Frequently Asked Questions about Jewelry
How do I begin shopping for an engagement ring?
First, have a budget in mind, and the style you’re looking for. Find some inspiration pieces you and your future fiancé like. If you don’t know what kind of rings they like, ask their friends and family to help, and check if they have a Pinterest board of rings. Then, using the budget and style, talk to our designers more in-depth about metal choices, gemstone choices, and more. We want to help you Find Your Joy.
Is custom jewelry more expensive than a ready-made piece of jewelry?
Because everything about the process is custom, you tell us your budget and we will adjust the quality of materials to accommodate it. Every piece is made in-house, so we have all the power over the materials going into your piece. You can work with our designers as long as it takes, never at an additional cost. So no, custom is not more expensive than a ready-made piece, unless you want it to be.
How do I design a custom engagement ring?
In a nutshell, share your inspiration pieces and ideas with us, or work with our experts to find your style, and our designers will create a 3D CAD model for you to approve. If you have any tweaks you want, the designer will put them in and when you are finally happy with the 3D model, we can print a wax version for you to see what it will look like in person. Then, assuming you’re still happy with the piece, we will move it into production and create it. Click here to start the design process.
How long does it take to design a piece of custom jewelry?
With the custom design process, the more time you can give us, the better it is for everyone. When an order is placed to move into the CAD phase, you can expect the initial design in 7-10 business days. Any modifications will be added within two business days. Once a design is approved, we would like to have 3-4 weeks for production. We do all of our work on-site, so we can be moderately flexible with due dates if absolutely necessary. The whole process can take 4-8 weeks, depending on how many modifications you need. However, we can sometimes rush a job if you need it by a certain date. Just let us know your timeline when we are starting the process.
How much does it cost to ship a ring? Is shipping jewelry safe? Is shipping jewelry insured?
Shipping is much safer than most realize. However, we do believe it is better to be safe than sorry. We offer free 2-day shipping on orders in the United States and Canada, and the packages are insured to 100% value of the item. Delivery requires an adult signature, or the carrier will not leave the package.
Do you responsibly source metals and gemstones?
Yes we do! We only use recycled gold, and we source our materials through longtime partners who are approved through the Kimberley Process. Our suppliers only work with conflict-free diamonds, and we offer lab grown diamonds as well.
What gemstones can be put into fine jewelry?
We can source almost any gemstone for you. We frequently work with diamonds, sapphires, lab grown diamonds and sapphires, morganite, amethyst, emerald, ruby, and fancy color diamonds, but there are many more options available to us. We will give you a range of options which will vary in pricing and allow you to choose the gemstones that best suit your budget.
How can I make a matching wedding band for my engagement ring?
The same custom process of working with a designer and building 3D models applies to wedding rings, as well. We will use the exact measurements of your engagement ring to build your wedding band around it according to the design you want. We have the technology to scan your current engagement ring. All we would need you to do is send us your ring (we can provide an insured label) and we will scan your current piece to make sure the custom wedding band matches your engagement ring PERFECTLY!
Can I use my own gemstones in a custom piece?
Absolutely! We do have a setting fee per carat. You can ship or bring your stones to us (recommended) or we can send the empty setting to you. Depending on the gemstone there may be an additional charge to cover potential breakage of the stone while setting.
How can I upgrade my diamond?
We offer upgrades on all natural diamonds, as long as they were purchased through us and still have their GIA or AGS certificate. The full value of your original diamond is applied to the upgraded diamond.
What is a presentation solitaire? Can I propose with a temporary setting?
Yes. You may choose your diamond or gemstone, and we’ll set it in a temporary solitaire setting. Then, when you’re ready to design a piece together, we will apply a credit to your new piece when you return the solitaire.
How can I keep the ring a secret from my future fiancé?
Just let us know! We have a private messaging portal, and you can select whether we can call you. At the end of the process, we can mail your jewelry to any address you give us. After being in the jewelry business for a few decades, we’ve been lucky to have provided the ring for several surprise proposals!
How do we communicate about the ring if I don’t live in Middleton, WI?
Whether you’re in the Middleton, Wisconsin or not, you can work online with us if you can’t make it into the store in person. We create an online workroom just for your project so that you can communicate with our team through our private messaging system as well as post pictures of inspiration pieces. Our designers will post pictures of your 3D models, and you can make payments online as well. All the information is one place and you talk directly to our team. Start designing my ring
How do I choose an engagement ring style?
Come in and talk to our showroom staff, or take a look around our website gallery. As we have a very diverse repertoire, hopefully you can find a few pieces you like and work with our designers to create something beautiful. If you’re completely unsure of the design your future fiancé may like, you can propose with a temporary solitaire. After you’re engaged, you can design a ring together.
Do you offer financing?
We offer financing through Affirm or Synchrony as well as a comfortable layaway program that is interest free. Please contact us for more information.
How do I choose a diamond?
There are many factors that go into choosing a center stone, including the 4 C’s, so we have put this guide together to help you. We can bring in a few diamonds for you to choose from within your budget, and our designers can educate you more on the 4 C’s as well.
What is your 100% satisfaction guarantee?
We will only deliver you a finished product that we are proud of. We work closely with you throughout the process and require your approval at every step so we are all on the same page and you are 100% satisfied with your design. If for any reason you are displeased with your jewelry piece when you receive it, let us know and we will fix or remake it at no cost to you.
Do you offer a warranty?
We offer a lifetime warranty. It is up to the wearer to maintain the warranty by bringing the piece in for inspection (or shipping it in) every 6 months.
What is your resizing policy?
We understand sizing can be tricky. Resizing is complimentary the first time on all rings. However, conditions apply to eternity bands because some cannot be resized. In those cases we need to make absolutely sure that we have the correct size before we create the ring.
Do you include an appraisal for insurance?
An appraisal is provided with every custom piece. Please contact us for more information.
Do you offer normal jewelry repairs and services for pieces not from Middleton Jewelers?
Yes. We do resizing, repairs, hand engraving, appraisals and certifications. Whether you need a cleaning, a stone reset, a watch battery replaced, or a piece completely rebuilt, we can do it. Repairs and Services
Do you only make engagement and wedding rings?
No. We frequently create fashion rings as well as necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. These can also be fully customized. Just book an appointment and upload a picture of a design you like or describe it in the additional information section. Design a piece of jewelry.
Do you carry both high-end jewelry and costume jewelry?
We do not carry costume jewelry. We do, however, have a wide selection of fashion jewelry such as pearl strands and pendants, sterling silver jewelry, and semi-precious gemstone jewelry.
Does Middleton Jewelers accept returns?
We accept returns on in-stock jewelry within 30 days of purchase, if it is in the same condition it was purchased. We apply it as a store credit. We do not accept returns on custom created jewelry, but we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Please see our policies for more information.
How do I care for my jewelry?
We have a full jewelry care guide with specific information to keep your jewelry clean and maintained.