A few considered questions, answered.
Below are the questions we are most often asked — about diamonds, gemstones, our process, and the care of a piece once it is in your hands. Anything not covered here is welcome at the atelier.
Diamonds & Gemstones
On the stones we work with — how they are made, where they come from, and how we choose them.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. A lab-grown diamond is chemically, optically, and structurally identical to a diamond formed in the earth — same hardness, same brilliance, same fire. The only difference is its origin: it is created in a controlled environment rather than mined. It is graded against the same standards and certified by the same gemmological institutions.
What is the difference between a lab-grown and a natural diamond?
Their origin, and what that origin means to you. Lab-grown diamonds are fully traceable, conflict-free, and offer significantly more stone for the same investment. Natural diamonds carry the rarity of geological time. We work with both, and treat the choice between them as a personal one — not a hierarchy.
Why does the website only show lab diamonds?
Natural diamonds and coloured gemstones are sourced individually for each client, often from a curated network of dealers, and are best chosen in conversation. By appointment — at the atelier, by video, or by phone — we can present options matched to your stone preferences and budget. The website displays our lab diamond collection openly; everything else begins with a chat.
Are your diamonds certified?
Every centre diamond we set is independently certified — typically by the GIA or IGI — and arrives with its full grading report. The report number is laser-inscribed on the girdle of the stone, invisible to the eye but verifiable under magnification.
Do you also work with coloured gemstones?
Yes — sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and a wide range of other natural and lab-grown gemstones for engagement rings, bespoke pieces, and heirloom redesigns. As with natural diamonds, gemstone sourcing happens by appointment so we can present options curated specifically to your brief.
The Bespoke Process
Considered, never pressured — how a STARA commission unfolds from first conversation to finished piece.
How does a STARA bespoke commission begin?
With a conversation — in person at our Kelowna atelier, by video, or by phone. We discuss what you have in mind, what you are drawn to, and what feels right. Sketches and references are welcome but never required. Most pieces begin from a single feeling.
Is there a fee for design or CAD renderings?
No. Design consultations and CAD renderings are offered at no charge, and you are under no obligation to proceed once you see them. We believe a piece should be approved with certainty — not commitment.
When is a deposit required?
A deposit is requested only once you have approved the final CAD rendering and we are ready to source stones and begin production. Until that moment there is no financial commitment of any kind, and you may step away with zero obligation.
How long does a bespoke piece take?
Custom pieces typically require 3-4 weeks from approved CAD rendering to completion, depending on the complexity of the setting and the sourcing of stones. We share a clear timeline in writing once the design is finalised, and rush options are sometimes possible — please ask early.
Can I bring my own stone or heirloom to be reset?
We welcome heirloom redesigns. Bring the piece, or a clear photograph, to your consultation and we will assess the stone, advise on what is possible, and design something new around it. Where you wish, original metal can often be recycled into the new piece.
Orders & Shipping
Placing an order, how pieces travel to you, and the practical details of payment.
How do I place an order?
Do you ship across Canada and the United States?
Yes. Complimentary tracked, fully insured shipping is included on all orders within Canada and the US. Packaging is discreet — no exterior branding — and a signature is required on delivery.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, by request. International shipping is arranged on a per-order basis and is paid by the client, along with any local duties and taxes set by the destination country. We will provide a full quote, courier details, and timeline before anything is dispatched, and we ask for your written confirmation before sending.
What payment methods do you accept?
Major credit cards, debit, and bank transfer. We also accommodate split payments on commissions — for example, deposit at production and balance prior to delivery. Specific arrangements can be discussed during your consultation.
Can my purchase be kept a surprise?
Always. We use unmarked outer packaging, send order updates only to the address you specify, and can arrange delivery to a discreet address or hold the piece at the atelier for collection. Just let us know how you would like it handled.
Returns & Warranty
Our policies are written to be honest about what bespoke jewellery is — and how we stand behind it for the long term.
Can I return or exchange a piece?
Custom and made-to-order pieces — including bespoke rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants and chains — are non-refundable and non-returnable, as each is created specifically for you. This is precisely why our process is built around CAD rendering approval before production: nothing begins until you are certain.
Ready-to-ship pieces are subject to our published returns terms; please contact us for full details before purchase.
What does the lifetime diamond warranty cover?
All certified centre diamonds carry a lifetime warranty for as long as you own the piece. This warranty does not cover loss, cracking, or chipping caused by impact or daily wear — only the certified integrity of the stone itself.
What does the metal warranty cover?
Our limited metal warranty covers manufacturing defects and structural integrity — for example, a prong that fails or a band that separates due to a flaw in production. It does not cover loss, breakage from impact, surface scratches, or general wear.
Do you offer ring resizing?
Yes. Complimentary resizing is included for the first year following completion of your ring. The client is responsible for shipping the piece to our office; we cover the resize itself and return shipping.
Certain designs — eternity bands, full pavé, and some tension settings — have resizing limits. These will always be noted at the time of order.
What voids my STARA warranty?
Any repair, resize, or modification performed by a third-party jeweller voids all warranties, including the complimentary first-year resize. If your piece needs work — even outside the warranty period — please send it to us. We would rather care for our own pieces than have them touched elsewhere.
Care & Wear
Fine jewellery is more resilient than people think, and more sensitive than people realise. A few notes on living well with yours.
How should I care for my piece day to day?
Remove rings before lifting weights, gardening, applying creams, perfumes, or sunscreen, and before working with harsh chemicals. Store pieces separately — diamonds will scratch softer metals and gemstones if kept loose together. A soft pouch or a lined section in a jewellery box is ideal.
Do you offer professional cleaning?
Yes. Complimentary professional cleaning is included for the first year following completion. Send the piece to the atelier — shipping at the client's expense — and we will return it cleaned, polished, and inspected with the prongs and settings checked for security.
Can I wear my ring in water or while exercising?
Showering and swimming will not damage the diamond or the metal, but soaps, sunscreen, and chlorine dull the stone's brilliance over time and can loosen prongs gradually. We recommend removing rings before swimming and the gym whenever possible — it preserves both the stone and the setting.
What if my piece needs a repair?
Send it back to us. Whether under warranty or out of it, we would rather repair our own work than have it touched elsewhere. We will assess the piece, share an honest quote if any cost applies, and return it as it should be.
Some questions are best spoken.
If your question isn't here, write to us. We read every message ourselves and reply, usually within one business day.
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