiful to you. Whether it is the most important characteristic or not, if you have a few extra dollars to put into it, almost always she will appreciate a larger stone. You are not likely to notice a difference in Color from an “F” to an “E” or a clarity difference between a “VS2” and a “VS1.” Same is true with Cut; “Very Good” to “Excellent” will be very difficult to tell apart, especially when the stone is by itself. However, you will notice a larger stone…and so will she! At the end of the day, though, what’s most important is entirely up to you.

What do I get her? I don’t know much about diamonds or custom engagement rings (and don’t want to screw up)?

First, we recommend a brief education on diamonds and diamond engagement rings to get you started. Once you have your bearings, there are a couple of solutions to this problem. In either case, you will want to take a look at the jewelry she currently wears. Take note of the size, shape, and style. Does it tend to be large or small, square or round, flashy or subtle, etc.? Almost every girl has a pair of stud earrings in her jewelry wardrobe. Take a look at those. Are they Round or Princess Cut (square) or some other shape? Take a look at some of the magazines she enjoys to see some of the styles within. This will also offer hints as to her preference.

From there, you should have a few ideas as to her style and we can come up with a stress-free plan to make sure everyone is happy. One option is to select a diamond based on what she wears and simply set it in a solitaire mounting. After proposing, you can let her know that the two of you can design the mounting of her dreams to set the diamond in. This way you have a ring in hand for when you propose, but she can still get exactly what she desires. If she loves the ring the way it is, perfect! If she wants to take advantage of a custom design, you are covered that way as well. We will credit you back every dollar for the solitaire mounting and put it toward her custom mounting. Either way, you come out the hero!

Another option is to call us at 858.909.8224 to discuss your observations of her jewelry wardrobe and general style to come up with a beautiful design specifically for her. You can incorporate personal touches that are meaningful to both of you. She will especially appreciate this. It always makes a huge difference. It makes the engagement ring so much more significant, demonstrating your passion and sincerety.

Should I get a “custom ring” or something “off-the-shelf”?

There are benefits to both. It depends on your circumstances and personal taste. An “off-the-shelf” (aka “finished ring” or “ready-to-wear”) is a good choice if you have limited time and need something now or you like traditional looks. There are many beautiful pieces to select from, but there are limits.

Custom rings offer you the opportunity to create a unique ring that no one else has. In contrast, “finished rings” are typically produced in quantity, so you will come across that same ring from time to time. Your fiancée is special and she may appreciate a ring that reflects that by being special as well – a custom, one-of-a-kind ring for a one-of-a-kind woman.

Many “ready-to-wear” rings are of superb quality. However, custom rings are of superior quality and craftsmanship. Each engagement ring is made one at a time, so each step in crafting the ring is carefully executed for that specific ring. Custom rings are of optimal structural integrity with exacting fine detail and perfectly matched side stones for the most desirable and striking pieces.

What size is the ring if it is not listed?

When a ring size (finger size) is not listed or there is no Finger Size option, it is typically a size 6 (occasionally size 6.5 or 7) for a women’s ring and a size 10 (occasionally 10.5 or 11) for a men’s ring. If your ring does not fit to your comfort, most rings can be re-sized before shipping, but would then be non-returnable (see our Return Policy). Most rings can also be re-sized at our shop or by a local jeweler after you have received it, but if re-sized, the item would be non-returnable, so be sure that you like it before you have it re-sized. Most rings may be returned within 30 days, if not re-sized. (See our Return Policy)

How are diamonds cut?

There are several stages in the process of cutting a diamond. The main steps include: planning, cleaving or sawing, bruting, polishing, and final inspection. Scanning devices are used to get a 3-dimensional computer model of the rough stone. Inclusions are mapped as well on the 3D model, which is then used to find an optimal way to cut the stone. Diamonds are exceptionally hard, a 10 on the Mohs Scale. Therefore, special diamond-bladed edges are used to cut them.

Are these blood diamonds?

No. All of our diamonds are “Conflict-Free” diamonds. They do NOT come from any source that funds violence. Please see our “Ethical Sourcing” page for information about the “Kimberly Process” which ensures that diamonds are Conflict-Free.

How much should I spend?

Traditionally, one would budget about 2 months salary for the engagement ring. However, this is a personal matter, so we encourage you to consider your own values and lifestyle, then adjust up or down accordingly.

What is a good diamond?

Ahh…this is a good question. Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and many people have different concerns when purchasing a diamond or diamond jewelry. The main thing you want to pay attention to is the “4 Cs.” The 4 Cs are Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight There is also Polish and Symmetry you may want to consider.

