Frequently Asked Questions

Detailed Explanation:

"Custom" means your engagement ring is uniquely designed and crafted locally for you, rather than being mass-produced overseas. This process ensures a ring specifically tailored to your taste, budget, and personal story, giving you control over every detail—from the type of gemstone to the style and finish of the ring.

For example, a popular choice in Ottawa is a one-carat round brilliant lab-grown diamond with high clarity (VVS2) and excellent color (E). Paired with a classic, handcrafted solitaire setting in 18K gold, this ring typically costs about CA $3,145 (approximately $995 for the diamond plus $2,150 for the setting), before taxes.

When selecting a natural diamond, expect prices for similar specifications (one-carat, high clarity, and color) to start significantly higher—usually between CA $8,000–$9,500, due to their rarity and market-driven pricing.

Key Factors Affecting Custom Ring Prices:

• Diamond Type and Quality: Lab-grown diamonds offer significant savings (typically 30–50%) compared to natural diamonds of comparable quality.
• Metal Selection: At our Ottawa workshop, we exclusively craft rings in premium materials such as 18K gold or platinum. While 14K gold is common elsewhere, we find 18K gold provides superior richness, durability, and lasting beauty.
• Craftsmanship: Custom rings made locally by expert jewelers reflect a higher standard of craftsmanship and attention to detail than mass-produced rings.
• Design Complexity: Simple solitaire settings tend to be the most budget-friendly, while intricate designs with multiple diamonds, halos, or detailed metalwork will increase costs.

Ultimately, choosing a custom-made engagement ring ensures your jewelry is distinctive and crafted precisely to your standards, offering excellent long-term value compared to pre-made or branded alternatives.

Detailed Explanation:

When searching for "custom engagement rings near me" in Ottawa, it's important to find a local jeweller who truly designs and creates each ring individually, rather than reselling mass-produced jewelry. At our Ottawa-based studio, we offer exactly that—a completely personalized experience, where your ring is designed and crafted from scratch to your specifications.

We provide consultations (in-person or virtual) to discuss your vision, style preferences, gemstone choice (lab-grown or natural diamonds, sapphires, and more), and budget. Every stage—from initial sketches to CAD design, casting, stone-setting, and final polishing—is done entirely in-house by skilled, experienced craftspeople.

Choosing a local Ottawa jeweller ensures:

• Personal attention: You work directly with the designer and craftsperson, ensuring your vision is fully realized.
• Transparency and quality control: You can see the process firsthand and ask questions at every step.
• Local craftsmanship: Supporting local businesses means investing in Ottawa's community and economy.
• Quick, reliable service: Local makers typically offer convenient after-sale services like resizing, maintenance, and warranty coverage.

To get started, simply book a free consultation or visit our Ottawa workshop to discuss your ideas and see how we can create a unique engagement ring that perfectly reflects your story.

Detailed Explanation:

At Vero Diamonds, we specialize in fully customized, locally crafted engagement rings, which means we don't keep mass-produced stock rings on-hand. Instead, we've thoughtfully developed an approach that allows you to confidently explore ring options without being overwhelmed.

Here's how our consultation process works:

Finished Solitaire Samples:

At our Ottawa office, we have a carefully selected range of finished solitaire ring prototypes. These samples accurately represent the craftsmanship, metal finishes, settings, and overall quality of our custom rings, allowing you to genuinely experience how your final ring will feel and look.

Unique Magnetic Ring Builder:

To further simplify your experience, we use a custom-designed magnetic ring builder during consultations. This innovative tool helps you quickly visualize and compare different diamond shapes, stone sizes, and setting styles, making it easy to understand what suits your personal taste and budget.

Simple, Personalized Consultations:

Our consultations are deliberately relaxed, clear, and personalized. Rather than overwhelming you with hundreds of generic ring options, we guide you carefully through choices relevant to your personal preferences. The goal is clarity—not confusion.

Pre-booked, Curated Experience:

All consultations must be booked in advance and begin with a discovery call. This initial step helps us clearly understand your goals and expectations, ensuring a focused, meaningful appointment tailored specifically to you.

