Frequently Asked Questions

Honest answers to the questions clients ask most often.

 

If something you want to know is not covered here, ask directly. There is no question too basic or too specific. The goal of this page is to give you enough information to decide whether Gann Diamonds is the right fit for your project - and to make your first consultation as productive as possible.

About the Studio

 

Is this a retail jewelry store?

No. Gann Diamonds is a private design studio that operates by appointment only. There is no retail showroom, no walk-in traffic, and no ready-made inventory. Every piece is custom-designed and built for a specific client.

 

Do I need to know exactly what I want before I contact you?

Not at all. Many clients come to the first consultation with nothing more than a general sense of occasion, a rough budget, and an instinct about style. The consultation is designed to develop that starting point into something specific. If you have reference images, bring them. If you do not, that is fine too.

 

How many clients does the studio work with at one time?

Deliberately few. The studio takes on a limited number of active commissions at any given time. That is a choice, not a constraint. It is what makes it possible for Melissa to give every project the attention it deserves.

 

Where is the studio located?

The studio is in Oklahoma. The full address is provided upon confirmation of your appointment. If you are traveling from a distance and want to discuss logistics before booking, mention that when you reach out.

 

About the Custom Process

 

How long does a custom piece take?

Most commissions take six to ten weeks from initial consultation to delivery. This depends on stone sourcing, design complexity, and casting schedule. Rush timelines can sometimes be accommodated - discuss this at the consultation if it is relevant to your project.

 

Do I choose the stone or does Melissa choose it for me?

You choose the stone. Melissa sources a curated selection based on your criteria - size, quality range, stone type, budget - and presents those options to you with a full explanation of each one. The final selection is always yours. Her role is to make sure you understand exactly what you are choosing.

 

Can I bring in a stone I already own?

Yes. If you have a loose stone you want set, Melissa will evaluate it and assess whether it is suitable for the mounting you have in mind. If you have a stone in an existing piece, bring the piece and she will assess what can be done with it.

 

What if I want to redesign an inherited piece?

Heirloom redesign is one of the most meaningful categories of work at this studio. Bring the original piece to your consultation. Melissa will evaluate the stones, assess the metal, and discuss what is possible. The redesign process follows the same stages as a new commission, with the original material at the center.

 

Can I see a rendering before the piece is made?

Yes. A detailed 3D rendering is developed and reviewed with you before any metal is cast. You can request adjustments at this stage. A physical wax model is also produced so you can see and try the proportions before casting.

 

What metals do you work with?

The studio works in silver, 10k, 14k, 18k gold in yellow, white, and rose, as well as platinum. If you have a preference for a specific alloy or finish, raise it at the consultation.

 

About Stones and Pricing

 

How is custom jewelry priced?

Custom pricing depends on the stone selected, the complexity of the mounting, and the metal chosen. There is no standard price list because no two pieces are the same. What there is: full transparency at every stage. You know what the stone costs, what the mounting costs, and what the total is before any commitment is made.

 

Is custom jewelry more expensive than buying from a store?

Not necessarily. Because stones are sourced through wholesale channels - not retail inventory - the cost of the stone itself is often comparable to or lower than what a retail store would charge for a similar grade. The mounting is priced based on actual labor and materials. There is no showroom markup. Many clients find that a custom piece from Gann Diamonds costs the same as or less than a comparable retail purchase, with significantly better stone quality.

 

What is a loose stone and why does it matter?

A loose stone is a diamond or gemstone that has not yet been set in a mounting. Evaluating a stone loose - before it is placed in a setting - allows for accurate measurement, proper grading, and a complete assessment of its quality characteristics. Once a stone is set, much of this evaluation becomes impossible. Starting with a loose stone is the professional standard for ensuring that what you are buying is what it is claimed to be.

 

Do you work with lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are physically and optically identical to mined diamonds and are evaluated using the same criteria. Whether you prefer a natural or lab-grown stone is a personal decision. Melissa will explain the differences in value, origin, and market behavior so you can make that decision with full information.

 

What certification do the stones come with?

Most diamonds are accompanied by a grading report from the GIA or another recognized laboratory. Melissa verifies that the stone you receive matches its documentation. She also provides her own assessment of how the stone performs visually - information that does not appear on any certificate.

 

After the Piece Is Delivered

 

What documentation comes with my piece?

Every completed commission is accompanied by documentation of the stones and materials used. This record is important for insurance purposes and for anyone who inherits the piece in the future.

 

How should I care for my custom piece?

Care instructions vary by stone type, metal, and setting style. Melissa provides specific guidance at delivery. As a general rule, custom pieces with prong settings should be checked periodically to ensure the prongs remain secure. Fine jewelry should be stored separately to avoid surface scratches.

 

Can I have the piece resized or adjusted later?

In most cases, yes. Ring sizing and minor adjustments are standard. Whether it is done at this studio or elsewhere depends on the piece and the adjustment needed. If you anticipate needing a size change, mention it at the consultation so it can be designed for.

 

Can I commission a second piece in the future?

Yes, and returning clients are welcomed. Knowing the design preferences and stone history of a returning client makes every subsequent commission smoother and more precise.

 

 

 

Ready to Start? Book Your Consultation.

 

Gann Diamonds - Private Design Studio - Oklahoma - By Appointment Only