Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does a custom engagement ring take to create?
A: Custom rings are completed within approximately 3-4 weeks after you’ve approved the design and provided the deposit. Rush orders can certainly be accommodated depending on the design. All ring styles from Vanessa Nicole Jewels are uniquely designed and fabricated on premises.
Q: Can I send a picture of a ring and have you make it for me?
A: Of course! Vanessa will make custom rings from a picture if you already know exactly what you want, or she can design an original ring if you’re not sure where to start. Custom quotes will be honored for two weeks, assuming that metal prices do not increase by more than 5%. Please be aware that custom quotes may be subject to re-quoting if metal prices increase significantly from the time of the initial quote.
Q: What if I don’t know what ring style is perfect for her?
A: We understand that some men might not be sure whether or not their girlfriend will like their design choice. If you prefer, you can propose with a solitaire diamond ring using the diamond you personally selected (your diamond set on a plain band), and then you both can come to the studio after the proposal to design her ring setting together.
Q: What do custom engagement rings typically cost?
A: All complete engagement rings from Vanessa Nicole Jewels start at $6,500. Your ring setting is a flat fee. This includes: CAD (Computer Aided Design), metal of your choice, pavé diamonds & labor. The main variable that makes the final price fluctuate is the center stone. It’s important to know your budget upfront. This will determine your options for the setting style, as well as determine how much we can use for the center stone. The purpose for knowing your budget is so Vanessa has a max # to approach her trusted diamond dealers with when making the selection. She’ll show you diamonds within a range up to your max # and let you choose the one that stands out the most to you. All will be gorgeous quality.
***Vanessa approaches clients about diamonds in the most upfront manner possible because she doesn’t agree with the BS that a lot of salespeople say when showing diamonds. It either has fire & brilliance or it doesn’t. Period. It’s either gorgeous or it’s not. Period.
There are many factors to consider when trying to pinpoint the price of a diamond. Here are the top three.
1. SHAPE: Round diamonds are generally more expensive than other shapes simply because 92% of people buy round diamonds – there is a high demand for them.
2. DIAMOND MARKET: The diamond market fluctuates (most often quarterly, sometimes monthly). It is based on demand for specific carat weights, stone shapes, desired color, etc. So if someone bought a round 1ct diamond a year ago, that price may be lower or higher now based on what the world market is dictating.
3. WHERE YOU BUY FROM: If someone purchases a diamond from a brand like Tiffany or Harry Winston, one would spend considerably more for the same diamond than they would from an independent jeweler. And once it’s out of that blue box, no one would even know that it’s a diamond bought from Tiffany. Similarly, if you purchase a diamond from a discount online retailer, there are numerous horror stories about getting a poor quality diamond since they didn’t see it in person first. It’s very easy for an online “shop” to close at their own convenience, thus eliminating the option to return it. A smart option would be to visit an independent jeweler such as Vanessa Nicole Jewels.
Q: I live out of town. How does that work with the design process?
A: 50% of VNJ clients are located outside San Diego. Vanessa communicates via phone and/or email (your preference). Information specifically for out-of-town clients: CLICK HERE
Q: What is the investment for the Making Of The Ring™ Film?
A: This priceless film service is $500. It highlights the entire creation of her custom engagement ring. Based on how women react to the films, it really makes each piece a cherished work of art.
Q: Do you make matching wedding bands?
A: Definitely! You can either choose a straight band or one that is sculpted to rest flush against your engagement ring. Most custom female wedding rings range from $800 for a thin, plain gold band to $4,000 for a thick, pavé “blinged-out” eternity band. (All prices are approximate and will fluctuate depending on the current gold/platinum market)
Q: Do you also offer men’s wedding bands?
A: We sure do! We can make custom men’s bands out of stainless steel, 14k/18k gold, or platinum. Men’s custom 14k gold bands start at $1,100 (prices depend on metal choice, thickness & style).
Q: How do I find out her ring size?
A: The most accurate way to find out a ring size is to have her finger sized locally. (Be sure to have it sized for the correct width of the band since the size increases the wider the band is.) If you are surprising her, try to work with a friend or family member to find out for you, otherwise, email us a photo of her and Vanessa will make a size estimate.