At Vero Diamonds, our approach ensures that you're never rushed or overwhelmed. Instead, you gain confidence, clarity, and comfort in your decisions—making choosing your perfect custom engagement ring a genuinely enjoyable and personal experience.

Detailed Explanation:

When you choose to design your custom engagement ring with a local Ottawa jeweller, the experience is straightforward, personalized, and collaborative. Here's how it works, step by step:

1. Initial Consultation:

• We meet in person at our Ottawa studio or virtually to discuss your ideas, preferences, and budget.
• You can explore examples, discuss gemstones (natural or lab-grown diamonds, sapphires, etc.), and decide on design details such as metal type, style, and personal touches.

2. Personalized Design Creation:

• Based on our discussion, we develop sketches or digital CAD renderings of your custom ring.
• You review these detailed visuals, suggest refinements, and approve the final design only when you're completely satisfied.

3. Handcrafting Your Ring (In-House in Ottawa):

• Once approved, your custom ring is crafted entirely at our local workshop—from casting your chosen metal (18K gold or platinum), setting your selected gemstones, to meticulously polishing and finishing the piece by hand.
• Because everything happens locally, you can even visit our studio to see the crafting process firsthand.

4. Final Fitting & Delivery:

• Your completed ring undergoes a thorough quality inspection.
• We arrange a personal appointment for pickup or safe delivery.
• If needed, resizing and final adjustments are provided to ensure a perfect, comfortable fit.

Choosing a local jeweller for your custom ring means you remain directly involved and informed every step of the way. You're investing in expert craftsmanship, personalized attention, transparency, and exceptional quality—exactly what Ottawa couples deserve for such an important purchase.

Detailed Explanation:

From the moment you approve your ring design, we begin meticulous, hands-on crafting right here in our Ottawa workshop. The entire process—from metal casting (in premium 18K gold or platinum) to gemstone setting and finishing—is handled locally by skilled, experienced craftspeople.

Here's how our typical timeline looks, with important considerations included:

Crafting and Setting (4–6 weeks):

This is the most intricate part of the process, involving detailed, hands-on work. Because we craft each ring individually, unexpected challenges—such as a gemstone not meeting our exact standards or minor imperfections during the crafting process—can occasionally arise.

Quality Control and Revisions (1–2 weeks):

Every ring undergoes rigorous quality checks. If a diamond or gemstone doesn't meet our strict standards, we'll replace it immediately. Similarly, if we're not completely satisfied with the craftsmanship or final appearance, we won't hesitate to restart or refine the work—our priority is always delivering a piece we're genuinely proud of.

Final Adjustments and Delivery (up to 1 week):

Once your ring meets our standards, we arrange a personalized fitting appointment or secure delivery in Ottawa. If additional adjustments, such as resizing or minor refinements, are needed, these are swiftly addressed.

Total estimated timeline: approximately 6–8 weeks from design approval to final delivery.

We include this extra time intentionally, acknowledging the intricate, detailed nature of custom ring-making. This ensures your ring is perfect, reflecting our dedication to exceptional quality and craftsmanship. Our transparent approach means you'll be updated at every stage, providing reassurance and peace of mind as you prepare for your proposal.

Detailed Explanation:

Diamond pricing in Ottawa varies considerably between lab-grown and natural diamonds, with lab-grown options offering substantial savings. Today, lab-grown diamonds are more accessible than ever, providing an attractive alternative for many buyers.

Here's a clear comparison:

Natural Diamonds:

Natural diamonds are valued for their unique origins, formed deep within the earth over billions of years. Every natural diamond is truly one-of-a-kind, carrying its own history, rarity, and inherent charm. If owning something rare, natural, and uniquely sourced resonates deeply with you, a natural diamond can be a meaningful choice. It's important to note, however, that natural diamonds generally do not retain their retail value over time.

