Get to know the 4Cs, Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. Because sticking to your budget is going to mean prioritizing!
Carat weight is the actual weight of a diamond and does not necessarily correlate with dimensions. A carat weighs exactly 0.2 grams.
Colour is the lack of colour subjectively graded from D to Z. Diamonds with less colour are rarer and more expensive. Champagne diamond generally fall within the K-R colour range with champagne colour undertones.
Clarity is the lack of natural inclusions or blemishes and is graded from Internally Flawless "IF" to "I" Included. The “less included” the diamond the more expensive. Salt and Pepper diamonds generally start within the “I” included clarity range.
Cut is important because it's responsible for how the diamond looks and reflects light or “sparkles.” Cut is really a personal preference.
I’m biased. Vintage diamond cuts are my favourite. I love collecting and repurposing old diamonds. Each has an individual character imparted decades ago by a skilled diamond cutter who would have applied his skill to cut each diamond by hand and eye without the exacting tools of modern technology. The result is a tiny faceted piece of art. Some of my favourite old diamond cuts include:
We increasingly have our customers ask for lab diamonds and we are having a great time designing beautiful jewellery for them with these man created stones. Lab diamonds are the chemical equivalent of natural diamonds and have all the same desirable physical characteristics of natural diamonds at a fraction of the cost. But before you choose a lab diamond it is important to understand that unlike natural diamond, more and more lab diamonds are being manufactured and put on the market everyday and are an infinite resource. Accordingly, lab diamond prices decrease significantly every year and we expect this trend to continue. Because lab diamonds are not a limited resource, unlike natural diamonds, they have no inherent value and there is currently no resale market for lab diamonds. The value of lab diamond jewellery is in the design work, craftsmanship and precious metals.
Your first ring sizing is complimentary for all engagement rings. Just put your ring size in the notes at checkout. Sizing takes approximately 5 business days. I use the standard US ring size measurements. You can generally resize most engagement rings up or down about 3 sizes without interfering with the integrity of the setting. Rings with diamonds or engraving around the band may not be sizeable. Please ask first and I’ll confirm if we can size your ring. Please note that we are able to size most vintage rings but the sizing process will result in the loss of the rings patina as the ring will need to be polished to complete the sizing work.
WHAT’s MY RING SIZE?
Your ring should slide on fairly easily but need a slight wiggle to remove. For most accurate sizing I recommend taking a few different measurements at different times when your fingers are not swollen or cold. I’m happy to help local customers find the perfect size at the studio. For online customers, send me a note and I’ll mail you a home resizing kit.
SNEAKY SIZING GUIDE
Trying to figure out your partners’ size without him/her knowing? Here are a few ways you can estimate size on the down-low (1) Borrow an existing ring and measure the internal diameter in (mm). It helps to trace the internal diameter or press the ring into something soft like playdoh for the most precise measurement. Send me the internal diameter (not external) and I can estimate ring size. (2) Put one of their rings on your finger and draw a pen mark around your finger at the point where the ring fits you. Later measure the circumference of your finger at that point with a string in (mm). (3) Or you can bring one of their rings to the studio for us to measure for you.
When in doubt size up! You don’t want to ruin the moment if the ring doesn’t fit. You can always size the ring smaller later.
Jewellery requires care and maintenance. Care should be taken to protect items against scratching, heavy wear, hard knocks, extreme temperatures and chemicals. Do not wear your jewellery when lifting weights, carrying hard or heavy objects, working with your hands or playing contact sports (even diamonds can chip). Clean your diamond jewellery in a small dish with warm water, dish soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. You should have you jewellery professionally checked by a jeweller every 6 months to confirm the stones are secure in their settings and clasps are functioning properly. If jewellery is not properly maintained, you risk losing a stone or the entire piece which really sucks:(. Loss or damage to your gemstone(s) is not covered under warranty. We highly recommend getting insurance for your jewels to cover this such loss and damage. Insurance can be purchased from your own insurance provider or via Jeweler’s Mutual.
Not all settings are created equal. Choose one that fits your lifestyle. Keep in mind that jewellery strength is really just a matter of physics. Generally the thicker the metal the less maintenance will be required overtime.
Band Thickness
We all love the look of a delicate band but need to remember a thinner band is not as strong and will require more maintenance. If you workout with weights, carry heavy or hard objects or work with your hands a thin band can bend more easily and we would recommend that you be cautious or remove your jewellery.
