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 stone. 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 do honor a 14 day return policy. If you receive a stone or jewelry piece 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.
Jewelry
About all we can do is take lots of pictures before shipping the item. That remains our proof that the product was in good condition when it left the shop. We can’t be responsible for what happens to the piece 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, all jewelry is sold as- is€.
If purchasing a ring or other item that is size dependent, it is up to you to tell us the proper size to make it. Sterling silver is not easy to resize without removing any gemstones that are mounted on it. Gold is a lot more forgiving. We will resize a gold ring, but silver rings are the size that they are made if there are any gems mounted in them. Prong settings in silver are the exception and can be resized after the stone is removed and then can be reset. Inlay rings cannot be resized… it changes the shape of the ring and will break the stone.
We do honor a 14 day return policy. If you receive a jewelry piece 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 item. 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 it is in good condition.

Jewelry

We will warrant your jewelry for a period of one year after purchase for manufacturing flaws. Once we receive the piece we will attempt to determine the cause of the flaw and will correct it at no cost if we determine that it was a problem caused by our manufacturing. If we determine that the piece was damaged after we sold it to you, we will contact you and negotiate a fair repair price with you before we do any work on the item. We value your business and your happiness with our work.

Q: Payment

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 14 day return / refund policy. If you return an item, in the condition received, within 14 days after you receive it, we will refund your money minus shipping 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 14 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 14 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, dyeing)
  • Size
  • Natural or man made material
  • Design time, if any
  • Cutting time (larger stones take longer)
  • For most faceted gemstones there are accepted industry guidelines on the cost of cut stones, but there is generally a lot of leeway and room for interpretation when it comes to determining the value of a gem.

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 got 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.

Chell Phoenix received a jewelers certificate from Minneapolis Technical Institute in 1984 and has worked for several jewelers. She enjoys working with both gold and silver and is very attracted to filigree work.