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Frequently Asked Questions
Here's where you'll find answers to the most frequently-asked questions. But we can't anticipate everything, don't please don't hesitate to contact us about anything else you wish to know!

General

What is the Difference Between Platinum and White Gold?

White gold appears very similar to platinum, but the two have different properties and prices. Platinum is "whiter" and more lustrous than white gold. It is also extremely dense and much heavier than silver or gold, which makes a piece of platinum jewelry heavier than a white gold piece of the same design and size. Platinum is a very strong metal and will not tarnish. It is hypoallergenic. Platinum is rarer than gold, which makes it more expensive. Platinum belongs to a family of six metals that also include palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and osmium. Platinum is the best choice for setting extremely valuable gemstones most securely, and its neutral color complements colored stones beautifully and enhances the brilliance and whiteness of diamonds. Platinum will not wear out easily and is difficult to damage, but it is also difficult to repair and fewer jewelers have the tools and experience for working with platinum. 

Fine platinum jewelry is 90% platinum content or greater. 

Gold in its pure form (24 karat) is too soft to withstand extensive daily wear, so it is alloyed with other metals to give it strength. This strength makes gold an excellent choice for rings, which of all jewelry items are generally subject to the most wear and abuse over time. White gold is an alloy of gold and other metals including nickel, copper and zinc; yellow gold is the main component and the alloys cause it to appear white as well as give it strength. The color of white gold is ivory white, and is often plated with rhodium, a platinum group metal that is more precious than gold and is what gives white gold jewelry items a bright white shine. Repairs and adjustments to gold settings will usually be necessary over the lifetime of a piece. This is normal and does not present any difficulty because gold is easy to repair and refurbish and the majority of jewelers are accustomed to working with it. 

Gold jewelry has gold content as follows: 
10 karat = 41.6% gold, 12 karat = 50% gold, 14 karat = 58.5% gold, 18 karat = 75% gold

What is a Gemologist?

A gemologist is a person who has completed the Graduate Diamonds, Diamond Grading, and Graduate Colored Stones courses of study at the Gemological Institute of America. Only a small percentage of jewelers ever complete the GIA course of study. We are extremely proud to have a GIA Graduate Gemologist on our staff.  At SQJ we take pride in the fact that everyone on our team has either a G.G., G.D. or A.J.P. degree from the GIA.  In addition we are a member store of the American Gem Society which requires yearly certification on top of GIA accreditation.

What is Estate Jewelry?
Estate jewelry is any jewelry that has been previously owned. We love to help spread the love around buy buying jewels from customers and making them available to new homes. We can't buy every piece that is brought to us - we have to make sure it is the type of jewelry we can find a home for - but we always welcome the opportunity to look and consider!
What is Steve Quick Jeweler's Position on Conflict Diamonds?
We receive many inquiries from customers who have heard about “conflict diamonds” and who are legitimately concerned about any possible ethical ramifications of purchasing diamonds. In 2003, President Bush signed the “Clean Diamond Trade Act” into law, which works to exclude rough “conflict diamonds” from international trade while promoting legitimate trade.

Additionally, we work with suppliers and diamond producers that adhere to the Kimberley process. There are 43 participant countries, including the United States and the European community. Under this process, diamond-producing countries certify that diamonds have been mined and sold through legitimate channels. This program is designed to prevent conflict and illicit diamonds from entering the international mainstream diamond trade.
Can I Get an Appraisal With My Jewelry Purchase?

Yes, we issue an appraisal for insurance purposes with every purchase. If you need another opinion on our purchase, we recommend that you take your jewelry item to an independent appraiser during the 30-day time period we provide for returns. The best appraiser is an independent appraiser, i.e., someone who is a member of a recognized appraisal society such as ASA or ISA, who has received formal training in appraisal science, appraises items for insurance and estate purposes and one who does not sell diamonds or jewelry. 

While most jewelers are quite reputable, the majority of jewelers are not trained in appraisal science and there are some who will tell you the jewelry or diamond you bought is problematic only because s/he wants to sell you one of his/her own diamond or jewelry items. 

It is a good idea to steer clear of jewelers who offer “Free Verbal Appraisals.” An actual appraisal document is just that -- a document which sets a basis for value, most often for insurance replacement purposes in the event of a loss. A verbal appraisal gives the consumer no legal documented proof of the specific details about and detailed description of an item which is absolutely necessary for insurance replacement in the event of theft or loss. Jewelers who give verbal appraisals do not have the best interest of the customer in mind

Orders

Can I Place My Order Over the Phone?

Yes. Our expert staff are GIA educated and waiting to answer your questions and accept orders. Our telephone number for calls originating within the United States is 773-404-0034. We are available Tuesday through Saturday 12pm – 6pm Central Standard Time. This number is also set up to receive texts and is monitored by us closely (even from home!).  All phone orders are finalized with payments done through a secure online payment portal which allows you to keep your payment information private.