Lab-Grown Diamonds:

We're living in a remarkable time for diamond shoppers. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds—chemically, physically, and visually identical to natural ones—but are significantly more affordable. Choosing a lab-grown diamond means you can comfortably prioritize a larger stone or higher quality without overstretching your budget. Although lab-grown diamonds also do not retain significant resale value, their affordability makes exceptional beauty and quality accessible.

Choosing What Matters Most to You:

There's genuinely no right or wrong answer when deciding between lab-grown and natural diamonds. Your choice should align with your personal priorities—whether that's a diamond's natural rarity or the opportunity to maximize size and quality within your budget.

At Vero Diamonds, we always emphasize the deeper meaning of your diamond: it represents your commitment, enduring beauty, and long-lasting durability—qualities that both lab-grown and natural diamonds provide beautifully.

Detailed Explanation:

Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds are physically, chemically, and visually indistinguishable from each other. However, there's a common misconception that all lab-grown diamonds are automatically flawless or perfect—this isn't true.

Here's what you need to know:

Identical Appearance:

Lab-grown and natural diamonds share the same chemical composition (pure carbon), crystal structure, and optical properties. This means they look identical, sparkle equally, and cannot be visually distinguished without specialized instruments.

Quality Varies in Both:

Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds come in a wide range of qualities. Not every lab-grown diamond is flawless or of high quality; some can be poorly cut, cloudy, or have visible inclusions. Quality is just as crucial when choosing a lab-grown diamond as it is when selecting a natural diamond.

How We Identify the Difference:

Although visually identical, lab-grown and natural diamonds can be distinguished using specialized gemological instruments. At Vero Diamonds, we own and use advanced gemological tools that can precisely identify whether a diamond is lab-grown or natural, ensuring transparency and trust for our clients.

A helpful analogy: ice formed naturally outside or ice created in your freezer are both chemically and visually identical. Similarly, a diamond's true value and quality depend less on its origin and more on its overall craftsmanship and gemological quality.

At Vero Diamonds, we focus carefully on selecting and recommending high-quality diamonds—whether lab-grown or natural—that offer lasting beauty, brilliance, and durability.

Detailed Explanation:

As a dedicated small business focused on exceptional client service, we offer in-house ring appraisals exclusively for engagement rings crafted by Vero Diamonds. Our appraisals are prepared by our own certified GIA graduate gemologist—the very same expert who personally selects and verifies your diamond or gemstone. This ensures unmatched accuracy and detailed knowledge of your unique ring.

Why an appraisal matters for your Vero Diamonds ring:

Full Insurance Coverage:

Our professional appraisal clearly documents your ring's detailed specifications—including precise gemstone quality, diamond grading, metal purity, and overall value—allowing you to obtain comprehensive protection under your existing home insurance policy. With an accurate appraisal, your ring's full replacement cost is covered in case of theft, loss, or accidental damage.

Clear Documentation:

The appraisal ensures you know exactly what you have purchased, providing peace of mind and clarity. This detailed report serves as your trusted reference for future maintenance, upgrades, or insurance claims.

Convenient and Trustworthy:

Because the appraisal is done right here at Vero by the same gemologist who selected your diamond or gemstone, you're assured expert-level accuracy and deep familiarity with every aspect of your ring. You'll have direct access to discuss any questions or concerns with the person who knows your ring best.

At Vero Diamonds, we believe strongly in transparency and client care. Your custom ring appraisal is an essential part of this commitment, making sure your treasured investment remains fully protected for years to come.

Detailed Explanation:

An insurance appraisal is essentially a detailed certificate verifying your custom engagement ring's exact characteristics, including the gemstone quality, precise diamond grading, metal purity, craftsmanship details, and its full replacement value. This official appraisal document can be submitted directly to your home insurance company, clearly establishing proof of ownership, authenticity, and insured value.

Why do we call ours a "Lifetime Insurance Appraisal"?

Because at Vero Diamonds, our commitment doesn't end when you receive your ring. Unlike typical appraisals, ours comes with a unique lifetime service:

Complimentary Renewals for Life:

Your insurance company may request updated appraisals periodically (every few years, for instance). At any point during the life of your ring, whenever a renewal is needed, we gladly update your appraisal at no extra cost.

