FAQ
With so many options available in the current market and information at every corner, purchasing or designing new jewelry can be overwhelming. At JAB, we aim to inform you about your options at each step of the way and give you our expert advice, while never pushing you into a sale or forcing a decision. See below for answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions!
Quick navigation: Custom Design | Repair Services | General
CUSTOM DESIGN
Below are some common questions regarding custom design.
In the current market, the word "custom" is thrown around all over the place. Many of the stores advertising custom iewelry:
- Use pre-made materials and assemble them to make a unique piece.
- Take an existing design and make it using the metal and stones of your choice.
- Alter a pre-fabricated mounting to suit a particular stone or stones.
Starting from an idea is what separates us from the average jewelry store. Everything from design to manufacturing is done on-site in our state-of-the-art facility where old world craftsmanship meets modern innovation.
The process of making custom-designed jewelry can be incredibly rewarding and exciting. It can also be intimidating. At JAB, we help take the guesswork out of the process. We use the power of technology with digital images and 3D printing to show you what your piece will look like before the manufacturing begins. Your complete satisfaction is what we strive for. Many people come in with an idea already in mind, while others have no starting point yet. Either way, we are here to help guide you through the endless options available, designing a piece perfectly made for you.
If you want to be sure that the piece you're getting is truly one-of-a-kind and original, you won't find a better in-house team of designers and craftspeople anywhere else. Schedule your obligation-free design consultation with us to get started!
As a general rule, basic designs can take from 2-4 weeks while more complex designs can take as much as 6-8 weeks. Factors such as working out a concept/design, revisions, and the acquiring of materials can affect your timeline. Although this is often the most fun part of the process of creating an original piece, we will always do what we can to meet any deadline. See our Custom Design page for a detailed timeline.
This depends on what comparison you have in mind (high-end designers, mass-produced merchandise, big box store, other independent jewelers, etc.) In most cases, the cost of custom designing with us is comparable to mass-produced fine quality jewelry. While there can be more cost involved in creating a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, much of it is often offset by a variety of factors - including our role as the manufacturer and our ability to use your materials. We will always work with you to design the best quality piece we can within any budget. With our highly skilled team and investment in technology, we are equipped to complete all the work right here at our shop in McMurray. We value your 100% satisfaction and dedicate our time and craftsmanship to producing results that fit your vision exactly.
We require no monetary contribution from you until the concept and price estimate have been agreed upon. After you have approved a conceptual design, a 30% deposit is all that is required to start the creation process. Typically no other funds are required until your piece is complete. In the case of larger diamonds and depending on the projected completion date, we may require a larger deposit. In the event of a cancelation, the deposit may or may not be refundable depending on how far into the project we are.
The short answer is - yes! We specialize in creating re-purposed jewelry, and it's one of our favorite things to do. It is important to note, though, that our ability to use materials does depend on the quality and condition of the materials, especially gemstones.
We also understand that, in some cases, the sentimental value of family heirlooms outweighs potential concerns with the quality of the material. We will be able to asses your specific materials and offer advice about how to best utilize the materials you have at your design consultation!
While we take many steps to ensure you are 100% satisfied, in the rare case that you are not happy with your finished custom designed jewelry, we will redesign it one additional time at no charge. This assumes that we worked directly with the person wearing the jewelry. Unfortunately, well-intended custom surprises do not apply.
Absolutely! In fact, with our state-of-the-art 3D modeling technology, we can scan your existing piece and create an exact replica model, then modify it to your liking and manufacture it using your desired materials. Schedule your design consultation or contact us for more information!
Yes, we can! With our state-of-the-art 3D modeling technology, we can scan your existing engagement ring and create an exact replica model, then create a band that will align and fit with it perfectly. Typically, you'd have to leave your ring behind so measurements could be kept exact, but with the power of technology and craftsmanship combined, you won't have to part with your precious engagement ring while we make the matching band. Just stop in the showroom so we can obtain a scan of the ring, and you can keep your ring with you while we work on the new matching band. Schedule your design consultation or contact us for more information!
We offer a lifetime warranty on all manufacturing defects for jewelry that we produce. This does not include normal wear, chipped or lost stones, and damaged items. Shanks and prongs will wear down over time and will require maintenance. We recommend that jewelry be inspected at least once a year so that we can detect any repairs that may be needed before worse damage occurs or stones are lost. Cleaning and inspection are always free! There are also insurance and jewelry care plans that can cover everything from repairs to loss, and we are happy to help you get covered! Check out our resources about jewelry insurance.