Claws Vs. Bezel
A bezel setting is a ribbon of metal that wraps all the way around a gem and holds it securely in place. It is our go to favorite setting for durability and generally requires less maintenance. It protects in two ways, it cushions the gem from bumps and everyday wear and tear and its smooth surface reduces the likelihood it will get snagged or catch on something and result in damage to your jewellery. If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle a low profile bezel setting is a great choice.
Number Of Claws
Claws are important because they are what holds your gemstone in place securely. Generally, the thicker and more claws you have the more secure your gemstone will be in its setting and the less maintenance your jewellery will require. If you are hard on things, we recommend choosing a piece of jewellery with a bezel setting or thicker more numerous claws. It is common for claws to bend or even break with everyday wear. We highly recommend that you check your claws regularly and also have your jewellery professionally inspected every 6 months so that repairs can be made if necessary. It is also important to purchase specialized insurance for your jewellery that covers against loss or damage to your gemstone as this is not covered under warranty.
In Stock Items
For in stock pieces, the process is simple. You can shop the collection online or book an appointment to view pieces in person at the studio or via video call. If you are purchasing online, checkout can be completed directly through the website. If you would like to see a piece first, I am happy to answer questions, provide additional photos or videos, and help with sizing before you decide. Once your order is placed, your ring will be prepared for shipping or pickup. Complimentary sizing is available on most in stock rings and generally takes about 5 business days. Most stock rings can be sized up or down by up to 3 sizes. If you require a larger size adjustment, please contact us in advance to confirm it can be done before making your purchase. If sizing is needed, simply include your ring size in the notes at checkout.
Custom Orders
For custom work, I always start with the gemstone. From there, I design the ring around the stone with you, balancing character, wearability, and proportion. The goal is to make a ring that feels distinct, well made, and perfect for the person wearing it.
The custom process begins with a one hour consultation, either in person or by video, to discuss your wish list, budget, and key design details. Custom designs start at $3500.
Once the direction is established, I begin sourcing your gemstone. A $100 fee applies for time spent on gem sourcing, research, and design, and is credited toward the final custom purchase. This stage usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the availability of rare stones.
Once suitable stones have been sourced, we meet again to review the options, choose your gemstone, finalize the design, and confirm pricing for the finished piece.
After the design and pricing are approved, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required before work begins. Your ring is then created as a wax model. When the wax is ready, I will send photos and videos for your review and approval before moving ahead with final production.
Once the wax model is approved, your ring is made in metal and your gemstone is set. This final stage usually takes another 1 to 2 weeks. The remaining balance is due upon completion of the project. Custom orders are final sale and must be paid in full before shipping or pick-up. Please see our full Terms And Conditions For Custom Orders HERE.
| Step | Timing | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | 1 hour | Free |
| Gem Sourcing | 1 to 2 weeks | $100 credited |
| Select Gem + Finalize Design | After sourcing | Free |
| Deposit + Wax Model | 1 to 2 weeks | 50% non-refundable |
| Wax Approval | When ready | Included |
| Final Production | 1 to 2 weeks | Remaining 50% |
Shipping
We ship across Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. All orders are sent by FedEx Priority service and require an adult signature on delivery. FedEx does not deliver to PO boxes.
Shipping includes full insurance up to the point the package is signed for, in case of loss or damage in transit.
Shipping Times
Canadian shipments generally arrive within 1 to 2 business days.
Shipments to the United States generally arrive within 2 to 3 business days, depending on customs clearance.
International shipments generally arrive within 2 to 5 business days, depending on customs clearance.
Customs Clearance
Please note that international orders may be subject to customs processing, import duties, tariffs, and local taxes upon arrival. These charges are the responsibility of the customer. Customers are also responsible for responding to customs, completing any required forms, and paying any applicable duties, tariffs, or taxes. We recommend contacting your local customs authority in advance to confirm what duties, taxes, or tariffs may apply. Customs clearance times vary by country and may occasionally cause delays beyond the estimated shipping timeline.
Generally there is no duty or tariffs payable on antique items shipped to the United States under USMCA. However, US duties and tariffs seem to be constantly in flux in 2026 so I can't provide any sort of guarantee.
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