Frequently Asked Questions!
Custom Design & General Jewelry
Why should I choose a private jeweler over a retail store?
A private jeweler offers a personalized experience tailored to your needs. We focus on quality, customization, and customer service without the pressure of retail sales. You get a one-on-one consultation, exclusive designs, and better value for your money.
Does custom jewelry cost more than retail jewelry?
Not at all! While custom jewelry is handcrafted and tailored to your preferences, Indy Facets Private Jeweler offers pricing at or below buying from a showcase at a traditional jewelry store. You get superior quality and craftsmanship at a great value you never have to settle for a piece that’s almost what you want.
Do you charge design fees?
No! We offer free upfront design work, including computer-aided designs (CAD) and 3D printed models, so you can see your piece before it’s made. We want you to be as confident in your design as we are so we do all design work before you make any financial commitment. CAD designs can take many hours to put together so we just ask that if we create one for you, please come see it. But if at any point during the design stages you feel like we aren’t a good fit, you can walk away without worry.
How long does it take to create custom jewelry?
The process typically takes 4-6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design. Rush orders may be available for certain designs and many items that aren’t fully custom like diamond studs for instance can be made within a few days to a week or two.
Can I repurpose old jewelry into something new?
Yes! We specialize in repurposing heirloom jewelry, old diamonds, and gemstones to create new, sentimental designs. One of our favorite things is to create a piece with multiple generations of family diamonds and gems. There’s nothing more meaningful than that!
Engagement & Wedding Rings
How do I choose the perfect engagement ring?
Start by considering your partner’s style, metal color, and diamond/gemstone shape. We guide you through every step, from stone selection to setting. We have hundreds of inspirational rings and pieces that we can use to demonstrate different styles of jewelry.
How can I secretly find out my partner's ring size?
You can use a ring they already wear on their ring finger, borrow it temporarily, or compare it to a sizing chart. We also offer temporary sizing solutions. You’d be surprised how close we can get seeing your partners fingers in a picture of them.
How soon before my wedding should I order wedding rings?
We recommend ordering your rings at least 3-4 months before your wedding to allow time for production and any adjustments. Truthfully the sooner the better though, once you set a date start planning wedding bands. A million other things will take over your thoughts when planning a wedding and rings that aren’t planned early have a way of sneaking past you becoming an emergency close to the wedding.
Should couples design their rings together or surprise each other?
It’s completely personal! Some couples love designing together, while others prefer a surprise. We can accommodate both approaches.
Diamonds & Gemstones
What are lab-grown diamonds?
Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds created in a controlled environment. They have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds.
Are lab-grown diamonds better than natural diamonds?
Lab diamonds offer exceptional quality and value, allowing you to get a larger, flawless stone for your budget. Natural diamonds hold historical and rarity value. The choice depends on personal preference. Please see our page dedicated to giving you all of the info you need to decide which is best for you.
What's the difference between carat and karat?
That's a great question, we've asked ourselves many times who thought this was a good idea?
Carat measures a gemstones weight
Karat measures the purity of gold (eg. 24K is pure gold, 18k is 75% gold).
Which is better: White gold or platinum?
White gold is slightly more affordable but requires rhodium plating over time.
Platinum is naturally white, denser, and more durable, it is by far the best choice in white metal for almost all types of jewelry.
Jewelry Care & Maintenance
How should I clean my jewelry at home?
Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap for gold and diamonds. We recommend using Mr Clean for most jewelry. See our blog post about how to clean your jewelry at home for some great tips! Avoid harsh chemicals, and stop by to let us do a professional cleaning and check your piece for damage and wear approximately every six months.
How often should I have my jewelry professionally checked?
At least once a year. We offer free inspections and cleanings to catch loose stones and potential wear. It is advised to call ahead for this so we can do it while you wait, but feel free to stop in if you’re passing by.
What is rhodium plating?
Rhodium plating is a rare metal plated coating applied to white gold jewelry to keep it bright and white. White gold is more of a vanilla color naturally so rhodium is what makes it bright white. It will wear off over time and need re-dipping every 1-2 years.
Can I shower or workout in my jewelry?
We don’t recommend it! Soap, sweat, and chemicals can dull metals, reduce sparkle and cause buildup of line and calcium deposits.
Why does my ring feel tighter or looser at different times?
Finger size changes due to temperature, hydration, and time of day. If your ring is consistently too tight or loose, we offer sizing solutions.
What should I do if my ring is stuck on my finger?
Try soap, hand sanitizer, or Windex to slide it off. If that doesn't work, call us to schedule an appointment to come in for safe removal and resizing. If it is an emergency, a fire station or Emergency Room may be able to help.
Jewelry Insurance & Appraisals
Do I need jewelry insurance?
Yes! Jewelry insurance protects against theft, loss, and damage. We provide official appraisals for insurance purposes for all of the pieces we design with you. If you have pieces made elsewhere or that have been handed down we can do written appraisals for these items too. Give us a call and we can discuss the options with you.
What should I do if I lose my jewelry?
Check your insurance policy and report it immediately. We can help with replacement options and are glad to help walk you through working with your insurance company.
How does jewelry insurance work?
It covers your jewelry in case of loss, damage, or theft. We do not provide insurance, but we can recommend a few insurance companies to work with. Reach out and we would be happy to discuss and make some recommendations.
Men's Jewelry
What are the best wedding bands for men?
Popular choices include classic gold, platinum, white gold or rose gold. We highly recommend rings made of precious metal for your wedding ring. Because they can be sized, refinished and go through life with you. While alternative metals like Titanium, Damascus steel, bourbon barrels and many other options are a fun choice for an add-on ring or sport band, they can not be resized so they won’t be a forever option.
What jewelry gifts are good for men?
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Bracelets
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Cufflinks
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Signet Rings
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Tie Clips
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Custom Dog Tags
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Money Clips
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Watches
Jewelry Trends & Design Inspiration
What are the most popular diamond shapes?
Round brilliant has always been the top choice because it offers more sparkle and brilliance compared to other cuts. But, oval, cushion, and emerald cuts are also amazing choices.
What are alternative materials for jewelry?
Titanium, tungsten, ceramic, carbon fiber, and meteorite are unique, durable options.​
What are statement necklaces and ring stacks?
Statement Necklaces: Bold, eye-catching designs
Ring Stacks: Layering multiple rings on one finger for a stylish look.
Weddings & Special Occasions
What is a push present?
A gift given to a new mother to celebrate the birth of a child. Popular choices include custom jewelry, lockets, and birthstone pieces.
What are some wedding anniversary gift ideas?
Each anniversary has a traditional jewelry theme, but we've found diamonds are a great choice for every anniversary too.
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1st– Gold
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5th– Sapphire
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10th– Diamond
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20th– Emerald
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25th– Silver
What are good wedding gifts for parents or the bridal party?
Engraved jewelry, lockets, cufflinks, and personalized pieces are timeless options.
Estate & Vintage Jewelry
I inherited jewelry I don't like– what are my options?
You can redesign it into something meaningful while preserving its sentimental value. Or, we can apply the value as a trade in towards something entirely new. Not looking for new jewelry and prefer something else instead, we also buy estate jewelry, gold and diamonds outright.
Can I sell old gold and estate jewelry?
Yes! We buy gold, estate pieces, anything made of gold, solver or platinum along with old coins at fair market value. Don’t forget sterling silver flatware and tea sets, old dental gold, etc.
What is jewelry restoration?
It’s the process of repairing and reviving antique or worn-out pieces to their original beauty. We can make most pieces look brand new again and restore the wear from daily life.
