How does the engagement ring process work?
After you select a diamond and pay for it, we then move onto the ring. You can browse our designs to get ideas or fill out our form to show us what you want to create. We build you a CAD rendered image of the ring in our Matrix software. The CAD image will show you what the ring will look like with the exact size/shape of the diamond you chose and the ring size that is needed. We will render the images in whatever metal colors you would like to see be it white, yellow, rose, two-tone, etc. From there you can ask to change whatever you would like on the ring. The millimeter, the height, the number of side stones, anything! You can add engraving inside if you want as well. We also offer live video chat / screen share if you want to design with us in real-time. Once the final CAD is approved, we will get you a quote. Once you approve the quote, it can take as quickly as 2-3 weeks or as long as 1-2 months depending on who is making it.
Who do you use to make your rings?
We offer two options. Both of them stand behind their quality 100% and we are confident in using both of them to create a piece that is meant to last a lifetime+.
1) Our NYC manufacturer.
- Will take 2-3 weeks
- Will cost less
- More hands are involved
2) Our Master Bench.
- Will take 6-8 weeks
- Will cost significantly more
- One pair of hands from start to finish
We are happy to give you quotes from both.
What is the warranty on your rings?
We guarantee our rings against manufacturing defects up to one year.
No matter the warranty or insurance on a ring, nothing is going to avoid future headaches like proper ring care will. Please take the time to read this so that you are aware.
If you know you are going to be rough on the ring, we highly recommend a bezel style.
What happens if I don't know the exact ring size and it turns out to be wrong?
No worries. Most people cannot get the exact size when they are surprising someone. We offer one free resizing on a new ring, and you must let us know within 30 days of the purchase.
Some notes about ring sizing...
Ring sizing is tricky. While it seems straight forward, there are some other variables at play that must be considered when sizing. For example, shape of the finger being thin at one part and thick at another part or perhaps even more tricky, how much the person fluctuates which can be determined by a number of things like salty food and weather. Everyone's ring is going to feel a bit loose in the winter and a bit snug in the hotter months.
Something to keep in mind is that once a wedding band stacks under an engagement ring, the engagement ring moves slightly upward on the finger and the overall width causes it to feel snugger than it did by itself. This is why I tell people do NOT rush to resize a ring if it is a little loose. If it is slightly loose, we recommend the rubber ring guards sold on amazon to hold you over. If it is dangerously loose or uncomfortably tight, then it definitely needs to be resized.
So, with all that said, you have two options. (This only applies if you just purchased the ring)
1) You have her finger sized at a local trusted jeweler. Relay what they say to us. Then we will help you ship it back to us and have it re-sized according to what the jeweler said and coordinate shipping it back to you. You will not pay for the labor, but you will cover the shipping cost. We do not have a jeweler on premise so it will take some time to get it back.
2) You have her finger sized at a local trusted jeweler and have them size it for you. I would either ask people you know or use Yelp/Google reviews to find a reputable place and develop a relationship with them as you will eventually need to start getting the ring inspected on a regular basis.
What metal is best?
After seeing the wear & tear done on both metals, either is fine. I can't honestly say platinum is safer than gold because both of them need care and maintenance. These are the biggest differences we have seen between platinum and gold: Platinum has a weight to it that people enjoy, and it does not need rhodium plating since it is a naturally white metal. It is usually a bit more costly but not by a landslide. When a platinum ring is scuffed the molecules are rearranged but not lost, so regular professional polishing will be needed.
White gold will need to be rhodium plated again since it is actually yellow gold mixed with white metal alloys. This could take place after a year or even 5 years after receiving the new piece. The wearing away of the white color on white gold will be determined on the chemical interaction meaning that person's skin chemistry as well as the lotions, perfumes, & soaps. When a gold ring is scuffed the molecules are lost so gold actually wears down over time. Over the course of a decade, you may need metal added underneath the ring where it encounters surfaces most frequently as well as the tips of the prongs.
Regardless of the metal you choose, it is paramount that you develop a relationship with a local jeweler and have the ring inspected once a year minimum. When I worked in a jewelry store, I encouraged my customers to come in every 4 months because I was OCD about the pieces that I sold them, and I know people accidently bang their hand around. You don't have to do it as frequent as I am suggesting but if it were my own ring, I would definitely go in to have it inspected by a jeweler once every 4 months as well as cleaned and steamed. If you let this go and never get it inspected, you run the risk of losing your diamond. I have seen it happen before and want to help you never experience that.
I am worried about the ring being secure and sturdy enough. What should I request in terms of the styling and proportions?
We will not sell someone a ring that we deem structurally compromised or think is going to fall apart after a few years of wear. For example, we will always recommend a minimum of 2mm for the shank. If there is something that could pose a problem and we don't catch it in the design, rest assured, our experienced ring designers will relay it to us before they build the ring. We want you to have a ring that stands the test of time.
With all that said, the absolute safest ring is the one that is taken care of properly. Regular inspections, taking it off when doing hands on activities, not wearing it to bed, are all going to greatly impact the ring.
I am new to this and have no idea what I should be looking for AND I want it to be a total surprise. Help!?
Yes, I can help you! Just email me at the below email address and if you want to schedule a time to chat on the phone, I am more than happy to hear your thoughts and make suggestions. What I will want to know is her general style sense and daily lifestyle. I have helped people in person with engagement rings for over 15 years (as well as tried on every style possible myself), so I would be well-suited to guide you in this. sarah@distinctivegem.com