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Appraisal and Valuation FAQ's
Who writes the appraisals for Fine Design Ltd.?
What are your hours?
Where is your office?
Do I have to leave my jewelry with you?
What is the GIA?
Are lab-grown Diamonds really Diamonds?
Why should I get a current jewelry appraisal if I already have an older jewelry appraisal?
How safe is my information?
How long does the appraisal process take?
How do I know which kind of appraisal to ask for?
How do you come up with the Fair Market Value prices for an appraisal?
Can I use one of your insurance replacement or Retail Replacement value appraisals to help me sell my jewelry?
How do you come up with the Retail Values for an appraisal?
How much do your written appraisals cost?
I don't want to sell my jewelry but can I bring it all to you and you tell me what's real, what's not, and what it's all worth?
What does a written Retail Appraisal include?
Do people have jewelry with "enhanced" gems and not even know it?
Do you “plot” the inclusions for each major diamond in your written appraisals?
Plotting is one way to identify a diamond, is there another way?
What else do you appraise?
When you look over my jewelry can you tell me if it needs repairs?
Will you clean my jewelry?
Should I bring my old Jewelry paperwork to the appointment?
What are the differences between a Diamond Grading Report and a jewelry appraisal?
What are the differences between a Diamond Grading Report and a jewelry appraisal?
Custom Design FAQs
How do I make an appointment?
How do I inquire about a custom ring I saw on social media, or get a quote?
Are your diamonds ethical?
Do you sell lab-grown diamonds?
Do you sell mined diamonds?
Do you work with other gemstones?
Do I have to be in Nassau or even in the Bahamas?
How much does a custom engagement ringor wedding ring cost?
How can I find out my partner’s ring size… secretly?
How long does the custom design process take ?
Is custom jewelry more expensive?
Do you make men’s wedding rings?
Can you redesign an existing ring/piece of jewelry?
Do you repair, resize, clean or service jewelry?
Do you refine gold?
What is your return policy?
Do you offer financing?
Do you offer a Care Package?
Do you offer a Warranty?
Caring for Fine Jewelry
How should I care for my fine jewelry? Are there any activities I should avoid while wearing it?
All fine jewelry is delicate by nature. The surface finish of jewelry will begin to evolve with
wear. It's normal to see small marks on rings as they make contact with objects
(often most noticeable on brand new rings during the first weeks of wear).Avoiding impact, pressure, chemicals and extreme temperatures is essential for fine jewelry care. Gold, gemstones, and even diamonds can be damaged with improper care.
Remove your ring during activities/situations such as:
- All exercise and sports
- Washing dishes
- Gardening
- Moving furniture
- During work (If you have an active job)
- Sleeping (Your setting can be under significant pressure without you being aware.
This is especially important for slim rings and those with only one connection
point) - Bathing, swimming, hot tubs
- Playing catch
- Art/craft projects
- Any activity which could result in an impact to your ring
- Extreme temperatures and pressure
- Chemicals, such as bleach, ammonia, chlorine, household cleaners
- When applying creams and lotions, such as moisturizers and sunscreens
Check Centre Stone Tension Regularly
Centre stones can be loosened by a single accidental impact. To ensure that your stone is tight,
gently tap it with a pin and watch for movement. A loose stone often makes a ‘clicking’ sound when the ring is shaken. If a stone is loose, immediately refrain from wearing your ring until it has been professionally re-tensioned.Accent Diamond Setting
Due to their delicate nature, pavé and small accent diamond settings require care. The tiny, handmade prongs holding each diamond can be damaged by a single impact, or continuous abrasion, which wears away the metal. Pressure (such as wearing a ring during weightlifting, cycling or other heavy gripping) can bend or stretch the band, which loosens the settings. Should an accent stone come loose, immediately refrain from wearing your ring
until it has been repaired (as adjacent diamonds will also likely be loose).Rose Gold + Platinum
Rose gold and platinum are softer than all other fine metals. Pieces made with rose gold or platinum are prone to damage/signs of wear.
Gemstones
Gemstones, including sapphires, emeralds, rubies, alexandrite and all other non-diamonds are softer. Gemstones are susceptible to scratching and damage during wear. Ensure to wear gemstone jewelry gently, keep free from chemicals and clean only with non-abrasive solutions.
Ultrasonic Cleaners
We do not recommend the use of consumer grade (at home) ultrasonic cleaners. Overuse of ultrasonic cleaners can lead to stone loosening/loss. They can also damage jewelry by making contact with the interior of the machine during use. If you choose to use an ultrasonic, we recommend using it sparingly (i.e. every 6 months) and ensuring your jewelry is suspended in the water never sitting on the bottom.
How to clean your fine jewelry at home
This method is only suitable for gold and platinum jewelry set with diamonds or sapphires:
1. Place a dollop of dish liquid in a bowl
2. Pour a cup of warm water over mild dish liquid and mix
3. Place your ring in the solution for 15-20 minutes
4. Gently brush the underside of your stones with a soft bristle toothbrush
5. Rinse in warm water
6. Repeat steps 1-5 if necessary
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