Frequently Asked Questions
Ordering Process
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Metal and Mokume
Diamonds and Gemstones
Care and Maintenance
Miscellaneous (Pronunciation of Krikawa!)
Q: How do I place an order?
A: You can place an order with the shopping cart, or if you are making some changes or customizations, simply start a conversation via phone or email with one of our designers, and we'll write up the order for you! We can send you an invoice for your deposit, which you can pay online through our secure server, or you can call to get your ring started with a credit card.
Q: What is your typical turnaround time?
A: The turnaround time varies depending on what kind of ring you are ordering and what our current booking schedule is. We typically run 6-10 weeks out, but custom orders may take up to 12 weeks, so plan ahead!
Q: Do you take rush jobs?
A: Our rush service guarantees completion of the ring in 6 weeks or less--by a date certain--and the charge for this service is 15% of the price of the ring mounting, not including the value of the center stone. During peak wedding season and year-end holiday season, this service may not be available. We do not extend discounts to rush orders.
Q: Is there a store in my area that carries Krikawa rings?
A: We are not a jewelry wholesaler and do not work from pre-manufactured mountings, so outside of our Arizona headquarters, you will not find our designs in your local jeweler. For more than two decades, we have been specializing in making custom rings for long-distance clients. Every ring we make is handcrafted to your size, width, stone, metal color, and setting. In this way, we can bring you the best possible quality, selection, and price, as you are able to order it directly from us.
Q: Do you wholesale?
A: We do not wholesale our designs. We are happy to extend a small courtesy discount to jewelry retailers who wish to purchase a Krikawa ring on behalf of a customer. Please be prepared to provide a copy of your EIN, business license, and reseller's permit.
Q: Do you offer financing or payment plans?
A: We typically accept a 50% deposit on the order, with the balance paid upon completion. The order must be paid in full prior to shipping. Please note that if paying by check, there is a 5-day business hold before the item leaves our studio.
Sunbit credit is our financing option. Through Sunbit, you can buy now and pay over time! With no hard credit check and fast response, complete a no obligation pre-qualification here: Prequalify me with Sunbit credit!
We offer interest-free payment plans (layaway) to complete your ring mounting purchase only. Center Stones, custom-designed rings, and modifications to our existing design styles are excluded from layaway plans. All stones larger than 0.50 carat must be paid in full and up front. A minimum deposit of 20% of the ring mounting is required to set up layaway. Your balance is divided into equal monthly installments, up to 10 months. Your jewelry is scheduled to be finished at the time of your last payment.
Q: Do you have any discounts?
A: We are grateful to our service personnel and extend a military discount on ring mountings for active and retired U.S. military personnel. Otherwise, we are unable to offer discounts on our jewelry. Our pricing is as competitive as possible, and everything is handmade from scratch.
We specialize in long-distance sales and have successfully assisted many military personnel posted abroad.
Ask your design consultant about our military discount when you place your order!
Q: Do you ship internationally, and how much will I pay for customs?
A: Krikawa specializes in long-distance custom design and welcomes the opportunity to work with international clients. Our established process for international orders makes the process very smooth. Any customs duties and taxes on the final ring will be your responsibility. We invite you to contact your local customs office for more information.
Q: Where are you located, and can I visit the studio?
A: We are located in the gorgeous Sonoran Desert in Tucson, Arizona. We welcome visitors with open arms, and people always enjoy seeing where their jewelry is made. We have precious metal and mokume samples, accent stone samples, and a limited collection of finished ring designs on hand for your viewing. We do not stock jewelry, so we have a limited supply of samples in-house. View our studio and appointment hours, and contact information.
Q: How do I know the ring is definitely going to fit?
A: After you place a deposit, we will send you calibrated sizing rings in the correct size and width to confirm. You can then pick the best size for your custom ring.
Q: What if I don't know the ring size or it's a surprise?
A: Our Determining Your Ring Size page is full of great tips! The section titled "What if you have no idea what size you are to start with?" has information on how to get a good idea of your approximate size so that we can size you accurately.
Metal and Mokume
Q: Can I provide my own gold?
A: Presently, we are not able to refine or reuse sentimental metals in your new ring.
Q: Do you give credit for scrap metal?
A: If you wish to use your own gold or platinum to reduce the cost of your custom ring, let us know. We will weigh your metal upon its arrival and calculate its scrap value. You will receive scrap credit equal to the value of the metal.
Q: Can I request a custom mokume pattern or color combination?
A: We do not make custom billets, nor create custom patterns.
Q: Is the mokume pattern going to wear off?
A: No, the mokume is not just on the surface. It goes down through the ring and will not wear off in a lifetime of use.
Q: How can I see the mokume before I place an order?
A: We have a sample program to allow you to see the different types of mokume in person.
Diamonds and Gemstones
Q: Can I provide my own center diamond or gemstone?
A: You are welcome to supply your own center stone. We charge a setting fee determined by the stone's size and value, which covers handling and insuring it for the duration it is in-house. Upon arrival, your stone undergoes a gemological intake and assessment for quality, ring-fitting, and insurance purposes.
Q: How do I ship my diamond to you?