REPAIR SERVICES
Below are some common questions regarding our repair services.
We are a full-service jewelry shop that combines old-world craftsmanship with state-of-the-art technology to accomplish virtually any repair. Ring sizing, antique refurbishing, stone/prong/shank replacement, polishing, clasp repair, and much more. If you are questioning whether your jewelry may be in need of repair, please bring it in to our showroom, so we can inspect it and let you know of any problems before serious damage occurs!
The turnaround for repairs is typically 10-14 days. Express service is available with an additional charge.
Absolutely!
Our repairs are guaranteed for one year. This includes only the work we did on the piece. For some requests, we are not able to guarantee a repair, but we will always notify you and obtain your consent before beginning these processes. Please contact us for more information.
GENERAL
Below are some general questions about our company and services.
Yes, our materials are always ethically-sourced. We only use trustworthy gemstone and diamond suppliers. We even offer Canadamark diamonds that can be sourced directly to the mine. All of the metals we use are traceable and almost all are certified-recycled by the SCS Global Services Certification. We also are experts in the business of reusing old jewelry to make something new - the ultimate sustainable project! Schedule a design consultation to reimagine the possibilities for the jewelry you already have, without having to jump to buying something new!
Our first response will always be to recycle your materials into something you would love to wear and cherish, but we do realize there are times when you are ready to sell your jewelry. We will give you an honest assessment of what you have and make an offer for you to consider, never any pressure to sell. We buy all types of gold and platinum as well as diamonds. We are selective about what we purchase but we will even pay for smaller diamonds if the quality is at a certain level. Most pieces from big-box retailers use lower quality materials (especially on the smaller diamonds) and often have little or no trade-in value. That does not mean they have no value or are not beautiful just that we cannot buy them and recycle them for a cost that is beneficial to you or us. These pieces are often great candidates to recycle into something new. We recommend doing research to get the best price you are comfortable with, and always work with someone you trust. Selling to another consumer via eBay, Craigslist and the like will almost always have a better return, but can be difficult, take time, and is not without risks. Commercial buyers are buying to resell and make a profit, sometimes at the wholesale level, so have realistic expectations about the value of your jewelry. Stop in for a free evaluation!
Yes - we have certified experts in our showroom to provide you with an appraisal. Unfortunately, we can not offer while-you-wait appraisals. The cost for appraisals is $150 for the first piece with $75 fee for each additional piece. If you are unsure of whether pieces are worth obtaining an appraisal, please stop in for a free pre-appraisal assessment, and we will inform you about the options to proceed! An appointment is not necessary, but you can schedule one here so we can set aside time just for you.
We have a 30-day return policy for in-stock jewelry, which means you have 30 days after receiving your item to request a return.
To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn, with tags, and with its original packaging. You'll also need the receipt or proof of purchase.
To start a return, you can contact us at info@jabjewelry.com. Please note that returns will need to be sent or brought to the following address: 3220 Washington Rd. McMurray, PA 1531.
If your return is accepted and you will be shipping the piece, we'll send you a return shipping label, as well as instructions on how and where to send your package. Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted.
This policy does not apply to custom jewelry pieces. While we take many steps to ensure you are 100% satisfied, in the rare case that you are not happy with your finished custom designed jewelry, we will redesign it one additional time at no charge. This assumes that we worked directly with the person wearing the jewelry. Unfortunately, well-intended custom made surprises do not apply.
You can always contact us for any return, refund, or customer service question at info@jabjewelry.com. We are always willing to work with you!
We offer free cleaning and inspection in our showroom - just stop in! We recommend having your pieces cleaned and inspected every 6 months to ensure that any wear and/or damage is caught and fixed early. For more extensive TLC, a piece may require polishing or refurbishing, which will need to be checked in as a repair job, and thus comes with a fee. The decision to go beyond simple cleaning is always up to you, and we will never pressure you into a repair job.
In general, it is good practice to keep your jewelry away from chemicals and extreme sun exposure. Remove your jewelry before applying lotions, using household cleaners, or swimming in a chlorinated pool. Click here for more information on caring for your jewelry.