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CLAY POT WEDDING INFORMATION

FAQs
Q: DOES THE CATALOG FEATURE EVERYTHING YOU SELL?
A: Because we are continually updating our inventory, the catalog is intended as a sampling of our collection. Many more beautiful designs are on display in our store. We maintain relationships with most of our artisans for many years. The items in our showcase are primarily samples. Because we carry such a large selection and the majority of the rings are handcrafted, we're unable to stock every design in every material and size increment. Handmade wedding bands are specifically ordered to your size. Most rings with center stones can be sized, depending on the style and construction of the ring and how much it needs to be adjusted. So if a particular ring is not in stock when you visit, it's likely still available, but the sample has recently sold and is in the process of being replaced. This is also helpful if you purchase wedding bands some time after buying an engagement ring or have lost your original ring and wish to order a replacement.
Q: I NEED A RING IN LESS THAN SIX WEEKS! IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO?
A: If their production schedule permits, most artists will gladly accommodate rush orders. This is contingent on the deadline, the metal and the complexity of the design. Your first step is to visit our shop as soon as possible. We will size you and compile a list of designs you like. Before the order is finalized, we would confirm the time frame with the jeweler and contact you either way.
Q: DO I HAVE TO ORDER IT AS IS?
A: Not necessarily. Depending on the artist and how the rings are made, many designs can be ordered in different materials (14 or 18k yellow gold, white gold or platinum), ring sizes, widths and finishes, and with different stones. The prices will vary with these adjustments. In the same style, the price does not generally change for sizes through 7.75; sizes 8 through 11 run approximately 10-15% higher. Prices vary if the ring is over size 11, and all rings with stones all the way around have incrementally different prices with each ring size. If there are any changes you wish to make, we will place an inquiry with the artist and contact you within one to two weeks with a price estimate.
Q: IF I HAVE MY OWN DESIGN IN MIND, CAN I COMMISSION AN ARTIST TO MAKE ME A CUSTOM RING? CAN I CONTACT THE ARTIST DIRECTLY?
A: As The Clay Pot does not have an onsite jeweler, custom designs from sketches or copies of existing rings are not our forte. If a one-of-a-kind model needs to be constructed, this can also incur costly labor fees. However, most jewelers are very amenable to modifying their rings if the changes are feasible. We also don't carry every style a given jeweler makes, so it's possible they may already make something that fits your design ideas. At their request, the artists never have direct contact with customers, but we'll be happy to convey your questions to them.
Q: DO YOU SELL WEDDING SETS?
A: All the rings are available for individual purchase and most can be ordered in any ring size. Almost all of our engagement settings have a wedding ring designed to complement it, even if we don't have it in stock, but many are versatile enough to coordinate with different wedding bands. (If you wear a wedding band next to an engagement ring, we recommend ordering both in the same metal so the tones match.) Your partner's ring does not need to be identical to yours or even similar, unless the two of you decide to do so. The same design may cost more or less depending on your partner's size.
ENGAGEMENT RINGS
Q: WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR BUYING AN ENGAGEMENT RING?
A: That depends first on how you define an engagement ring. It can be anything that the recipient feels comfortable wearing (stylistically and practically) and, since it signifies everlasting commitment, is durable enough to withstand many years of wear. If the ring is to include a gemstone, we recommend diamonds, rubies and sapphires due to their high durability. Some customers opt for a band that may or may not include stones in lieu of a solitaire. Everything we sell in the ring department can serve as an engagement ring.
It is also helpful to determine whether or not both parties will be involved in the selection. There is no right or wrong to this process; some customers wish to surprise their partner, and some couples feel more comfortable browsing for settings together. Obviously, there's no guesswork involved if the recipient of the ring has chosen a design he/she loves and has been measured. You may purchase our store sample, which can typically be sized at a later date, or have one made with a different stone.
Once you've selected a setting design, the next (and arguably most important) step is to establish a general budget for the ring. This will dictate what metal type and stone size/ quality will be appropriate. Particularly with diamonds, the prices can vary a great deal with carat weight and grade. Within realistic parameters, our gemologists will help you find a perfect stone within your budget.
Q: HOW DO I CHOOSE A DIAMOND?
A: Once you've submitted a request to look at stones, a staff gemologist will find a range of stones of different sizes/ qualities within your specified price range and will contact you within approximately one week to set up an appointment. During the appointment we'll evaluate each stone for the 4 C's and view them all under magnification. You are not required to place a deposit on the entire ring until you're chosen a stone, which will be set by the artist within four to six weeks.
Q: ARE ALL YOUR DIAMONDS CERTIFIED?
A: Almost all of the diamonds in our inventory have a lab document verifying its carat weight and grade issued by GIA, EGL, AGS, IGI or a comparable laboratory. Certificates do not usually accompany diamonds under .30ct. All our diamonds over .10ct have their grades noted, which have been determined by a gemologist.
