Frequently Asked Questions
Currently not taking custom orders
Q. Can you facet my own gemstone material?
A. Yes, 25% of our business is faceting client owned gemstone material.
Q. How long will it take for me to receive my custom gemstone?
A. Our schedule is seasonally dependent. It can range from three weeks to six weeks from order/deposit, depending on how busy we are. However, we can usually accommodate a special occasion.
Q. I see photos and videos of gemstone progress on your social media. Can you provide me with progress photos and videos of my custom gemstone?
A. It would be our pleasure.
Q. How much does it cost to have a custom gemstone faceted by you?
A. We charge faceting time, gemstone materials, and shipping. If you provide your own gemstone material, there is no material charge. Our time charges are based on size, type of material, and complexity of design. We can provide you with a quote.
Q. How do your prices compare to retail stores?
A. We are less expensive for similar items given that we have no markup. However, retail stores do not always carry the same high quality of gemstone that you would receive from us.
Q. Do you facet diamonds?
A. No.
Q. Can you create custom designs, shapes, and sizes?
A. Yes, that is what we do best.
Q. Are your gemstones ethically sourced?
A. To the best of our ability and knowledge, we procure ethically sourced gemstones. We do have old stock rough gem material that is unknown in original source.
Q. Where can I buy your finished gemstones?
A. We occasionally post finished gemstones that are available on our Instagram and Facebook pages. When available, they can be seen there or on our website here.
Q. Can you recommend reliable and talented jewelers to set my gemstone?
A. Yes, we would be happy to introduce you to our favorite fine jewelers.
Q. Can you provide gem certification and appraisals for my gemstones?
A. Yes, we will send them out to our/your preferred agencies; however, you are responsible for all costs. We do not provide this service for gemstones not provided by us.
Q. Do you work with clients interested in the metaphysical aspects of crystals and gemstones?
A. Yes, any reason for loving a gemstone is a great reason.
Q. Do you provide international gemstone services?
A. No, we only ship to North America.
Q. How do you accept payment?
A. PayPal or credit card. We can make special arrangements for large purchases.
Q. How do you ship?
A. We ship via USPS Priority or Express. You can make your own shipping arrangements with your favorite carrier and we will have the package ready for pickup by the carrier of your choice. We only ship to North America.
Q. Who is responsible for taxes, tariffs, and custom charges?
A. You are, except for New York Sales Tax which we collect at time of purchase if you are a New York State resident.
Q. Can I facet my own gemstone?
A. Yes, learn about our faceting lessons here.
Q. Where are you located?
A. Ithaca, New York, USA.
Q. Can I visit your studio?
A. We occasionally allow visitors with a scheduled appointment; please use our contact form to make arrangements.
Q. Can I call you?
A. Yes, we can be reached at 607-379-2751 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Please leave feel free to leave a voicemail if I am unable to come to the phone.
Please contact us to learn more or start your custom gemstone project.
A. Yes, 25% of our business is faceting client owned gemstone material.
Q. How long will it take for me to receive my custom gemstone?
A. Our schedule is seasonally dependent. It can range from three weeks to six weeks from order/deposit, depending on how busy we are. However, we can usually accommodate a special occasion.
Q. I see photos and videos of gemstone progress on your social media. Can you provide me with progress photos and videos of my custom gemstone?
A. It would be our pleasure.
Q. How much does it cost to have a custom gemstone faceted by you?
A. We charge faceting time, gemstone materials, and shipping. If you provide your own gemstone material, there is no material charge. Our time charges are based on size, type of material, and complexity of design. We can provide you with a quote.
Q. How do your prices compare to retail stores?
A. We are less expensive for similar items given that we have no markup. However, retail stores do not always carry the same high quality of gemstone that you would receive from us.
Q. Do you facet diamonds?
A. No.
Q. Can you create custom designs, shapes, and sizes?
A. Yes, that is what we do best.
Q. Are your gemstones ethically sourced?
A. To the best of our ability and knowledge, we procure ethically sourced gemstones. We do have old stock rough gem material that is unknown in original source.
Q. Where can I buy your finished gemstones?
A. We occasionally post finished gemstones that are available on our Instagram and Facebook pages. When available, they can be seen there or on our website here.
Q. Can you recommend reliable and talented jewelers to set my gemstone?
A. Yes, we would be happy to introduce you to our favorite fine jewelers.
Q. Can you provide gem certification and appraisals for my gemstones?
A. Yes, we will send them out to our/your preferred agencies; however, you are responsible for all costs. We do not provide this service for gemstones not provided by us.
Q. Do you work with clients interested in the metaphysical aspects of crystals and gemstones?
A. Yes, any reason for loving a gemstone is a great reason.
Q. Do you provide international gemstone services?
A. No, we only ship to North America.
Q. How do you accept payment?
A. PayPal or credit card. We can make special arrangements for large purchases.
Q. How do you ship?
A. We ship via USPS Priority or Express. You can make your own shipping arrangements with your favorite carrier and we will have the package ready for pickup by the carrier of your choice. We only ship to North America.
Q. Who is responsible for taxes, tariffs, and custom charges?
A. You are, except for New York Sales Tax which we collect at time of purchase if you are a New York State resident.
Q. Can I facet my own gemstone?
A. Yes, learn about our faceting lessons here.
Q. Where are you located?
A. Ithaca, New York, USA.
Q. Can I visit your studio?
A. We occasionally allow visitors with a scheduled appointment; please use our contact form to make arrangements.
Q. Can I call you?
A. Yes, we can be reached at 607-379-2751 Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Please leave feel free to leave a voicemail if I am unable to come to the phone.
