Gramercy Gifts FAQs
Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY RINGS POLISHED?
A. We suggest polishing your rings two or three times a year. Definitely have this done before your wedding anniversary each year and before the year-end Holidays so they look their best for those special occasions!
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Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE THE PRONGS CHECKED ON MY WEDDING RING?
A. You should have your ring prongs checked at least every two to three years. They can wear thin, and occasionally get caught on things and may not be holding your gemstones as securely as intended.
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Q. THE PRONGS HOLDING MY DIAMOND HAVE WORN DOWN. CAN THEY BE REPLACED?
A. Yes they can, but often they can be “re-tipped” rather than replaced, and this we do today by laser, which can add metal to small areas without overheating or damaging the gemstones. However, if a prong has been damaged or broken, it should be replaced.
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Q. HOW FREQUENTLY SHOULD WE HAVE OUR INSURANCE APPRAISALS UPDATED?
A. We suggest you have this done every three years or so. It is also a good time for us to check the security of the prongs holding your diamonds and gemstones.
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Q. WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN MY DIAMOND RINGS IF I AM TRAVELLING OR CAN’T TAKE THEM TO A JEWELER?
A. A good way to clean your diamond rings is with a soft toothbrush and glass cleaner like Windex, and then rinse them under hot water. If you are away, you can give them a quick cleaning with a toothbrush and small amount of toothpaste, and then rinse your ring under hot water. You can do this by sliding your ring onto the handgrip of your toothbrush and rinsing it under the hot water tap, holding your toothbrush at each end.
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Q. IF I LEAVE MY DIAMOND RING SOMEWHERE FOR REPAIR OR POLISHING, OR HAVE AN APPRAISAL DONE, HOW DO I KNOW I AM GETTING MY DIAMOND BACK?
A. The best advice is “Don’t leave your child with a stranger!” Know the person you are leaving your diamond with or do sufficient research to ensure that they have been in business a reasonable length of time. If you are working with a reputable jeweler, repairperson, or appraiser, you should not have to worry about your diamond; but for your own security you should ask for a receipt that properly describes your diamond. Do not hesitate to ask them to let you look at your diamond under magnification (a Gemscope or jewelers loop) both when you leave it and when you pick it up. Most diamonds have some unique identifying characteristic such as an inclusion, detail on the girdle, or something that you can identify once you have studied it.
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Q. MY DIAMOND STUD EARRINGS DROOP WHEN I WEAR THEM. IS THERE SOMETHING THAT CAN BE DONE TO FIX THIS?
A. You should try putting a wide circular plastic disk, intended for this purpose, over the post after it is in your ear, before attaching the friction-back. These disks are inexpensive and will usually solve the problem. Another solution is to use extra large friction backs. Make sure that they are pushed on snuggly for a firm fit. Sometimes the backs loose their tension and need to be tightened or replaced.
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Q. MY KNUCKLES HAVE ENLARGED AND IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET MY RINGS ON AND OFF. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS?
A. One of the best solutions we know of is to have the back half of your ring shank replaced with one that opens and closes. As long as your ring design will accommodate this system, we recommend it. This type of ring shank has a recessed safety clasp for opening the ring so you can remove it and put it back on effortlessly. Once on it will fit you perfectly, and be secure.
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Q. MY FINGER SIZE CHANGES SO THAT SOMETIMES MY RING IS LOOSE AND OTHER TIMES I CANNOT GET IT OFF.
A. The ring shank with a hinge and clasp described above may be the answer for you. Usually it is our knuckles that change size and this hinged ring shank is a good solution for your problem. Sometimes having two small “balls” installed inside the shank of your ring will also help with this problem. This is a more economical solution but does not always work as effectively as a shank that opens.
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Q. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY PEARLS RESTRUNG?
A. Pearls should be restrung every two to three years if worn once or twice a month, and sooner if worn more frequently. As soon as you start noticing spaces between the pearls, they should be checked, and probably restrung.
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Q. CAN YOU TELL ME HOW TO SAFELY CLEAN MY PEARLS?
A. Pearls are among the softest gem materials and should always be treated with care and never allowed against an abrasive surface. Wipe them with a soft cloth after every wearing to rid them of make-up and body oils. To wash them use only warm water and a pure mild soap then rinse and lay them on a clean towel to dry. Do not use commercial cleaners on them unless specifically labeled “For Pearls”. Always store your pearls wrapped in a soft protective cloth laying on a flat surface. Do not hang them or their own weight will eventually stretch the silk they are strung on.
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Q. IT IS VERY DIFFICULT FOR ME TO PUT A LOOSE LINK BRACELET ON BY MYSELF. HAVE YOU ANY SUGGESTIONS?
A. One of the best solutions for this problem is to have a magnetic clasp installed. They look good and work well. You need to realize however that being magnetic, if enough pressure is put on it, the clasp will open, that’s what it was designed to do. But as long as you are aware of this and use care, this could be your solution.
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Q. I HAVE DEVELOPED ARTHRITIS IN MY HANDS AND IT IS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE CLASP ON MY NECKLACE. HAVE YOU ANY SUGGESTIONS?
A. We suggest the same magnetic clasp described above. They are easy to operate and were designed just for this purpose.
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Q. I HAVE A VERY DELICATE VINTAGE RING THAT NEEDS REPAIR BUT THE JEWELER I SPOKE WITH TOLD ME HE COULDN’T FIX IT. DO YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS?
A. There was a time not too long ago when it was almost impossible to work on a ring such as you are describing, but with the invention of laser welding in the jewelry business, we are able to repair just about anything, even delicate vintage pieces of jewelry. Our workshop has one of the most advanced laser welding machines in the industry.
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Q. MY HUSBAND AND I WOULD LIKE TO HAVE CUFFLINKS MADE FOR OUR COMPANY DIRECTORS, WITH THE IMAGE OF OUR CORPORATE OFFICE ON THE FACE OF THE CUFFLINKS. THE DESIGN IS QUITE DETAILED. HOW MUCH OF THE DETAIL CAN YOU CAPTURE?
A. Today, through the introduction of Computer Assisted Design, or “CAD”, we can copy almost anything in minute detail, and duplicate it in jewelry. It is a specialized trade and our people are amongst the best there are. Please click on the Computer Assisted Design section of our web site for more information.
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Q. I HAVE A NECKLACE I HAVE HAD FOR QUITE A WHILE AND IT KEEPS BREAKING. CAN IT BE REPAIRED SO THAT DOESN’T HAPPEN?
A. A necklace or bracelet will wear overtime where the links rub against each other. If you wear the same necklace or bracelet everyday for a few years, some of the links will eventually wear through. Depending on the style of the links sometimes they can be reinforced or repaired, but often they will need to be replaced. If you have had a few links go on you already, chances are there are several more about to break as well. As long as they can see into where the links are wearing, a knowledgeable jeweler can and should advise you to either repair all of the links needing service, or recommend replacing the necklace with a new one.
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Q. THE BACK OF MY RING HAS FLATTENED. WHY HAS IT DONE THAT AND CAN IT BE FIXED?
A. It is not uncommon for this to happen and it is usually caused by pressure against the back side of your fingers, from squeezing a vehicle steering wheel, carrying a heavy suitcase, playing golf with your ring on or similar activities. Usually the ring shank can be reshaped to its original form, and if you have had your ring for several years the back of the shank may have worn thin making it easier to bend out of shape. If this is the case then that portion of your ring shank should be replaced with a new piece, the same thickness as the ring was when you first received it.