Convenient and Valuable Service:

When you bring your ring to our Ottawa workshop for appraisal renewal, we provide an additional complimentary inspection and polishing service. Not only do you receive an updated appraisal, but your ring also returns to you cleaned, polished, and looking beautiful.

Ensures Continuous Insurance Coverage:

Regularly updated appraisals ensure your ring's valuation remains accurate over the years, protecting you fully against loss, theft, or damage. With our lifetime renewal service, you're never left without the documentation you need.

At Vero Diamonds, this ongoing appraisal service reflects our commitment to transparency, quality, and customer care. By providing a Lifetime Insurance Appraisal, we ensure your custom engagement ring remains fully protected—and beautifully maintained—for many years to come.

Detailed Explanation:

We understand sizing can be tricky—especially when proposing is meant to be a surprise. That's exactly why every custom engagement ring created at our Ottawa studio includes complimentary resizing as part of our comprehensive lifetime warranty.

What Our Lifetime Warranty Covers:

Resizing and Routine Maintenance:

Quick, on-site resizing appointments are available at our Ottawa workshop, typically completed while you wait(usually within an hour). Additionally, we offer regular ring cleanings, inspections, and maintenance checks—all complimentary and designed to keep your ring looking beautiful for years to come.

Accidental Damage Coverage (Unlike Most Jewellers):

We know life happens. Unlike most jewelers who exclude accidental damage from their warranties, our policy explicitly includes coverage for accidental damage. Whether you bump, scratch, bend, or otherwise unintentionally damage your ring, we'll gladly repair and restore it for you without additional charges.

While our warranty generously covers genuine accidental damage, we do ask that you treat your ring carefully. Activities like rock climbing, heavy lifting, or other high-impact tasks should ideally be done without your ring to keep it in its best condition.

Transparent and Fair Policy:

Our accidental damage coverage is there because we genuinely understand accidents happen. However, in the rare instance that damage occurs habitually or due to extreme negligence (which, in our experience, almost never happens), we'll discuss options openly and may apply reasonable charges. Transparency and fairness are key principles in our relationship with clients.

If your ring needs resizing or repair at any point after your proposal, simply contact us to schedule a convenient appointment at our Ottawa workshop. Our commitment is clear: we craft each ring with care, and we're here to support you throughout your lifetime ownership of your jewelry.

Detailed Explanation:

At Vero Diamonds, we're committed to ensuring your custom engagement ring stays beautiful and secure for a lifetime. To support this, we offer complimentary Lifetime Inspection and Cleaning appointments to all our clients.

Regular Inspection and Ultrasonic Cleaning (Recommended Every 6–12 Months):

Book a convenient appointment at our office for a quick professional inspection and cleaning. We carefully check your ring's settings, prongs, and structural integrity, catching any potential concerns early. Your ring is also professionally cleaned with ultrasonic and steam equipment, instantly renewing its sparkle.

Deep Cleaning and Polishing (Recommended Every 1–2 Years):

In addition to regular inspections, many clients schedule a special deep-cleaning appointment directly at our Ottawa workshop approximately every 1.5–2 years. During this comprehensive service, your ring undergoes a detailed polishing and deep cleaning, carefully restoring it to its original, pristine condition. This process removes scratches and daily wear, bringing your ring back to its initial beauty.

Peace of Mind and Long-Term Care:

Regular professional inspections and periodic deep cleanings help maintain your ring's appearance, security, and structural integrity. If we notice anything needing attention during an inspection, we immediately schedule the necessary service at our workshop, ensuring your ring always remains secure and stunning.

Both these services are part of our ongoing commitment to you and your jewelry, ensuring your ring remains a beautiful symbol of your love—today, tomorrow, and for years to come.

Detailed Explanation:

We understand purchasing a custom engagement ring is a significant investment. To help make this easier for our clients, we offer flexible, convenient payment options directly through Vero Diamonds—without third-party financing companies, interest charges, or credit checks.