Please contact us to learn more or start your custom gemstone project.
Lapidary Material
Q. Are your gemstones ethically sourced?
A. To the best of our ability and knowledge, we procure ethically sourced gemstones. We do have old stock rough gem material that is unknown in original source.
Q. Do you have a return policy?
A. Yes, located here.
Q. Do you have rough material that is not listed on your website?
A. Yes, please use our contact form.
Q. What if you do not have the rough material that I am looking for?
A. Please use the contact form and we will refer you to some of our trusted colleagues.
Q. Do you buy rough material?
A. Yes, please visit here for more information.
Q. Do you provide faceting lessons?
A. Yes, click here.
Please browse our rough gemstone material or email us with a request.
A. To the best of our ability and knowledge, we procure ethically sourced gemstones. We do have old stock rough gem material that is unknown in original source.
Q. Do you have a return policy?
A. Yes, located here.
Q. Do you have rough material that is not listed on your website?
A. Yes, please use our contact form.
Q. What if you do not have the rough material that I am looking for?
A. Please use the contact form and we will refer you to some of our trusted colleagues.
Q. Do you buy rough material?
A. Yes, please visit here for more information.
Q. Do you provide faceting lessons?
A. Yes, click here.
Please browse our rough gemstone material or email us with a request.
Faceting Lessons
Q. Where are lessons given?
A. At our studio near Ithaca, New York or remote lessons via Zoom.
Q. What type of lessons do your provide?
A. We provide custom tailored on-on-one lessons in all aspects of gemstone faceting and cabochon creation.
Q. What expenses are not included in your fees?
A. You are responsible for all travel, room, and board.
Q. What is the duration of your lessons?
A. We provide lessons by the day. We work with you to determine the amount of days needed to meet your learning requirements. Example: It takes four full days of lessons for a beginner to facet two complete gemstones - recommended.
Q. What is the cost of your lessons?
A. Our lessons start at $600 per day.
Q. Are materials and my finished gemstone included with the lesson fees?
A. Yes.
Q. What makes your lessons special?
A. We provide the following with your lessons:
Want to learn more or get started, please contact us.
A. At our studio near Ithaca, New York or remote lessons via Zoom.
Q. What type of lessons do your provide?
A. We provide custom tailored on-on-one lessons in all aspects of gemstone faceting and cabochon creation.
Q. What expenses are not included in your fees?
A. You are responsible for all travel, room, and board.
Q. What is the duration of your lessons?
A. We provide lessons by the day. We work with you to determine the amount of days needed to meet your learning requirements. Example: It takes four full days of lessons for a beginner to facet two complete gemstones - recommended.
Q. What is the cost of your lessons?
A. Our lessons start at $600 per day.
Q. Are materials and my finished gemstone included with the lesson fees?
A. Yes.
Q. What makes your lessons special?
A. We provide the following with your lessons:
- Lessons plans expressly tailored to your lapidary goals
- One-on-one instruction throughout the day
- State-of-the-art lapidary equipment
- Discounts on gemstone material
- The great variety of types of equipment that you can use
- The ability to call us and ask questions after your lessons are finished
Want to learn more or get started, please contact us.
Partnership
Q. What type of partnerships do you consider?
A. We consider the following partnership opportunities:
Please contact us to discuss your ideas and opportunities.
A. We consider the following partnership opportunities:
- Private labeling of our products
- Having an exclusive gemstone design for your store/jewelry
- Carrying our gemstones in your store/gallery/online — purchase only, no commission sales
- Gemstone faceting demonstrations and sales events at your location within a 300 mile radius of zip code 14850; participation in exclusive gallery shows
- Discussions about exciting opportunities of mutual benefit
Please contact us to discuss your ideas and opportunities.
Shipping Policy
Q. How and where do you ship?
A. We ship USPS Priority or Express with full value insurance. We only ship to North America.
Q. Is shipping included?
A. If you do not see a shipping charge when you checkout, then shipping is included.
Q. Do you charge handling fees?
A. No.
Q. Are there options for other shipping carriers?
A. You can arrange to have your package picked up at our studio. We will give you the weight and measurements of the package. You are responsible for working with your own carrier of choice. When the package is picked up by your carrier, we consider the package delivered and have no further responsibility for your item or shipment.
We can also ship to a third party and you can have the third party arrange your preference of shipping to your final destination. We consider the item delivered when your third party receives it.
Q. Why is your shipping policy limited?
A. We provide a simple, affordable, fully insured, and a guaranteed delivery of your item(s), while also allowing you to choose to take responsibility of any alternate carrier that your prefer.
A. We ship USPS Priority or Express with full value insurance. We only ship to North America.
Q. Is shipping included?
A. If you do not see a shipping charge when you checkout, then shipping is included.
Q. Do you charge handling fees?
A. No.
Q. Are there options for other shipping carriers?
A. You can arrange to have your package picked up at our studio. We will give you the weight and measurements of the package. You are responsible for working with your own carrier of choice. When the package is picked up by your carrier, we consider the package delivered and have no further responsibility for your item or shipment.
We can also ship to a third party and you can have the third party arrange your preference of shipping to your final destination. We consider the item delivered when your third party receives it.
Q. Why is your shipping policy limited?
A. We provide a simple, affordable, fully insured, and a guaranteed delivery of your item(s), while also allowing you to choose to take responsibility of any alternate carrier that your prefer.
