FAQs

  • Choosing an experienced independent jeweler offers personalized artistry, deeper craftsmanship, and lasting relationships that large international brands rarely match; an independent jeweler like Larry Stark, a master goldsmith understands your story, tailors designs to your exact preferences, sources materials with transparency, and provides hands-on, locally accessible repairs and maintenance—resulting in a unique piece with provenance, better value for the quality, and attentive aftercare that preserves both the jewelry’s beauty and emotional significance for generations.

  • Investing a little more upfront in a well-made piece of jewelry—crafted with superior materials and expert workmanship—saves both money and heartache over time; quality settings hold stones securely, durable alloys resist bending and wear, and precise finishing reduces the likelihood of prong replacement, resizing complications, and frequent polishing. While a lower-priced alternative may seem economical initially, recurring repair bills, emergency visits for lost gems, and the diminished resale value quickly erase those savings. Choosing craftsmanship means fewer surprises, longer-lasting beauty, and the confidence that your treasured piece will endure for years with minimal intervention.

  • Gemstone settings in jewelry range from classic prong settings, which lift and secure stones with minimal metal to maximize brilliance, to bezel settings that encircle the gem for a sleek, protective profile ideal for everyday wear; pavé and micro-pavé use closely set small stones in shared or tiny bead settings to create continuous sparkle across a surface, while channel settings seat stones side-by-side within a metal groove for clean lines and durability. Bar settings separate stones with slender metal bars for a modern grid-like look, tension settings trap the gem between opposing metal arms to create the illusion of suspension, and halo settings frame a central stone with a ring of smaller gems to amplify perceived size and fire. Specialty techniques include flush (or gypsy) settings where the gem sits level with the metal for a low-profile, rugged finish, and invisible settings that hide metal between stones for an uninterrupted expanse of brilliance; each choice balances aesthetics, security, light performance, and wearability to suit different designs and lifestyles.

  • When choosing the setting for stones in everyday wear—rings, pendants, bracelets, and earrings—prioritize durability, comfort, and the piece’s lifestyle fit: bezel and gypsy settings are most secure and lower profile; pave’ and channel settings also offer protection with low profile for high-traffic fingers and active wrists. Prong settings (preferably with a double gallery) allow more light and sparkle for pieces worn with less risk of impact; flush and gypsy settings are ideal for a sleek, snag-free look on rings and bracelets, and secure earring settings with heavy ear nuts, keeping studs safe for daily wear; consider metal hardness and setting height—lower, sturdier settings resist knocks and catching on fabric—and choose settings that balance maintenance needs (ease of stone cleaning and prong checks) with the wearer’s comfort and aesthetic, ensuring the chosen design reflects both practical use and simple elegance.

  • Step 1: Our specialist will assist you in selecting a design from the category you prefer so you can confidently proceed.

    Step 2: An estimated cost based on the proposed design will be provided. If the design and estimated cost are agreed upon, we require a 50% deposit of the estimated cost to cover the creation of a concept wax model, including any design variations; this deposit will be applied toward the final balance.


    Step 3: Typically, 2–6 design variations based on the chosen concept will be produced within approximately two weeks.


    Step 4: You will be notified to visit the studio to review and approve the design. If further modifications are requested, the next viewing will generally be scheduled within about 1–2 weeks.


    Step 5: Once the design is finalized, we will provide a precise final price for your approval.


    Step 6: Production of your jewelry will commence. Average completion time is 2–6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design, sourcing and ordering of stones, and other material considerations.

    Step 7: Pick up and enjoy wearing your jewelry!

  • Make a personal appointment to enjoy a one-on-one design consultation with our specialists. Or, visit our store to try on pieces from our collections in person. If you have family heirlooms or existing jewelry you’d like to incorporate, bring them along so we can evaluate how best to repurpose or integrate them for you.

  • All the jewelry we create at Stark Jewelers is thoughtfully designed in‑house by our award‑winning jeweler, Larry Stark, who brings decades of craftsmanship and a refined artistic eye to every piece. There are two options to consider: select from our broad selection of design categories, or commission a one‑of‑a‑kind piece tailored specifically to your vision. You may also elect to incorporate family stones and precious metals — including gold, platinum, and silver — which not only adds sentimental value but can also lower the overall cost.

  • You may be surprised by how handmade jewelry offers an unexpectedly affordable alternative to mass-produced jewelry. We combine the design and craftsmanship without the markup of large-scale manufacturing; We work directly with our customers to select materials and customize styles considering the budget, so they can enjoy unique, high-quality items—at prices that reflect genuine value rather than brand premium.

    You also have an option to use your own gold, heirloom gemstones, which reduces the overall cost.