Here are the two straightforward payment options we offer in-house:

Option 1: Deposit & Final Payment

• You place a 50% deposit when you approve your custom ring design.
• The remaining 50% is paid when your ring is completed, inspected, and ready for pickup.

Option 2: Four Equal Payments (While Your Ring is Crafted)

• Divide your ring's total cost into four equal payments.
• Payments are scheduled evenly over the 6–8 week crafting period, making it easier to budget and plan financially.

Important to Know:

• No Credit Checks: Our payment plans are arranged entirely in-house. We do not require credit checks, keeping the process simple and accessible.
• Interest-Free: These options carry no extra charges or interest, unlike many third-party financing services.
• Clear and Simple Terms: Your completed custom engagement ring is released to you once the full balance is settled, ensuring clarity and fairness for both sides.

Our clients consistently find these payment plans straightforward and helpful, allowing you to enjoy your ring-buying experience without unnecessary stress or hidden costs. At Vero Diamonds, we aim to make the process transparent, comfortable, and supportive every step of the way.

Detailed Explanation:

When couples in Ottawa ask us which diamond is more sustainable, the honest answer is: it depends on how it's made, not just what it is.

Lab-Grown Diamonds:

Pros:

• No land or water disruption from mining
• Controlled, often safer production environments

Cons:

• Production can require significant energy—especially with HPHT methods
• The environmental impact varies greatly depending on where and how it's grown

At Vero Diamonds, all of our lab-grown diamonds are part of the Clear Neutral program, which certifies the carbon impact of each stone and works toward meaningful offsetting. This ensures that every lab-grown diamond we sell has gone through a third-party carbon accountability process—giving you clarity, transparency, and confidence.

Natural Diamonds:

Pros:

• Some mines reinvest in land restoration and communities
• Can be ethically sourced with proper supply chain transparency

Cons:

• Mining disturbs ecosystems and consumes natural resources
• Traceability and ethics vary greatly across producers

How to Decide?

Eco-friendliness isn't just lab vs. natural. It's about:

• How your diamond was grown or mined
• Who's behind it
• What kind of future it supports

By working with certified partners and avoiding mass production, we help you make a choice that's better for both the planet and your peace of mind.

Detailed Explanation:

Our standard timeline for a custom engagement ring is typically 6 to 8 weeks, and that's intentional. Every ring at Vero Diamonds is made from scratch in-house—we mix our own gold alloys, source each gemstone or diamond per client, and craft every setting to fit the project perfectly. This timeline gives us the space to maintain quality, catch small issues before they become problems, and deliver a finished ring we're truly proud of.

That said, we absolutely receive and complete rush orders all the time, and we don't charge a rush fee. If you're traveling soon, planning a surprise proposal, or working with a tight schedule, we're always happy to discuss your timeline openly.

Here's what we ask:

• Let us know your ideal date early in the conversation.
• Be realistic and open—we'll do our best to meet your schedule if we feel we can do it without compromising the final result.
• Try not to leave it to the last minute. The more time we have, the better your experience will be.

We've pulled off many time-sensitive projects before, and we're always open to the conversation. Just keep in mind: custom takes time for a reason, and that's what makes it special.

Detailed Explanation:

This is a great—and very common—question. After all the thought and emotion that goes into designing an engagement ring, it's natural to wonder when to start thinking about the wedding band.

At Vero Diamonds, we always say: enjoy being engaged first.

There's no rush. Present the engagement ring, enjoy that moment, and take your time living in it. You can start thinking about the wedding band when it feels right—whether that's a few weeks later or much closer to the wedding date. There's no rule.

We design and manufacture all of our wedding bands in-house, just like our engagement rings. That goes for all genders, all styles, and all preferences. Whether you're looking for something minimal, intricate, bold, or understated—we'll create something that feels right for both of you.

And here's something else to keep in mind:

If you purchased your engagement ring from us, you automatically qualify for 20% off your future wedding bands.

No strings attached. No time limits. No pressure to bundle. Just come back when you're ready—we'll be here.

So take your time. Be engaged. Be loved. You'll know when it's time to start thinking about the next chapter—and we'll be ready to help when you do.