FAQ's
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
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Curt Parker Jewelers is committed to providing you with all the information necessary to research and buy the jewelry of your dreams. Here are some frequently asked questions about Curt Parker jewelers and the diamond and jewelry buying process.
How do I choose a jeweler?
As important as it is selecting fine jewelry for yourself or others, it is equally important to decide where to buy the jewelry. As a consumer, you should be thorough and ask a lot of questions. You want to find the right jeweler who will educate you and help you select the right gifts for the ones you love.
Why should I choose Curt Parker as my jeweler?
Curt Parker Jewelers is committed to providing you with all the information necessary to research and buy the jewelry of your dreams. Here are some frequently asked questions about Curt Parker jewelers and the diamond and jewelry buying process.
What is Curt Parker’s' return policy?
Within 10 days you may return your Curt Parker jewelry purchase in its original condition, no reason required, with proof of purchase for a full refund. Jewelry in unsaleable condition will be charged a refinishing fee at our discretion. Special orders and jewelry that has been sized or altered are not returnable or exchangeable.
Is it safe to receive diamonds in the mail?
Absolutely. Every package is insured for the full purchase price.
How often should my diamond and setting be checked?
You want to be sure that the stone is secure in its setting. Everyday wear and tear can jar the stone a little, and you don't want to look down at your finger to find your stone is missing. Have your setting checked by a jeweler every six months.
Is it important to have insurance?
Yes. Insurance companies will cover your jewelry for loss, theft and damage. Consult your insurance agent about adding a jewelry rider to your homeowners or renters policy. You will need an appraisal for coverage, which we provide with every item we sell valued at $1000 or more.
Does Curt Parker Jewelers offer Jewelry Insurance?
No. While we feel it important to keep your valuables insured, we feel it gives the appearance of conflict to act as a retailer and insurer together.
How often should I have my jewelry appraised?
Metal and gemstone markets can and do fluctuate. For insurance purposes, on large valued items you should renew your appraisals every 2-3 years to be current with inflation. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance professional yearly. We offer complimentary lifetime insurance replacement report updates on your purchase provided you bring in your original report with the jewelry.
Does it matter who appraises my jewelry?
A qualified gemologist should perform appraisals. We are Graduate Gemologists with credentials from the Gemological Institute of America, among the foremost authorities in the jewelry industy. Our qualified appraisers, trained in both gemology and valuation theory, will identify the gems, gem materials, and metals that comprise your jewelry. We will properly assess all components of the piece, including relative beauty and rarity, and determine its overall quality and current value.
Is it necessary to buy a gemstone with a laboratory report?
Buying a graded stone protects the purchaser. The independent grading ensures that you are getting what you pay for. There are many laboratories that grade diamonds, so make sure that the certificate comes from a reputable grading lab such as The American Gem Society (AGS) or the Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
Why is platinum jewelry more expensive than gold?
Platinum is about 2 & 1/2 times more dense than gold, and is a more pure alloy. Often platinum is a minimum 90% pure where 14 karat gold is just over 58% pure gold. Additionally, due to its increased density and purity, platinum requires its own set of tools to properly complete fabrication and repair work with a higher level of craftsmanship.
Can a platinum ring be sized like gold?
No. It's a much different process and must be done professionally. At Curt Parker, we have the latest technology, experience and special equipment to size your platinum ring properly.
How do I care for my diamond jewelry?
Soaps, lotions and other everyday items can leave a hazy residue all over your diamond and setting, reducing the brilliance of the stone. There are jewelry cleaning solutions in the marketplace that you can use to clean the stone and setting, but an easy household solution is to use a bit of ammonia and water with an old toothbrush. Just scrub and rinse in lukewarm water. Dry with a lint-free cloth.
What is the best way to store jewelry that I don't wear every day?
Diamonds and other stones can scratch each other if they rub together, and may cause damage over time. It is best to store your jewelry items in a soft jeweler's cloth so that they don't come in contact unnecessarily. Be sure to store valuable items in a safe place. Even if you have insurance, jewelry loss can be a very emotional experience, and you may never be able to replace some pieces.
What do I do if I don't know my girlfriend's ring size?
If there's no way that you can slyly get that information from her, we suggest that you purchase our standard stock size, for gift giving purposes. After you present her the ring and the surprise is over, you both can return to us, and we will size correctly it free of charge.
Why is platinum’s purity important to me?
Platinum, one of the world’s strongest metals, is hypoallergenic, tarnish-resistant, and extremely durable.
Is platinum the same as white gold?
No, it is quite different. During World War II, the U.S. government prohibited platinum use in non-military applications, including jewelry. Due to strong consumer preference for platinum’s pure white luster, white gold was substituted in platinum’s absence. To create white gold, yellow gold is alloyed with other metals to achieve a white look. However, platinum is white to begin with and maintains its white luster permanently. Its purity, strength, rarity, durability and natural rich, white color make it the best choice.
How should I care for my platinum jewelry?
Platinum jewelry should be cleaned the same way you clean other fine jewelry. We recommend using Scrubbing Bubbles. Yes, the stuff you clean your sink with that's $4 a can. Shake the can, spray your jewelry and brush with a toothbrush. Rinse with warm water. Always make sure your sink drain is plugged.
Will platinum scratch?
Signs of wear, including scratches, will inevitably appear in all precious metals, even platinum. However, due to platinum’s durability and strength there is usually little metal loss when the piece is scratched. If your platinum jewelry does develop visible scratches, you should have the piece re-polished by your professional jeweler.
Is platinum fashionable?
Fashionable enough to be chosen by royalty for centuries and and many Hollywood stars.
Will it coordinate with my gold jewelry?
Platinum’s white color beautifully contrasts with yellow gold and adds versatility to your existing wardrobe.
Why are Tahitian pearls black?
It is created in the womb of the special black-lipped mollusk found in French Polynesia waters known as the Pinctada margaritifera, or black-lip mother-of-pearl, for short. This mollusk naturally secretes a black pigment, which, depending on the quantity, gives the resulting pearl a basic color ranging from black to gray.
Are Tahitian cultured pearls tinted or dyed?
The pearl producers represented by Perles de Tahiti produce and export only 100 percent naturally colored cultured pearls.
Do natural pearls still exist?
Yes, in one out of 15,000 pearl oysters!
How are the various shades of Tahiti cultured pearls created?
They result from the decomposition of light as it passes through the pearl layers, which act as a prism. The layers break up the light the same way a raindrop does when light passes through it creating a rainbow.
Where are Tahiti cultured pearls found?
They are cultivated in pearl farms in the lagoons of the Tuamotu-Gambier Archipelagos, a sprawling group of atolls and islands in French Polynesia, including the island of Tahiti.
What does the mollusk eat while creating cultured pearls?
Plankton, the microscopic animal and plant life found floating or drifting in the lagoons where the pearl farms are located.
Where is Tahiti?
In the eastern South Pacific-3,852 miles from Los Angeles 3,541 miles from Sydney; 5,466 miles from Tokyo and 4,660 miles from Santiago, Chile.