Q: WHERE DO YOUR DIAMONDS COME FROM?
A: We regret that at this time, there is no way to determine precisely where a diamond has been mined unless it is certified of Canadian origin. See link below for all the details.
The Clay Pot is a source for certified Canadian stones over .20ct if you wish to find a guaranteed "conflict-free" diamond. The Clay Pot's other stone suppliers uphold that they only buy diamonds through legitimate sources and, to the absolute best of their knowledge; the stones they buy and sell are conflict free.
http://www.siriusdiamonds.com
Q: I'VE INHEIRITED A DIAMOND AND NEED TO HAVE IT RESET. DO YOU ACCEPT OUTSIDE STONES?
A: Customers can bring in their own diamond, ruby or sapphire as long as it meets the following criteria: each stone must be at least .20ct, with an accompanying gemological certificate and a current replacement value. Many newer stones are sold with certificates; otherwise, it must be fully appraised by an independent gemological laboratory for insurance and identification purposes, and you would need to have the stone removed from its setting PRIOR to appraisal. Click here for more information.
SIZINGS, APPRAISALS AND REPAIRS
Q: WHAT DO I DO IF I'M BUYING A RING AS A PRESENT AND I DON'T KNOW HIS/HER RING SIZE?
A: Ideally, the wearer of a ring should be sized by a Clay Pot staff member, or a reputable jewelry store (although not all jewelry stores measure with the same type of equipment, and we try to take into account the width & shape of the ring you like when you're sized).
Of course, there are plenty of customers who are planning to propose or give a ring as a surprise gift, and have no discreet means of finding out their partner's ring size. Due to the metal and/or construction, certain rings must be ordered in the proper size (such as rings with stones all the way around and titanium bands), and some can only be sized up or down very slightly. So we offer the option of purchasing the store sample "on approval" for the sake of presentation, rather than ordering a ring in an estimated size. As long as it remains unworn and unaltered, you have 30 days to have the sample sized, perform an exchange or order a new ring, or receive store credit. We do not give refunds.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS IF MY RING COMES IN AND IT DOESN'T FIT?
A: We try to be as accurate as possible when measuring customers, but your hands can fluctuate in size (seasonal/climate changes, time of day, body temperature, salt intake/water retention, etc.) and not all rings fit exactly the same due to your finger shape. Sizing isn't an exact science. Most, but not all, rings can be adjusted up or down slightly without a problem. This process usually takes two to three weeks. If we're unsure to what degree, if any, it needs to be sized and/or your wedding is too close, we recommend using it for your event and we'll be glad to size it later.
Q: HOW MUCH DOES SIZING COST?
A: If you were originally measured at The Clay Pot, a sizing is provided free of charge within 90 days of pickup or shipment. The artist who originally made it performs the work on your ring. This does not cover expedited shipping, so if you want your ring back in less than 2-3 weeks there will be a $40 express charge. Beyond that time frame, fees vary depending on the material and how much it needs to be adjusted. We'll inform you of an approximate labor estimate from the jeweler before the ring arrives.
Q: WHAT DO I DO IF MY RING NEEDS TO BE REPAIRED?
A: Rings purchased from the Clay Pot are guaranteed against defect within 90 days. If you have any repair issues, we'll send the ring back to the jeweler who made it for inspection. They'll assess the extent of damage and call us with a repair estimate. Fees will vary. We only accept repairs or sizings for items purchased here. For fine jewelry purchased elsewhere we recommend Rissin's Jewelry Clinic in Manhattan.
Joe Rissin's Jewelry Clinic
4 west 47th st
No. 6 lower level
212.575.1098
Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Thursday
Q: DO YOU PERFORM APPRAISALS ON MY JEWELRY?
A: The Clay Pot does not offer appraisals. We strongly advise that you seek an independent and objective appraisal from a gemological laboratory or a member of the American Society of Appraisers, not a jewelry or department store. The International Gemological Institute (IGI) in Manhattan is our recommended source for a comprehensive appraisal.
Q: DO YOU OFFER JEWELRY INSURANCE FOR MY RING?
A: Your ring is covered by The Clay Pot's insurance while it's in our store, and in transit while it's being shipped. In order to insure your ring, you need to add a rider on a homeowners' or renters' insurance policy. Typically a detailed receipt and any accompanying certificates are sufficient to insure your ring(s). We can provide your insurance agent with a thorough description of your purchase if necessary.
Q: WOULD YOU BUY OR SCRAP MY JEWELRY? COULD YOU BUY BACK RINGS FROM THE CLAY POT THAT ARE NO LONGER NEEDED?
A: The Clay Pot is not licensed to buy or sell estate jewelry nor any pre-owned/pre-worn merchandise. Any item purchased falls under the category of used merchandise after 60 days.
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