Question 1

What is included in my complimentary connection call?

Accepted Answer

Let's get to know each other!   During your complimentary 30 minute connection call, I would love to get to know you, what you are looking for, what is important to you and what you would like to achieve on your personalised journey with me.    We will discuss your ideas and what is on your wish list.   I will share what it would actually be like to work together and answer any questions you have about the Tsarina Gems process.    Once we decide to work together, we will set up a separate call (your first official consultation) to dive into creating your perfect ring, necklace or earrings!

Question 2

What do I need to get started?

Accepted Answer

If you already have a mood board or ideas prepared, I would love to hear about them.    If you do not know where to start, do not worry, you are in the right place!    Once we decide to work together, I will guide you through my unique custom design and gemstone selection process so that you do not have to spend hours on doing research in stores and online.   Here are some things to think about prior to our call:   - What do I like?   - What do I not like?   - What are my priorities?   - What are my must haves?   - What do I want “the star of the show” be? (The stone or the setting?)   - What is my deadline? (Do I have a set date for a proposal or milestone celebration?)   - What is my budget?

Question 3

What is the difference between custom and semi-custom?

Accepted Answer

A custom or a bespoke piece of jewellery is made completely from scratch and you call all the shots!  A custom piece can include your choice of gemstones and/or diamonds along with your one-of-a-kind design. To make sure you are 100% in love with your custom piece, you will see CAD design images of your ring, necklace or earrings first, before the manufacturing process begins.   *Learn more about the Tsarina Gems Custom process here   Semi-custom means creating a new piece based on an existing design in the Tsarina Gems collection.    For example, if you see a ring, necklace or earrings in our Ready-to-Wear collection or on our Instagram page that you like but you would prefer to choose a different centre stone or metal colour, that is possible! (e.g. an emerald instead of a sapphire, yellow/rose gold instead of white gold).   I will be happy to work with you on using an existing design and presenting you with a selection of gemstones tailored to your taste.    Please note that Semi-custom pieces can only be designed around coloured gemstones.    All jewellery with a diamond as the centre stone will be custom-made.    *Learn more about the Tsarina Gems semi-custom process here

Question 4

What is a sourcing fee?

Accepted Answer

Once we decide to work together, I’m off to source diamonds or gemstones for you according to your wish list.   To get the sourcing process started, I require a sourcing fee of CAD $1,000 which will go towards the final price of your custom or semi-custom piece.    Sourcing fee is non-refundable.

Question 5

How much does a custom piece of jewellery cost?

Accepted Answer

Here are 4 things that will affect the cost of your custom-made piece of jewellery:   - centre stone (e.g. diamond vs. gemstone, size, weight, shape and quality)   - accent or side stones (e.g. diamond halo, large side stones, diamonds on the shoulders)   - metal type (e.g. platinum vs. white, yellow or rose gold)   - complexity of design (e.g. a solitaire vs. intricate details)   *Custom pieces start at $5,000 Canadian Dollars + Tax

Question 6

What is a deposit?

Accepted Answer

Once you have selected your perfect diamond or gemstone and are happy with your custom or semi-custom design, let’s start making your dream piece!    To get the manufacturing process going, I require a 50% deposit.    The deposit is non-refundable.

Question 7

What if my dream does not align with my budget?

Accepted Answer

I promise to focus on helping you find the best way to make your dream piece of jewellery come to life while staying as close as possible to your budget.    If this cannot be achieved, I will walk you through other incredible options that are available.    Stay positive and do not feel discouraged! Often, it is a matter of making slight changes or tweaks.   I do ask for you to keep an open mind and trust the process!

Question 8

I saw a ring that I like online, can you copy it?"

Accepted Answer

Although I do not recommend making an exact copy of an existing ring made by another jeweller, when working together, we can definitely use it as inspiration when creating a brand new, custom or semi-custom ring.    When it comes to recreating an existing design, the outcome will never be exactly the same, especially when it comes to complicated designs with intricate detailing.   Let’s work together to create something truly unique and one-of-a-kind, just like you!

Question 9

Can I bring my own stone?

Accepted Answer

I completely understand the sentimental values behind family jewels and why you may want to incorporate them into a new piece, however, I do not work with gemstones supplied by customers.   *Here’s why:   If your diamond or gemstone was previously set in another piece of jewellery, it may show signs of wear-and-tear. These can affect the stone’s durability and I cannot guarantee that it will not get damaged in the re-setting process.    Ethically sourced materials are of utmost importance to me and I take pride in working with companies who supply responsibly sourced diamonds, gemstones and metals. I would love to source a brand new stone that I can stand behind in terms of ethical sourcing and authenticity.

Question 10

Who will be making my jewellery?

Accepted Answer

I am honoured to work with very talented craftsmen and women who hold years of experience and passion, which shows in every ring, necklace and earring that is created. I trust every CAD designer, jeweller, setter, polisher, gemstone supplier and fellow gemologist that is involved in the process.    As the majority of them do not work directly with the public, I act as the liaison, working with each one individually to create the jewellery piece of your dreams.   *Fun fact: these are also the people I trust to make jewellery for myself, my family and friends.

Question 11

Who else is involved in the process?

Accepted Answer

Good news!    You will only be working with one person - me! I will be your shortcut to the world of possibilities, where the sky is the limit.    My job as your personal jewellery concierge is to guide you through the gemstone selection and design process as well as create an enjoyable and stress-free experience.   Although this personalised experience is based around you, I ask that we work together as a team. I will be asking questions, sharing my knowledge and making suggestions but at the end of the day, YOU will be the one making the final decision.    That includes:   - choosing the diamond or gemstone from a selection I carefully curated according to your taste   - finalising the jewellery design in a timely manner    - setting the budget

Question 12

Do you provide jewellery appraisals?

Accepted Answer

Although I previously worked at a gemological lab and appraisal company for several years, I am not a certified appraiser, therefore I cannot legally provide appraisal documentations under my name.   I work with a reputable, third party appraiser here in Toronto, who has decades of experience working with diamonds, gemstones and jewellery and provides fair, unbiased appraisals.    All custom and semi-custom pieces from Tsarina Gems are accompanied by a complimentary third party appraisal for your piece of mind.

Question 13

Do you ship internationally?

Accepted Answer

Upon request, I can provide an international shipping / insurance quote and organise a shipment to you.    International purchases are subject to import duties, taxes and charges that are not included in the price of your piece. These charges are typically collected by the shipping company upon delivery.   Shipping and insurance fees are not included in the price of your piece.

Question 14

What about Returns and Refunds?

Accepted Answer

Due to the unique nature of our business, we do not offer returns, refunds or exchanges.    Sourcing fee, deposits and all other payments are non-refundable.

Tsarina Gems

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are looking for a fabulous cocktail ring, a pair of statement earrings or a necklace that makes you go WOW, I know you have questions!

Check out these FAQs to get you started!

Tsarina Gems

Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are looking for a fabulous cocktail ring, a pair of statement earrings or a necklace that makes you go WOW, I know you have questions! Check out these FAQs to get you started!

Whether you are looking for a fabulous cocktail ring, a pair of statement earrings or a necklace that makes you go WOW, I know you have questions!

Check out these FAQs to get you started!