Jewelry Materials & Care
What materials are your pieces made from?
At Invidiosa Jewelry, high quality craftsmanship is one of the most important parts of the business. Therefore, I use precious metals such as karat gold and platinum for my engagement and wedding jewelry, along with natural sapphires, and a mix of mined and lab grown diamonds. For my ready to wear collections, I use sterling silver, gold vermeil and gold fill wire and findings, as well as semi-precious gemstones, beads and natural pearls.
How do I care for my Invidiosa Jewelry pieces?
I strongly recommend removing all jewelry, especially rings, before any type of heavy lifting, workouts, swimming, showering, hot tubs etc. This will extend the life of your jewelry and avoid unnecessary repairs and tune-ups. I craft each piece of Invidiosa Jewelry with the intention that it can be cherished and worn for years, if not decades to come. However, regular wear and tear on items is normal, especially if they are being worn every day.
Sterling silver, karat gold, sapphire and diamond jewelry can quickly be cleaned at home with this easy recipe. Simply combine baking soda, dish soap and warm water, mix into a paste, and with your fingers (or a softened toothbrush), give the item a light scrub and then carefully rinse with warm water. This will remove any tarnish on sterling silver items and will remove any dirt or oil from your gold and gemstones. You’ll be amazed how quickly your jewelry will look brand new again!
Please note that for softer gems and pearls, it is not recommended to use baking soda, as it is a light abrasive and over time could cause damage.
If your jewelry needs a more thorough cleaning or polishing, please reach out to book a time to bring your items to the studio, and I’ll be happy to assist you.
I recommend having any stone settings checked every 1-2 years, to ensure that all your beautiful gems are safe and secure!
Will the gold plating on my piece fade over time?
Yes, gold plating is a temporary surface treatment and will fade slowly over the years. If you are diligent about removing your gold-plated item before swimming, showering, spraying on perfumes and exercising, your plating will last much longer.
Jewelry Services
What is the turnaround time for a custom piece?
The standard turnaround time for a piece of custom jewelry ranges from 6-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design, stone sourcing and setting. For more information about how the custom process works, check out the Custom Process Page!
Can rings be resized?
Yes! I am happy to provide one complimentary ring sizing, either before your ring is shipped/picked up, or after it has been presented to its intended wearer (within 6 months of purchase). Our finger size fluctuates depending on several factors, including temperature, time of day, water retention etc, so I highly recommend getting your finger sized by a professional at a jewelry shop or studio.
Please note that once a ring has been re-sized, it is considered final sale, and cannot be returned or exchanged.
Do you offer engraving services?
Yes! Facilitated through Made You Look, I offer laser engraving services for a small fee, or hand engraving services, which will be quoted based on the request. Please allow an additional week for laser engraving, and 4-6 weeks for hand-engraving.
Do you re-work family / heirloom pieces?
Yes! I absolutely love getting to re-use and recycle cherished gemstones and gold. There is something so special about taking a piece of family history, such as grandma’s engagement ring, and reimagining it to fit the style and needs of its new owner. If you have a piece of jewelry that you would like to have updated, please reach out using the contact form! Please note, I specialize in bringing pieces back to life through redesign, but I do not offer repair services. Made You Look Jewellery has a full service repair department, and I highly recommend reaching out to them directly with any repair inquiries.
Do you offer appraisals?
Yes! All of my engagement rings and any item priced over $2000.00 will come with a complimentary appraisal. The appraisal will have all the important details about your special piece of jewelry, including the carat weights, the gemstone quality, the weight of the item in gold, and an estimated replacement value. If you want to add your jewelry item to your renter’s or home insurance, you can send a copy of the appraisal to your insurance company and they will add it to your policy, in case of loss or theft.
Do you offer plating services?
Yes, I am always happy to re-do the gold plating on any piece of Invidiosa Jewelry for a small fee. The re-plating fee will depend on the size of the item. However, I do not offer plating services for items that were not made by Invidiosa.
Do you offer gift-wrapping?
Yes! Every piece of Invidiosa Jewelry is packaged in a lovely box, tied with ribbon and includes a business card with contact details. If you are hoping for something more elaborate, don’t hesitate to reach out with a special request!
Shipping, Returns, & Orders
Do you offer a warranty?
I guarantee the structural integrity and craftsmanship of every piece of Invidiosa Jewelry, however, daily wear and tear, accidental damage, loss or theft are not eligible for coverage. Daily wear and tear would include but is not limited to: abrasions on gemstones, scratches on the metal, or misshaped metal due to force. If you experience an issue that is outside of regular wear and tear, please do not hesitate to reach out for support. Invidiosa works with highly trained stone setters, CAD designers and goldsmiths, meaning this jewelry is built to last. These types of issues are uncommon, but not impossible and help will be provided when needed!
Do you offer insurance?
No, we do not offer insurance. It is important to add a Fine Jewellery block to your homeowners or rental insurance policy. Please reach out to your own private insurance company to register your items. Jewelers Mutual is a recommended option if you prefer to keep your jewellery separate from your homeowners or tenant policy.
What is your return / exchange policy?
If you are not 100% in love with your new Invidiosa Jewelry item, please reach out via email or by using the website contact form and we will discuss options! The primary goal is for you to love your item! If there is some small modification that can be made to make the piece wearable, such as adjusting the length of a necklace or bracelet chain, sizing a ring, etc., I am more than happy to assist you! If the item is simply not your style, a return or exchange can be arranged, as long as the item has not been worn or shows signs of damage. We are all human after all :)
When will my item be shipped?
Our shipping timelines are as follows:
Ready to ship items: 1-3 business days
Made to order (no alterations): 1-3 weeks
Custom work: 6-12 weeks
Do you offer gift-wrapping?
Yes! Every piece of Invidiosa Jewelry is packaged in a lovely box, tied with ribbon and includes a business card with contact details. If you are hoping for something more elaborate, don’t hesitate to reach out with a special request!
Do you offer tracking?
Yes! As soon as your item has been shipped, I will reach out to you with your tracking details.
How long does shipping take? And which carriers do you use?
Shipping times and carriers are dependent on the value of the item. Items under $500.00 are shipped with Canada Post, and generally take 3-5 business days within Canada, and 1-2 weeks internationally. Items over $500.00 are shipped with FedEx and take 1-2 business days within Canada. If you need an item by a specific date, please reach out to let me know and I will do my best to accommodate!
General Inquiries
Where can I view your work in person?
Invidiosa Jewelry is proud to be represented by several boutiques and galleries across Canada! The largest collection of Invidiosa Jewelry is on display at Made You Look in Toronto. MYL is also where my bench is located and my client meetings are hosted. Invidiosa collections are also available to view in person at Magpie Jewellery in Ottawa, and Project A in Canmore, Alberta. If you are hoping to view a specific piece in person, it is best to reach out in advance so I can confirm its location.