    1. Clean gently with warm water and mild liquid soap

    2. Use soft, clean brushes, tooth brush, cotton makeup pads or clean cotton clothes

    3. Store your jewelry in individual plastic zip lock bags to protect it from tarnish and scratches

    4. Check with your jeweler on which stones are safe to clean at home, and which ones should be professionally cleaned

    5. Have your fine jewelry professionally cleaned and checked 1-2 times every year

    1. Avoid to use cleaners with chlorine, acid, or alkaline solution

    2. Avoid to use toothpaste or baking soda to polish

    3. Avoid to wear your jewelry to bed, in the shower, in the pool, while gardening, or participating in sports

    4. Avoid to use paper towels as they may scratch your jewelr

    5. Don’t assume your jewelry is indestructible, no matter what it is made from, or how much it cost. Proper care will help it last

  • Everyday wear can take its toll on fine jewelry, and common repairs often include resizing rings to ensure a comfortable fit, replacing missing stones, soldering broken chains and re-tipping worn prongs to prevent loss of stones; clasp replacements and refinishing or polishing metal to remove scratches restore appearance, and rhodium plating refreshes white gold’s color. Pearls and beaded necklaces commonly need restringing with new knots to prevent loss and reduce wear on the thread, and watch/bracelet link repair are routine services. Proper cleaning and inspection during these repairs help identify weak points early, preserving both beauty and structural integrity for years to come.

  • At Stark Jewelers, we offer a complimentary consultation for custom-made jewelry, redesigns, and repairs—an opportunity to discuss your vision with our expert designers and master jewelers at no cost or obligation. Whether you’re commissioning a bespoke engagement ring, transforming a beloved heirloom into a modern statement piece, or restoring a treasured item to its original brilliance, our team provides attentive guidance on design options, materials, timelines, and cost estimates. During the consultation we assess gemstones and metalwork, present sketches, and recommend practical solutions that honor both aesthetics and structural integrity. This personalized session ensures clarity, confidence, and a collaborative approach so your piece is crafted or restored precisely to your expectations.

  • Our experienced jeweler will take the time to understand your personal preferences—style, metal choice, gemstone selection, and the sentiment you want the piece to convey—and translate them into thoughtful, refined design alternatives. Drawing on years of experience and knowledge, we will present tailored options that balance your life style, beauty, wearability, and longevity, explaining the benefits of each choice and how small adjustments can transform the look and feel. Whether you prefer a minimalist silhouette, an artful statement piece, or a reimagined heirloom, the jeweler collaborates with you through sketches and material samples, ensuring the final design reflects your vision while meeting exacting standards of quality.

  • Every piece in the Stark Jewelers collection showcases genuine natural gemstones, chosen for their unique character, rich color, and lasting value. From brilliant sapphires and luminous emeralds to warm citrines and deep garnets, each stone is carefully selected and ethically sourced to ensure exceptional quality and authenticity. Our master craftsmen set these natural gems with structural integrity. Whether celebrating an engagement, an anniversary, or a personal milestone, Stark Jewelers offers jewelry that honors the natural beauty of real gemstones and the moments they commemorate.

  • At Stark Jewelers, you have complete freedom to choose genuine or lab-grown gemstones for your custom design, with no compromise to beauty or craftsmanship; whether you prefer the natural origin of a mined stone or the ethical transparency and exceptional value of a lab-grown gem, our designers will showcase each option with equal care, tailoring cut, setting, and metal to highlight your chosen stone’s color, brilliance, and character so your piece reflects your values and vision perfectly.

  • Every jewelry or custom jewelry purchase at Stark Jewelers includes a detailed appraisal prepared by our experienced appraiser, documenting metal content, gemstone characteristics (carat weight, cut, color, clarity), mounting details, and an insured replacement value; this comprehensive report supports insurance needs, estate planning, and future resale, and is accompanied by professional photographs.

  • Begin by considering the wearer’s style—classic, modern, or artisanal—then select a metal that complements their skin tone (platinum or white gold for cooler tones, yellow or rose gold for warmer tones). Decide on the focal point: a single solitaire for simple elegance, a halo for added sparkle, or a three-stone for symbolism; at Stark Jewelers, inspect the cut, color, clarity, and carat to balance brilliance and budget. Pay attention to ring profile and setting—low-profile bands suit everyday wear, while cathedral or prong settings maximize light—and confirm sizing and comfort fit to ensure a perfect wear. Finally, leverage Stark Jewelers’ expertise: request detailed imagery, certification, and customization options so you can choose a piece that reflects personal taste and lasting craftsmanship.

  • Item

    Yes — Stark Jewelers can replicate jewelry to your exact specifications. Whether you bring an heirloom piece, a favorite design, or detailed sketches, our master craftsmen will assess the original, discuss materials and any modern updates you prefer, and create a faithful reproduction using the highest-quality metals and gemstones. We take care to preserve original proportions and character while offering options to enhance durability or personalize finishes, and every replication undergoes rigorous inspection and custom fitting to ensure the finished piece meets our exacting standards of beauty and craftsmanship.

  • Diamonds symbolize enduring love, clarity, and strength; sapphires convey wisdom, nobility, and protection; emeralds represent renewal, growth, and deep emotional insight; rubies stand for passion, vitality, and courage; andesite, a grounding volcanic stone, is associated with resilience and inner stability; garnet promotes devotion, purification, and revitalized energy; amethyst signifies spiritual clarity, calm, and transformation; zircon suggests spiritual grounding, prosperity, and balance; aquamarine evokes serenity, clear communication, and soothing courage; tourmaline offers protection, emotional healing, and alignment of energies; pearls embody purity, wisdom gained through experience, and quiet elegance; citrine radiates joy, abundance, and personal power; peridot represents renewal, positive change, and heart-centered healing; topaz is linked to honesty, clarity of intention, and manifestation; tanzanite encourages spiritual awakening, intuition, and compassionate insight; jade symbolizes harmony, prosperity, and long life; and onyx provides strength, protection, and focused determination.