Frequently Asked Questions about Our Family Business and Custom Made Jewellery
Welcome to Stones Diamonds’ FAQ. Here, we address some of the most common questions our customers have about diamonds, jewellery care, and our policies. If you have any other questions or need further assistance, please feel free to contact us.
1. Are Your Diamonds Certified?
Yes, at Stones Diamonds, our larger diamonds, usually 0.50ct and above, come with certification from reputable laboratories. mostly GIA (Gemological Institute of America). Certification provides an objective assessment of a diamond’s quality and ensures that you are getting a genuine, high-quality gemstone. The certificate includes detailed information about the diamond’s characteristics, including the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight), which are essential in determining its value. The original certified is provided upon diamond purchase but if lost the GIA number can usually be searched online to provide the needed information.
Follow up Question . Should I buy a certified or non-certified diamond and what is the difference?
Certified diamonds are diamonds that have undergone quality analysis by a trusted gemmological laboratory such as GIA (Gemmological Institute of America) and have been issued with an independent laboratory report. The GIA laboratory has the most sophisticated equipment, and they provide the most consistent gradings. An added bonus is that Certified diamonds usually have a laser inscription for identification.
Non-Certified diamonds are still graded with the same quality analysis as certified diamonds, they just don’t have an independent certificate. Because of the cost of certification, Non-certified diamonds may represent better value for money. At Stones, whether a diamond is certified or not, you will always receive a valuation detailing that gemstone’s details.
The reality is that most of the diamonds we sell are not certified. For jewellery containing lots of small diamonds, it is a practical impossibility to certify all of the stones. Over 99% of our diamonds over 0.50cts are GIA certified. Click on the link for more information on diamond certification.
2. How Are Diamonds Graded?
At Stones we are happy to source any grade of diamond yo desire. With out 50 plus years of experience we recommend a perfect balance of high quality diamond and affordability, as we mostly stock F-G colour (rare white), and SI clarity (slight imperfections).
Diamonds are graded based on the 4Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat weight. Here’s a breakdown of each:
- Cut: This refers to how well the diamond has been cut and shaped. The quality of the cut affects the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor.
- Colour: Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (completely colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The less colour a diamond has, the more valuable it is. Excluding pink and rare colour diamonds.
- Clarity: This measures the presence of internal or external flaws (inclusions and blemishes). Clarity grades range from Flawless (no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye).
- Carat Weight: This indicates the weight of the diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer and typically more valuable.
3. How to Clean Diamond Jewellery?
Keeping your diamond jewellery clean will help maintain its brilliance and sparkle. Here are some tips for cleaning your diamond jewellery:
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Home Cleaning:
- Mix a small amount of mild dish soap/ Detergent with warm water.
- Soak the jewellery in the solution for about 20-30 minutes.
- Gently scrub the diamond and setting with a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or oil.
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
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Ultrasonic Cleaner:
- You can use our or buy your own ultrasonic cleaner for a more thorough clean. However, be cautious as not all diamonds or settings are suitable for ultrasonic cleaning. Avoid using it for diamonds with significant inclusions or on antique settings.
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Professional Cleaning:
- Bring your jewellery to Stones Diamonds for a professional cleaning. We offer free jewellery cleaning and inspection services to ensure your diamonds remain in top condition.
4. What Is Her Ring Size?
Finding the right ring size is crucial for a perfect fit. Here are a few methods to determine her ring size:
- Jeweller’s Help: Visit us at Stones Diamonds, and we can professionally measure her ring size to ensure an accurate fit.
- Secret Measurement: If you’re planning a surprise, you can borrow one of her rings and bring it to us. We can measure it to determine her size.
Follow Up Question, Do you resize rings?
Our craftsmen can professionally resize, repair or redesign your most treasured pieces of jewellery. You can rest assured that your jewellery is in safe hands because our workshop is located right here in the historic Brisbane Arcade. Please Contact Us to find out more.
5. Do You Accept Returns?
Yes, we accept returns under the following conditions:
- Return Period: Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase.
- Condition: The item must be in its original condition, unused, and in its original packaging.
- Proof of Purchase: A receipt or proof of purchase is required for all returns.
- Custom Orders: Custom or personalised items may not be eligible for return, as they are made to your specifications.
For more details on our return policy, please visit our Returns and Exchanges page.
6. Do you custom-make rings?
If you can dream it, we can create it for you. We specialise in Custom made jewellery to bring your dream diamond ring to life. It’s a proud heritage that began with our founders, John and Del Stone, and continues today under the guidance of their son Paul. Click the link for more information on our custom-made jewellery.
7. Do you Rhodium plate rings?
Yes. We will keep your treasured piece of jewellery as bright and as shiny as the day you fell in love with it. It will take approximately 1-3 days to rhodium plate your ring depending on the complexity of the design. Click on the link to find out more about the Rhodium Plating Process or Contact Us.
8. Are your diamonds responsibly sourced?
At Stones, we have always ensured that our diamonds are conflict-free. We only purchase them from legitimate sources that we know and trust. We’ve been following this responsible practice since we started business in 1970. Click here for more detailed information on Conflict Diamonds and how we source our diamonds.
9. How long does it take to make a ring?
Because our workshop is located right here in the Brisbane Arcade, we normally require around 2 to 3 weeks to create your ring. If you have a special requirement or need your ring made more quickly, please speak with one of our experienced staff. We are happy to assist you and can usually accommodate most requests. Please Contact Us for further information.
We hope this FAQ section has answered your questions. At Stones Diamonds, we’re committed to providing you with the best jewellery and customer service. If you have any other inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us or visit our store in the Brisbane Arcade.