Q: Can we have the ring resized if necessary?
A: Absolutely – and it’s complimentary! If out of town, the customer is responsible for round trip shipping/insurance based on the value of the ring. Ring sizing takes approximately 5 business days depending on the volume in our jewelry workshop. Please note that full eternity settings cannot be resized.
Q: Do you sell clarity enhanced or laser drilled diamonds?
A: Vanessa Nicole Jewels does not sell clarity enhanced or laser drilled diamonds. (Click For More Info)
Q: Are your diamond Conflict-Free?
A. All diamonds we sell fall under the Kimberly Process.
The Kimberley Process is a joint government, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds – rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. The trade in these illicit stones has fueled decades of devastating conflicts in countries such as Angola, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sierra Leone.
(UN Compliance Statement Regarding the Kimberly Process: For any product fabricated from rough diamonds mined from January 1, 2003 onward, our vendors certify that the diamonds provided have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations Resolutions. They guarantee that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by their supplier of these diamonds.)
RETURN POLICY
Q: What is your return policy for the ring setting?
A. Each custom ring is created from scratch upon order and every effort will be made to ensure that the jewelry is exactly what you requested. In the event that you are less than completely satisfied, we will make every effort to resolve the issue to your approval. We want you to LOVE your jewelry for a lifetime.
All custom settings are non-refundable, however, if for some reason your new fiancé isn’t thrilled with her ring, we’ll make a new setting to her specifications if returned within 15 days of receiving the original engagement ring. The original cost of the ring setting materials will be put toward the new one, less a $400 CAD design fee.
Vanessa Nicole Jewels understands that some men might not be sure of whether or not their girlfriend will like their design choice. We have never had a situation occur where the girl is not completely thrilled with the ring. The #1 reason women say they love their VNJ ring is because of the thought he put into it. When one buys a ring from an inventory at an overstocked retail store, it’s like “shopping.” This, rather, is being involved in creating a piece of art for her finger. While there is a price tag on the ring, the connection your girl will make with her custom ring is priceless. One client’s fiancé said she would be more devastated if she lost her VNJ ring versus one from a traditional store simply because “this ring means more”.
PAYMENT
Q: What Methods of Payment do you accept?
A. We accept Visa, Discover, Mastercard, Cash, Check & Bankwire. If you pay by check or cash, you will receive a 1.5% discount on the subtotal.
Q: Will I be charged Sales Tax?
A. Sales tax of 7.75% is charged to clients residing within the State of California. No Sales Tax will be charged to orders shipped outside the State of California.
Q: Do you offer a payment plan?
A. We do not offer any type of payment plan at this time. While most people pay upfront, only a 50% deposit is required to begin creating your ring and the remaining balance is due once the ring has been completed. All bands that are less than $5,000 must be paid in full upfront.
INSURANCE
Q: How do I insure my diamond or diamond jewelry?
A. We always recommend insurance for your engagement ring and/or wedding bands. It is the ONE material item you wear that literally takes a beating every day. Like a car, it will need a “tune up” every so often to make sure the diamonds are tight. Many people think that the best way to insure their jewelry is to add it to their homeowner’s insurance. This isn’t always the most cost effective option. A separate jewelry policy helps you avoid the risk of putting your valuable homeowner’s policy in jeopardy in terms of higher premiums, or even cancellation, in the event your jewelry is lost or stolen. A reputable jewelry insurance agency is Jewelers Mutual. Annual coverage costs about 2-3 percent of the ring’s appraised value.
Further Reading: www.JewelersMutual.com
SHIPPING
Q: How will my order be shipped?
A: All orders are shipped via FedEx ‘Fully Insured’ and ‘Signature Required’. This means that your order will be delivered safely and will be fully insured until you have opened your package.
All shipments are packaged discreetly with NO indication that your package contains any type of jewelry item. Our name, “Vanessa Nicole Jewels”, will not appear on your package either. Instead the company acronym, VNJ, is printed on the package.