A: When shipping your stone, please follow our Shipping Instructions and include the Outside Stone Form in the package. These can also be found on our Forms page. We will email you to confirm that your stone has arrived.
Q: Do you provide Conflict-Free diamonds?
A: All diamonds that we sell comply with the Kimberley Process protocols and are certified conflict-free by the supplier of the stone.
Q: Can my local jeweler set the stone?
A: We are happy to make the mounting and send it to your jeweler to set the stone. As each ring we make is custom-built around your stone and preferences, we will need specific information about the stone. Please provide the dimensions of the stone, including length, width, and depth (measured in mm to 2 decimal places; e.g., 7.36 mm x 7.38 mm x 3.62 mm).
We will also need a direct top-view photo or scan of the actual stone, so we can do our best to match the setting to the stone's outline, especially for bezel-set designs. For any colored stones, we also request a side view of the stone or measurements of the table to girdle, girdle thickness, and girdle to culet. We want to make sure that in the final product, the culet (the point of the stone) does not extend beyond the finger-hole line.
After another jeweler has worked on the ring, our satisfaction policy and one-year warranty are void. Any work we do on a ring after it has been in another jeweler's hands is billed at $180/hr.
Care and Maintenance
Q: Will my ring get scratches?
A: All precious metals, including platinum, will get small dings and scratches over time. We do harden the surface of the rings, but any ring, in any finish, will inevitably get small surface scratches. You can have your ring refinished once a year (refinishing removes a fine layer of metal, so it is not recommended more often), or you can enjoy the patina of wear it takes on over time.
There are certain things that will cause larger dings on your ring, such as barbells, heavy pots and pans, dog chains, and other steel items that hit the ring, as steel is harder than precious metals.
Q: Do I need to remove my ring when working?
A: Our rings are solid and hefty, not thin and flimsy. They will withstand heavy wear, but any precious metal ring will scratch, ding, or dent, depending on the activity. If you prefer a pristine surface, then yes, remove the ring when working with your hands and metal tools. If you engage in activities such as blacksmithing, using sandpaper, operating dangerous machinery that may grab the ring, weightlifting, or working with chemicals (without gloves), you should remove rings.
Q: Are there any household chemicals or detergents that should be avoided?
A: YES! Chlorine bleach, whether in the laundry room, swimming pool, or jacuzzi, can affect or damage sterling and gold jewelry. Bleach will darken sterling silver. See all our jewelry care tips.
Q: How do I care for my mokume ring?
A: It depends on what kind of finish the ring has. For rings with a high-polish finish, you can use a soft polishing cloth or cream to brighten them. For rings with a matte finish, no maintenance is required. If it appears that the sterling has darkened due to excessive sweating or exposure to a pool or jacuzzi, you can use a toothbrush with baking soda toothpaste, or a liquid such as Tarnex. You can also leave it alone, and it will return to normal in a day or two.
If you use a polishing cloth on the matte finish, you will change the finish from matte to high polish. For rings with stones, to maintain maximum stone brilliance and reduce the need for professional cleaning, it is recommended that you remove the ring when applying lotion and in the shower to prevent soap buildup on the stone. Simple cleaning can be done with a toothbrush and dish soap.
Q: How well does the sterling silver in the mokume hold up?
A: Silver is affected by chlorine bleach in that it darkens. All sterling jewelry should be removed when swimming in a chlorinated pool or jacuzzi. About 1 in 100 people have a chemical reaction with sterling silver that turns it black.
Q: How do I care for my diamond ring?
A: Polish high polish areas with soft polishing cloth. For rings with stones, clean around the stones with a toothbrush, warm water, and dish soap. Have stones checked periodically to ensure a tight-fitting setting. Removing the ring when applying lotion and showering will help you to avoid soap buildup, but it is not absolutely necessary. Also, remove rings when in chlorinated water, such as swimming pools, hot tubs, or Jacuzzis, and when using harsh cleaning or laundry products.
Q: Should I insure my ring?
A: We suggest either adding your jewelry to your homeowner's insurance policy or acquiring personal jewelry insurance. Our insurance company, Jeweler's Mutual Insurance (JMI), provides personal jewelry insurance. A small brochure for JMI is included in your New Order Packet, which you will receive with your ring. You can visit their website to learn more: Perfect Circle Insurance from Jewelers Mutual.
Q: Do you offer appraisals?
A: If you are planning on insuring your ring, we recommend a jewelry appraisal. With a detailed description of the mounting and diamond, plus photos, this professionally prepared legal document will ensure a proper settlement if needed. We work with a very qualified local independent appraiser, and the document is well worth the $175 fee. It will add another 3-7 days to the delivery date.
Q: What guarantee comes with the stone? What if I lose my center stone?
A: There are a few things to consider for the care, warranty, maintenance, and insurance of your ring. Although your ring mounting includes a one-year limited warranty, this does not cover replacement of a lost or damaged center stone. We strongly recommend adding a jewelry rider to your homeowner's insurance or purchasing a separate policy from Jewelers' Mutual Insurance Company.
Miscellaneous
Q: How do you pronounce "Krikawa"?
A: \'kri-kuh-wuh\
