What is the process for creating a bespoke piece with The Carat Menagerie?

Creating a one-of-a-kind piece is a highly collaborative, secure, and exciting journey. Here is exactly what you can expect from start to finish:

Step 1: Your Consultation & Education
Your journey begins when you share your vision, ideal budget, and timeline with us. We will guide you through the process, offering expert education on diamonds and settings so you can make informed, confident choices.

Step 2: Ethical Sourcing & Design
We source exceptional diamonds exclusively through highly reputable, vetted, and insured suppliers. Simultaneously, we collaborate with our premier U.S.-based manufacturing partner to begin engineering your custom setting.

Step 3: Renderings & Pricing Approval
You will receive a detailed breakdown of pricing, 3-5 diamond options, and a 3D digital rendering of your design so you can see your piece come to life before it is physically made.

Step 4: Final Payment & Production
Once your stone and approve the 3D design, the full balance is collected via our secure payment methods. As soon as payment clears, we officially secure your loose diamond and begin crafting your custom setting.

Step 5: Certificate Verification & Preview
Security and transparency are our highest priorities. When your diamond arrives from our vetted supplier, we verify its unique laser inscription against its grading certificate. We will then send you high-resolution photos and video of the loose stone for your final approval.

Step 6: Hand-Off to Production
With your diamond confirmed, the center stone and setting move into final production with our U.S. workshop.

Step 7: Quality Inspection & Delivery
Once completed, your piece undergoes an in-person quality control inspection to ensure flawless craftsmanship. We will send you a final photo or video preview of the finished piece. Finally, it is beautifully packaged in signature The Carat Menagerie branding and securely delivered to you via insured overnight shipping or via an in-person hand-off, depending on your preference and location.

How long will it take to receive my order?

• Since most of our pieces are "Made to Order," our bespoke items typically require 4 to 6 weeks for production. However, production times can vary depending on the complexity of the design. Please refer to the specific product page for the most accurate lead time for that piece.

Can I resize my ring?

• We want your piece to fit perfectly and offer one complimentary resize within the first year of purchase (shipping and handling fees apply).

• Please note: Eternity band styles are not sizable. Because stones encircle the entire band, these pieces cannot be altered after they are made. Please ensure your exact ring size is correct at the time of order confirmation.

How will my order ship?

Complimentary, Fully Insured Courier Delivery
Because we design and craft pieces intended to last a lifetime, we believe their journey to you should match that standard of care. We provide complimentary, fully insured FedEx 2Day® Shipping on all domestic orders within the United States. For time-sensitive commissions, a FedEx Priority Overnight® upgrade is available at checkout for a flat fee of $45.00.

Signature Required For Your Protection
Due to the high-value nature of fine jewelry, every single shipment requires a Direct Adult Signature upon delivery. FedEx is strictly prohibited from leaving packages unattended on doorsteps, in building lobbies, or with neighbors. If you will not be home during delivery hours, you can request that FedEx hold your package at a secure FedEx Ship Center location for local pickup by contacting our concierge team.

Discreet Packaging
As an added layer of security, your outer shipping box is entirely discreet. The exterior packaging will bear no mention of diamonds, jewelry, or our brand name. Inside, your piece will be presented in our premium, signature branded jewelry box, beautifully wrapped and ready for presentation.

What are the average shipping times?

Once production is complete and your piece has passed quality control, we utilize FedEx 2Day® Shipping. This typically arrives the next business day (usually before 12:00 PM, excluding weekends and holidays), barring any unforeseen transit delays or circumstances.

Please note: Once the package is securely in the hands of FedEx, we cannot control specific delivery windows or courier delays.

Do I need to be home to sign for my package?

Yes. To ensure the absolute security of your high-value purchase, all jewelry orders require an adult signature upon delivery. We highly recommend shipping to a location where someone will be available to sign, such as an office or a designated FedEx Hold for Pick Up location.

How can I ensure my custom ring fits perfectly?

Because your bespoke piece is uniquely crafted for you, securing an accurate initial measurement is key. Keep these expert timing and environmental tips in mind before finalizing your size:

Aim for room temperature:
Your hands naturally contract when chilly and expand when warm. For a true reading, always measure your finger when you are at a comfortable, relaxed baseline temperature—never immediately after a rigorous workout or coming in from the cold.

Postpone after celebrations:
Factors like alcohol and high-sodium foods trigger temporary fluid retention, causing your hands to swell. To get an accurate everyday measurement, avoid sizing your finger the morning after a heavy meal or a night out.

Lean toward the larger size:
If your measurement falls directly between two sizes, we always advise opting for the larger selection. A touch of extra breathing room ensures daily comfort. A restrictive fit can be uncomfortable, especially since our eternity styles cannot be resized later.

Please note: We do offer ¼ sizes!

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept all major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover), Apple Pay, and secure checkout options. For clients looking to maximize their value, we also accept direct Bank Wires, which qualify for an immediate 3% cash-equivalent discount on your total order.

How do I purchase using the Bank Wire discount?

To take advantage of our 3% cash discount, simply select "Bank Wire" as your payment method during checkout, or contact our concierge directly. You will receive an automated secure email with our verified corporate banking details and step-by-step instructions.

What is your return policy?

Because our pieces are custom-built and made-to-order specifically for you, all sales are final. We encourage you to reach out with any questions prior to purchase to ensure you are entirely confident in your selection.

Will I be charged sales tax?

Sales tax will be applied to your order at checkout if applicable, based on your shipping destination and local state tax laws.

Does my jewelry come with a warranty?

Every standard item purchased from our website is backed by a 1-Year Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty against defects in craftsmanship. This covers production craftsmanship and setting integrity, but does not cover normal wear and tear, accidental damage, or center stone loss.

(Please note: Custom design pieces are subject to their own independent structural guarantees discussed during your design process).

What if my jewelry needs a repair?

We are happy to repair your piece to ensure it lasts a lifetime.

All claims are subject to a physical evaluation by our master jewelers to determine the root cause of the damage. If it is deemed a manufacturing defect, your repair is fully covered. For accidental damage or wear-and-tear, repairs are subject to an additional charge plus shipping and handling.

Important: All repairs must be shipped back directly to our workshop. Having any third-party jeweler work on your piece will automatically void your manufacturer's warranty coverage.

Please email us at thecaratmenagerie@gmail.com with a photo of the item and your order number for mailing instructions and a repair estimate.

How do I care for my diamond jewelry?

Fine jewelry is delicate and should be cared for accordingly. To extend the life of your jewelry and keep it in optimal condition, please follow these guidelines:

Remove your jewelry before applying shower products, lotion, perfume, or other chemical and oil compounds.

Leave your jewelry at home before engaging in strenuous activities, including going to the gym!

Before bedtime, lay your jewelry out flat.

Clasp necklaces when storing to prevent tangling.

How do I clean my diamond jewelry?

To clean your diamond jewelry at home, use a soft toothbrush and mild dish soap in warm water to gently scrub the gold/platinum and diamonds.

Please note: The Carat Menagerie is not responsible for the ongoing maintenance of your jewelry and does not provide polishing services for purchased items.

Schedule your initial consultation here or email thecaratmenagerie@gmail.com with any questions!