Q: Do you Cut Diamonds?
No, I do not cut Diamonds. This requires specialized equipment and expertise due to the unique physical properties of diamond. I cut all colored gemstones, with the exception of diamonds.
Q: Shipping
We personally handle every package. If we are shipping something to you, we take it directly to the Post Office, Fed Ex, or UPS store and hand it to a real person.
When receiving something, we deal directly with our UPS or FedEx driver…(first name basis), or we have the Post Office hold the package until we physically come in and pick it up. That way you know that there is little risk when shipping your items to us. Someone responsible is handling it at all times.
We typically get to town once per week to send and receive packages and will notify you directly when we receive something from you.
Q: Warranties
Gemstones
About all we can do is take lots of pictures before shipping the gemstone. That remains our proof that the product was good when it left the shop. We can’t be responsible for what happens to the stone after it’s in your hands. If something happens to it and it can be repaired, we can discuss that with you at the time and cut you a deal. But otherwise, gemstones are sold as- is.
We have a 7 day return policy. If you receive a stone from us and decide that it’s not going to work for you, simply contact us and let us know that you are returning the stone. It cannot be altered or damaged in any way in order to receive a refund. Refunds will be made once we receive the piece and verify that is in good condition.
Q: Payment Options
The checkout section of the shopping cart will give you available payment options. You can pay by check if preferred but items will not be shipped until the check clears the bank.
Q: Returns/Refunds
We have a 7 day return / refund policy. If you return an item, in the condition received, within 7 days after you receive it, we will refund your money minus shipping and CC processing costs.
When purchasing custom gemstones, it is customary to give you the time to inspect the stone and get it appraised, if desired. We may extend the 7 day policy in some cases, but we will need to discuss this with you on a case by case basis. So please contact us if you need this extra time.
Remember, if there is ANY problem with something we send to you, please contact us right away.
If returned items are received after the 7 day limit without prior authorization, the item will be returned to you at your cost and the transaction will be considered final.
Q: Gemcutting
Q: How much does it cost to cut a stone?
A: There are many factors that go into the cost of a stone. Here is a short list…
- Cost of rough material
- Quality of rough (flaws, inclusions, color)
- Treatments, (heating, irradiating)
- Size
- Natural or lab/synthetic material
- Design time, if any
- Cutting time (larger stones take longer)
Cost to cut a gem varies by size, material and complexity of the cut. We price our gems on an individual basis, considering the time it will take to produce a superior product. You can expect the cut and polish quality of our gemstones to be vastly superior to any commercially available gemstone.
We try to price our stones competitively, while allowing for the fact that our cutting style and quality is generally far superior to commercially available gems.
Q: How long have you been doing this?
Hawk Phoenix started cutting gemstones and silversmithing around 1986. Between 1990 and 1995 he operated Red Hawk Gemcutting in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN. He did a lot of service work for the local jeweler community during those years and eventually transitioned into the computer graphics field.
During those years he also got involved with the antique trade and started working with antique jewelry dealers. Restoring old jewelry, both gold & silver, as well as costume pieces. Rebuilding old settings and replacing or repairing stones in them.
He also spent some time as a bench jeweler in a jewelry repair shop that catered to the jewelry trade in Minneapolis. So he has some experience in many aspects of the trade.