Get to know the 4Cs, Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. Because sticking to your budget is going to mean prioritizing!
Carat weight is the actual weight of a diamond and does not necessarily correlate with dimensions. A carat weighs exactly 0.2 grams.
Colour is the lack of colour subjectively graded from D to Z. Diamonds with less colour are rarer and more expensive. Champagne diamond generally fall within the K-R colour range with champagne colour undertones.
Clarity is the lack of natural inclusions or blemishes and is graded from Internally Flawless "IF" to "I" Included. The “less included” the diamond the more expensive. Salt and Pepper diamonds generally start within the “I” included clarity range.
Cut is important because it's responsible for how the diamond looks and reflects light or “sparkles.” Cut is really a personal preference.
I’m biased. Vintage diamond cuts are my favourite. I love collecting and repurposing old diamonds. Each has an individual character imparted decades ago by a skilled diamond cutter who would have applied his skill to cut each diamond by hand and eye without the exacting tools of modern technology. The result is a tiny faceted piece of art. Some of my favourite old diamond cuts include:
Your first ring sizing is complimentary for all engagement rings. Just put your ring size in the notes at checkout. Sizing takes approximately 5 business days. I use the standard US ring size measurements. You can generally resize most engagement rings up or down about 3 sizes without interfering with the integrity of the setting. Rings with diamonds or engraving around the band may not be sizeable. Please ask first and I’ll confirm if we can size your ring. Please note that we are able to size most vintage rings but the sizing process will result in the loss of the rings patina as the ring will need to be polished to complete the sizing work.
WHAT’s MY RING SIZE?
Your ring should slide on fairly easily but need a slight wiggle to remove. For most accurate sizing I recommend taking a few different measurements at different times when your fingers are not swollen or cold. I’m happy to help local customers find the perfect size at the studio. For online customers, send me a note and I’ll mail you a home resizing kit.
SNEAKY SIZING GUIDE
Trying to figure out your partners’ size without him/her knowing? Here are a few ways you can estimate size on the down-low (1) Borrow an existing ring and measure the internal diameter in (mm). It helps to trace the internal diameter or press the ring into something soft like playdoh for the most precise measurement. Send me the internal diameter (not external) and I can estimate ring size. (2) Put one of their rings on your finger and draw a pen mark around your finger at the point where the ring fits you. Later measure the circumference of your finger at that point with a string in (mm). (3) Or you can bring one of their rings to the studio for us to measure for you.
When in doubt size up! You don’t want to ruin the moment if the ring doesn’t fit. You can always size the ring smaller later.
Jewellery requires care and maintenance. Care should be taken to protect items against scratching, heavy wear, hard knocks, extreme temperatures and chemicals. Do not wear your jewellery when lifting weights, carrying hard or heavy objects, working with your hands or playing contact sports (even diamonds can chip). Clean your diamond jewellery in a small dish with warm water, dish soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. You should have you jewellery professionally checked by a jeweller every 6 months to confirm the stones are secure in their settings and clasps are functioning properly. If jewellery is not properly maintained, you risk losing a stone or the entire piece which really sucks:(. Loss or damage to your gemstone(s) is not covered under warranty. We highly recommend getting insurance for your jewels to cover this such loss and damage. Insurance can be purchased from your own insurance provider or via Jeweler’s Mutual.
Not all settings are created equal. Choose one that fits your lifestyle. Keep in mind that jewellery strength is really just a matter of physics. Generally the thicker the metal the less maintenance will be required overtime.
Band Thickness
We all love the look of a delicate band but need to remember a thinner band is not as strong and will require more maintenance. If you workout with weights, carry heavy or hard objects or work with your hands a thin band can bend more easily and we would recommend that you be cautious or remove your jewellery.
Claws Vs. Bezel
A bezel setting is a ribbon of metal that wraps all the way around a gem and holds it securely in place. It is our go to favorite setting for durability and generally requires less maintenance. It protects in two ways, it cushions the gem from bumps and everyday wear and tear and its smooth surface reduces the likelihood it will get snagged or catch on something and result in damage to your jewellery. If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle a low profile bezel setting is a great choice.
