(Frequently asked questions) F.A.Q.'S
ABOUT US
Q: Do you have a retail store located in my state?
A: Our business presence is in Houston, TX. We encourage anyone to make a trip to our location if possible.
Q: Where is your office located?
A: Our business address is
DBD
6222 Richmond Ave.
Ste. 735
Houston, TX 77057
Q: What are your office hours?
A: Our typical business hours are Monday through Friday 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. (central time). We do meet clients on Saturdays by appointment only.
Q: How do I contact your office?
A: Please contact us at any time.
military@dbddiamonds.com / (877)967-7464 / (713)789-4200
Q: How can I contact the owner of the company if I would like to resolve an issue or discuss possible business opportunities?
A:
John Dickinson Sr. (713)302-6827 - cell
John Dickinson Jr. (832)876-1678 - cell
We are available at all times.
RING ORDERS
Q: If I order a ring from your site can I try it on?
A: We make each ring individually per client. They begin in wax form. These are very delicate and we recommend against showing the clients this part of the process but if you wish, we can ship the wax to you for approval. If the wax is damaged we will need to bill an additional $50 to cut the additional wax for casting. The client will also be responsible for shipping to and from our office.
Q: What if I need help placing an order?
A: Please contact us at any time to help you in processing your order. We are more than happy to help with any part of the process. military@dbddiamonds.com or 1(877)967-7464
Q: What should I do if I have a question about my order, want to make a modification, or need to cancel?
A: In this matter we will need to know as promptly as possible to make the appropriate changes to your order. This may cause a delay of the promised delivery date.
Q: Do you use platinum 950 or 900?
A: All of our mountings are made with 950 platinum unless otherwise requested. We certainly can produce a ring in 900 platinum but prefer the nicer quality.
Q: What is the difference between 14kt & 18kt gold?
A: 14kt gold has slightly more alloy and less gold content. In white gold there is no visual difference. 18kt yellow gold has a brighter yellow tone and is often preferred. 14kt gold is harder than 18kt due to the amount of alloys.
Q: Does 18kt white gold look nicer than 14kt white gold?
A: It is simply a personal preference in yellow gold. 14kt and 18kt white gold have no visual difference due to the rhodium plating.
RING SIZING
Q: How do I find my correct finger size?
A: If you are a local client we would always prefer that you come to us for this matter. If not, we recommend that make a visit to a well known retailer and work with a well experienced sales associate to help you.
Q: What should I do if I present the ring and ordered the incorrect finger size?
A: Please send us the ring and we will return it to you the same day at the correct finger size at no charge.
DIAMONDS
Q: What are GIA and AGS diamond certificates?
A: GIA and AGS are independent grading districts that certify color and clarity of diamonds.
Q: Why should I choose GIA or AGS certified diamonds?
A: These certification companies are very dependable due to the fact that they do not sell their own stones. If you are purchasing a diamond of a specific color and clarity you want the grading to be accurate. Other gemological institutes have lower grading standards which would obviously affect the value and price of the stone.
Q: What are the four C's?
A: CUT / CLARITY / COLOR / CARAT WEIGHT
Q: What is the "cut" or "make" of a diamond?
A: The "cut" of the stone refers to the dimensions which the stone is faceted. The nicer the "cut grade", the more brilliance you will see in your diamond.
Q: What does "eye clean" mean?
A: "Eye clean" refers to the clarity of the stone. It is recommended to purchase a stone of clarity which you cannot see any inclusions without magnification. Precious and semiprecious stones are naturally included.
Q: How can I verify that the diamond I order is in fact the diamond I purchased?
A: A certification will have millimeter dimensions and a map of the diamonds inclusions which you can take to any gemologist for verification.
Q: Are all of the diamonds on your site available?
A: Very infrequently will you find a stone which is unavailable on our site. Our listings are updated daily.
Q: What quality of diamonds do you use in your mountings as side stones?
A: Our typical quality of side stones are G/H color and SI clarity. This quality of stone is used in most "nicer" retail stores for side stones. We are more than happy to provide any quality of side stone which you prefer.
Q: Are your diamonds laser enhanced, clarity enhanced, color enhanced, or treated in anyway?
A: None of our diamonds have been enhanced or altered in anyway.
Q: Are the semiprecious and precious side stones synthetic or lab created?
A: No, we use AA quality side stones in our colored stone mountings. If you prefer a lighter or darker color please inform us when placing your order. If you would like to use lab created stones, we do have access to any shape, size, or type of stone.
Q: What is the difference between lab created stones and natural stones?
A: Lab created stones are obviously created with the same chemical makeup. They tend to have better clarity and are usually brighter in color making them slightly unrealistic in appearance compared to natural stones. They are much less expensive in larger sizes.
SERVICING
Q: How often do I need to send my ring for inspection?
A: We require that we see the ring at least once every six months for stone tightening and monitor the wear of the ring. In normal circumstances prongs may loosen and stones may become vulnerable.
Q: Can I have my ring engraved?
A: We can engrave the inside of rings and all other jewelry items which have the appropriate amount of space.
Q: If I purchase a center stone and a ring through Dickinson by Design will I have to pay for the setting of the stone?
A: The setting of all stones is included in the purchase of a ring from DBD, regardless if you purchased your center stone through our company.
Q: Are alternative finishes available for my ring (satin finish, sand blast, hammered, etc.)?
A: We have the capability to apply any and all finishes to your product.
Q: Do you cover maintenance on jewelry sold through your site?
A: Yes, please stop by at any time and we will secure any stones, polish, and if need be rhodium plate your ring.
Q: Do your 18kt or 14kt white gold rings turn slightly yellow over time?
A: All white gold rings and jewelry are rhodium plated and it is inevitable that at some point that wear will remove the plating. This will leave your jewelry with a slight yellow hue. We gladly take care of this while you wait.
Q: Does rhodium plating wear off?
A: Over time rhodium plating will wear off. It typically will last 6 months depending on the client's awareness of the jewelry.
Q: Do you insure jewelry?
A: We do not insure jewelry ourselves. A company we recommend is Jewelers Mutual or your home owner's insurance policy.
PAYMENTS
Q: What type of payments do you accept?
A: We accept all major credit cards, military star card, and money orders. We also accept checks but must wait for the funds to show in our account before shipment.
Q: Will I be charged sales tax on my order?
A: Our business presence is in Houston, TX. If you reside outside of Texas you are exempt unless out of country. If you are out of country you will be responsible for the taxes assessed.
Q: When will my credit card be billed?
A: We require an initial 30% deposit. The remainder of the balance will be billed prior to shipment of your package. Diamonds must be paid in full up front.
Q: Can I pay with two different credit cards?
A: Yes we can accept two different credit cards. Please contact us so we can process these cards independently and properly.
RETURN POLICY
Q: What is your return policy?
A: Our return policy is 30 days.
SHIPPING
Q: Where do you ship diamonds?
A: We ship diamond to the U.S.A. and internationally: to your home, business, APO or your nearest UPS or Fedex location.
Q: Do you ship to military APO's?
A: We ship to military APO's via the U.S. postal service registered mail and serve the military directly - www.militaryjewelryrepair.org. These shipments are fully insured and can take up to three weeks for delivery. Please order early!
Q: What if I need an item 5 business days?
A: Please contact us directly to ensure that we proceed with your order quickly. All the final details must be agreed upon for this to be accomplished.
Q: Are your shipments insured?
A: All of our shipments are insured through Parcel Pro and Federated Insurance.