The best diamond you can get is a “D” (Color), Flawless (Clarity), Ideal (Cut) stone with Excellent Polish and Symmetry. However, those are very rare and very expensive. You can get a gorgeous diamond without going to that extreme. In general, you want to make sure that you get a diamond with a rating of at least “Good” or better for Cut, Polish, and Symmetry.

With regard to Color, you want a “white” diamond. You generally don’t want to notice any yellow or brown. If you stay in the “G-H” range or better, you should be fine. You may start to see color at around the “I” color level. Each person starts to notice color at a different level, so take a look at a few stones. What you may not notice at first glance may become more apparent when compared to other stones side by side. Keep in mind though that once you purchase your diamond, there will not be another stone next to it to do side by side comparisons. So, avoid obsessing over the subtlety if you are on a budget.

With Clarity, you will want to stay with an “eye-clean” diamond. “Eye-clean” means that you cannot see any inclusions with the naked eye. Go with an “SI1-SI2” or better for a Round-Cut diamond and you should be fine. Below that, you will start to see inclusions. Above that, such as in the “VS1-VS2” range, the stone will be very clean. It is exceptionally unlikely to see inclusions with the unaided eye with that clarity grade. Note that with a Round-Cut diamond you will have more flexibility with clarity than with a shape such as an Emerald-Cut. An Emerald-Cut has fewer facets which are also rectangular in nature. Inclusions will be much more apparent so you should go with a VS2 or better with such shapes.

Now we come to Carat Weight (size). All things being equal, this seems to be the most important factor to clients. You obviously don’t want a low quality diamond just to get a bigger stone. However, assuming that you have a good quality diamond, people tend to sacrifice unneeded additional clarity for a larger stone. For example, if you have a 1 Ct, “G” color, “VS-1” clarity diamond, you may prefer to go with a 1.3 Ct diamond with all the same attributes, except with a clarity grade of “SI-1.” The same holds true with color. If you have an “F” color stone, you may choose a larger “G” or “H” color stone.

As long as you have your bases covered and the diamonds you are considering are within your budget, the rest should be up to you. The most important thing to consider is how the diamond looks to you!

How important is certification?

Certification is important as it will have the characteristics of the stone on the grading report. However, what is most important is how it stacks up against diamonds with similar attributes and how the diamond appears to you! No two diamonds are exactly the same. The most trusted grading institutions in the industry are GIA and AGS. You will also find many EGL (USA) certifications. There are many other labs, but they are much less recognized so you will want to view the diamond to verify its attributes.

How to propose?

This is a very personal experience, so will require a few moments of quiet contemplation to consider and plan. You will want to do something that is meaningful to both of you, especially her. This is a private moment, so it is recommended that you avoid large public displays, such as the score board at a ball game, unless it has particular significance to her.

Placing a ring in a meal or dessert at a restaurant is not recommended as it can go wrong very quickly with a chipped tooth, choking, or a visit to the hospital. If she swallows it, the evening will play out much differently than you had envisioned.

The important thing to remember is that as long as you have given it thought, include some personal touches that have meaning to the two of you and your relationship, you are on the right track. Any little thing that you can think of always helps. The tiniest things can make a huge difference and score you beaucoup points.

Probably the most important thing is to get down on one knee, say a few words as to why she is so important to you and how she has impacted your life. That is why you are proposing, right?! This will touch her heart and answer her dreams….

What does the term “eye-clean” mean?

“Eye-Clean” is a term used to describe the clarity of a diamond. It simply means that you cannot see the inclusions with the naked eye. Except for “Flawless” diamonds, all diamonds have inclusions. However, Round Brilliant diamonds with a clarity grade of SI1 or above are usually eye-clean. Princess-Cut diamonds and other shapes may require VS2 or above, though every diamond is different, so it is best to visually inspect your diamond before purchase.

Where do diamonds come from and how are they formed?

Most natural diamonds are formed under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions existing at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers (87 to 120 mi) in the Earth’s mantle. Carbon-containing minerals provide the carbon source, and the growth occurs over periods from 1 billion to 3.3 billion years (25% to 75% of the age of the Earth). Diamonds formed from inorganic carbon are called harzburgitic diamonds, while those formed from some amount of organic carbon are called eclogitic diamonds. Diamonds are then brought close to the Earth’s surface through very deep volcanic eruptions by magma, which cools into igneous rocks known as kimberlites and lamproites.

By mining into one of these kimberlite dikes, or kimberlite pipes, diamonds may be uncovered. Often these kimberlite dikes will erode over time and the diamonds will be carried away with the sediment to accumulate in basins. In some cases, glacial action may pick up diamonds and transport them many hundreds of miles, leaving them behind in their path or at their arrived location when they eventually melt.

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