Number Of Claws
Claws are important because they are what holds your gemstone in place securely. Generally, the thicker and more claws you have the more secure your gemstone will be in its setting and the less maintenance your jewellery will require. If you are hard on things, we recommend choosing a piece of jewellery with a bezel setting or thicker more numerous claws. It is common for claws to bend or even break with everyday wear. We highly recommend that you check your claws regularly and also have your jewellery professionally inspected every 6 months so that repairs can be made if necessary. It is also important to purchase specialized insurance for your jewellery that covers against loss or damage to your gemstone as this is not covered under warranty.
Many of my customers purchase entirely online, from across Canada, the United States, and internationally, and never visit the studio in person. That works well, and I want to make sure it feels as comfortable as possible.
A few things that may help if you are considering an online purchase:
You are buying from a real person. I’m Taren — a certified gemologist and the owner of Brockton Gems. I answer every email myself, personally. If you have questions about a piece before you buy, just ask. I’m happy to provide additional photos, video, measurements, or stone detail on request. Most questions get a response within a business day.
What you see is what you get. I describe my pieces accurately and photograph them carefully. If something about a listing is unclear — the colour of a stone in different light, how a ring looks on a hand, exact measurements — send me a note before you purchase and I’ll fill in the gaps.
You are protected if you change your mind. All vintage and modern vintage pieces purchased online can be returned within 7 days of delivery for a full refund, as long as the piece has not been worn or altered. Custom orders are final sale.
Your package is fully insured. All shipments are sent by FedEx Priority with full insurance coverage until the package is signed for. If something goes wrong in transit, you are covered.
Sizing is included. Not sure of your ring size? That’s normal. The first resizing is complimentary on most of our modern vintage pieces. Most sizings take about 5 business days. For online customers, I can also mail you a home ring sizing kit — just send me a note. If you need resizing just include a note with your size at checkout.
You can shop the collection online or book an appointment to view pieces in person at the studio or by video call. If you are purchasing online, checkout is completed directly through the website.
If you would like to see a piece before committing, I am happy to answer questions, provide additional photos or video, and help with sizing. Once your order is placed, your ring will be prepared for shipping or pickup.
For custom work, I always start with the gemstone. From there, I design the ring around the stone with you, balancing character, wearability, and proportion. The goal is to make a ring that feels distinct, well made, and perfect for the person wearing it.
The custom process begins with a one-hour consultation, either in person or by video, to discuss your wish list, budget, and key design details. Custom designs start at $3,500.
Once the direction is established, I begin sourcing your gemstone. This stage usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the availability of certain stones.
Once suitable stones have been sourced, we meet again to review the options, choose your gemstone, finalize the design, and confirm pricing for the finished piece.
After the design and pricing are approved, a 50% non-refundable deposit is required before work begins. Your ring is then created as a wax model. When the wax is ready, I will send photos and video for your review and approval before moving ahead with final production.
Once the wax model is approved, your ring is made in metal and your gemstone is set. This final stage usually takes another 1 to 2 weeks. The remaining balance is due upon completion. Custom orders are final sale and must be paid in full before shipping or pickup. Please see our full Terms and Conditions for Custom Orders.
| Step | Timing | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | 1 hour | Free |
| Gem Sourcing | 1 to 2 weeks | $100 fee may apply for complex requests, fully credited toward purchase |
| Select Gem + Finalize Design | After sourcing | Free |
| Deposit + Wax Model | 1 to 2 weeks | 50% non-refundable deposit |
| Wax Approval | When ready | Included |
| Final Production | 1 to 2 weeks | Remaining 50% |
We ship across Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. All orders are sent by FedEx Priority and require an adult signature on delivery. FedEx does not deliver to PO boxes.
All shipments are fully insured until the package is signed for, in case of loss or damage in transit.
Shipping times
Canada: 1 to 2 business days.
United States: 2 to 3 business days, depending on customs clearance.
International: 2 to 5 business days, depending on customs clearance.
Customs and duties
International orders may be subject to customs processing, import duties, tariffs, and local taxes on arrival. These charges are the responsibility of the customer. We recommend contacting your local customs authority in advance to understand what may apply.
Generally there is no duty or tariff payable on antique items shipped to the United States under USMCA. However, US duties and tariffs are subject to change, so I cannot provide a guarantee.
Have a question not answered here? Send me a note — I’m happy to help.