Can I Change or Cancel My Order Once It Has Been Submitted?

To change or cancel your order, contact us as soon as possible after submitting it. We will make every effort possible to facilitate your request.

What Happens if My Order is Lost or Stolen Before I Receive It?

All shipments from Steve Quick Jeweler are sent fully insured via the United States Postal Service or through our third party insurance company. You will not be held liable for the loss of a parcel until you or someone at your shipping address has signed for it.

Why Does My Order Require a Signature?

Your order requires an adult signature because all orders are sent insured for your protection, and both the United States Post Office and the private insurance company that insures our Federal Express shipments require that an adult at your shipping address signs for your insured package.

Does Steve Quick Jeweler Accept Returns?

Absolutely. Customer satisfaction is our highest priority. Although we put an enormous amount of effort into making sure that our descriptions and photos accurately represent the fine jewelry we offer for sale, we realize that sometimes minds change or items can look different in person. You have every right to expect your shopping experience with us to be easy and stress-free. We stand behind the quality and value of every item and offer a 30-day money back guarantee on unworn stock items and diamonds. Custom designed and special order pieces are final sale.

Diamonds and Jewelry Questions

How Can I Learn More About Diamond Quality?

The Gemological Institute of America set the standards for diamond grading that the entire jewelry industry follows today. Their website at www.gia.edu has a fabulous FREE tutorial, “How To Buy a Diamond”, that takes about 10 minutes to complete and is an excellent place to start. You may also view our Diamond section to learn about the 4 Cs or call us for any questions you may have.

If I Really Like a Ring, Can I Get It Set with a Different Gemstone?

Yes. It is possible to reset many of our rings with other gemstones. We have our own jewelers so it is easy for us to set the gemstone of your choice in a ring so that you can personally design a unique piece of fine jewelry. For details, please contact us via e-mail or telephone, with the number(s) of the ring(s) or item(s) you are interested in and we will be happy to provide you with more information.

How Can I Figure Out My Ring Size?

The best and most accurate way to determine ring size is to have your finger professionally measured with a ring in the same millimeter width as the ring you are considering purchasing. This is because the width of the band plays a role in the sizing. A wide band and a narrow band in the same exact "size" can feel very different on your finger!

How Long Does Ring Sizing Take?

Ring sizing normally takes 7 to 10 business days.

What If I Want to Return a Ring That Has Been Sized?

If we have sized the ring for you and you are within the 30 day return period, we would be happy to accept the ring back for return or exchange minus a small refurbishing fee. However rings sized by an outside jeweler would be considered altered and will not be accepted for return, refund, exchange or credit.

Do You Guarantee Your Ring Sizing?

Absolutely. We have our own company jewelers and we guarantee that every ring sizing is done in a solid and strong way with the correct metal used for a permanent solder joint.

I'm Not Sure What Ring Size I Need. Can I Buy the Ring, and Have it Resized at a Later Date?

Yes! If you are giving a ring for an engagement or a surprise gift, do not know your own ring size, or would like to wait to see the ring you are purchasing in person before having it sized, our talented jewelers can size the ring after purchase. We are specialists in sizing rings with intricate design details and can expertly size your ring for you when you are ready.

What if I Want My Own Jeweler to Size My New Ring?

Please be aware that items altered in any way by an outside jeweler are NOT returnable for refund, exchange, or credit. Sizing a ring involves heating the metal to a very high temperature and damage to gemstones and/or the rest of a ring can occur during sizing. Our talented jewelers are specialists in sizing rings with intricate design details and when we size a ring we take full responsibility for the quality of the work done, but we can obviously not guarantee the work of others. 

If you are going to have your ring sized by your jeweler, make certain that the jeweler is sizing your ring with the same metal and karat (if gold) as the metal in your ring. We have seen platinum rings in particular sized with white gold, and sometimes even yellow gold and then plated, which is completely wrong and does not make for a strong sizing joint. The solder will also not match in color with the rest of the ring. We have had many customers, unsure of the size they needed, purchase their ring first and send it back to us at a later date for sizing. Most of our customers have found that our ring sizing charges are more reasonable than what the average retail jeweler would charge, and customers have added confidence in the fact that we fully guarantee our work.

I Purchased a Ring From You. Can I Send It To You for Sizing/Resizing?

Please contact us toll-free at 1-800-404-0058, so that our customer service representative can give you easy mailing instructions on safely returning your ring to us for sizing.

Safety and Security

Is My Personal Information Secure?

Yes, your personal information is for in-store use only. We do not give out our customer information to any other persons or businesses.


Contact us

  • Phone

    773-404-0034

  • Email

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  • Address

    2471 N Clark Street, Chicago, Illinois 60614