Frequently Asked Questions
How custom jewellery comes together at Astranova in Vancouver: the process, the materials, the care and the details.
Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call or email us and we'll be happy to answer any questions you have.
The Studio Experience
Why is Astranova by appointment only?
Our appointment model means your time with us is entirely your own: unhurried, private, and focused completely on you. We don’t have salespeople here, we only have jewellers that work on the jewellery you’ll see in the showcase. Your appointment will be guided by our lead jeweller, Simon, who will provide personalized experience and expertise.
What makes Astranova different from other jewellers in Vancouver?
When you reach out to Astranova, you speak directly with Simon. He is one of the few real jewellers of Vancouver, being an experienced designer, goldsmith and master stonesetter.
Simon takes the time to truly understand what you're drawn to: your instincts, your aesthetic, the life the piece will live in. He listens before he designs. The result tends to feel less like something you chose and more like something that was always yours.
His craft bridges traditional goldsmithing techniques and modern technology, a combination that allows for complete accountability, exceptional quality, and a depth of care that's rare in the industry.
That care grows with you. Whether it’s for an engagement ring, an anniversary commission decades later or an heirloom reimagined for the next generation, we show up for every chapter. We are not just a jeweller to our clients, we become their family jeweller.
I've never commissioned a bespoke piece before. What should I expect?
The process begins before you arrive. An initial phone or email consultation gives Simon a sense of the occasion, your aesthetic, and any references you're drawn to. That way your time together can be spent on the exciting part.
At your appointment, he listens, refines, and works through ideas with you, bringing them to life in sketches as the vision takes shape. If your piece will feature diamonds or gemstones, this is your chance to see the options in person. Many people don't know how big a two-carat stone really is until they see one, and under a loupe Simon will show you what clarity and the other quality grades actually look like.
Once the key decisions are made, you'll receive a quote for the project. A deposit is taken before the detailed design work and craftsmanship begin, and most pieces take about six weeks from there, depending on the complexity of the design.
Along the way, we'll share a 3D rendering to give you a feel for the design and its proportions. It's a working model, though: the finished piece, with its stones set and gold polished, always looks different in real life. Part of commissioning something custom is trusting your designer, and the reveal when you pick up your piece is one of our favourite moments, for you and for us.
You don't need to arrive with a perfect brief. Curiosity is enough.
Do you offer heirloom redesign?
Yes, and it is some of the most meaningful work we do. If you have a piece with history that no longer reflects who you are, or simply isn't being worn, we can reimagine it entirely.
Bring the piece in and we will tell you what's possible and what the process would look like. For more information on incorporating your own stone into a new design, see Can I provide my own diamond or gemstone?
Do you host events or private viewings?
We do. Throughout the year we host intimate in-studio evenings: unhurried, atmospheric, and social first. These are an opportunity to see the work up close, meet Simon, and experience the studio in a relaxed setting with no sales pressure whatsoever.
Our evenings are by invitation, for the clients and friends of the studio they suit best, so they aren't announced publicly. If you'd like to hear about the next one, get in touch and we'll keep you in mind.
Do you work with clients outside of Vancouver?
Yes. Our clients come to us from across Canada and overseas, and some commission pieces entirely remotely. The process begins with a phone or email consultation, and we can continue working through renderings and approvals digitally until you're ready to collect your piece in person or have it shipped to you.
Distance hasn't been a barrier for clients who know what they're looking for. If you're not local, reach out and we'll work out the details together.
Can I bring someone with me to my appointment?
Of course. Many clients bring a partner, a parent, or a trusted friend, particularly for engagement ring consultations where a second opinion matters. The studio is an intimate space, so we'd suggest keeping it to one or two guests so the conversation stays focused on you.
When you book, please let us know who will be joining you. We like to greet every guest by name, and as a studio that works with fine jewellery, it's also part of how we keep our clients and our team safe.
If it's a surprise commission, we're equally comfortable keeping things discreet. Just let us know when you book.
Custom & Bespoke
How long does the custom jewellery design process take?
It depends on the design, but most custom pieces take about six weeks from the moment your deposit is placed and work begins. More intricate commissions, such as those involving unusual stones, multi-step settings, or significant metalwork, may take longer.
During busy seasons, such as spring engagement season and the holidays, the workshop fills up, so it's always best to start the conversation as early as you can. If you're working toward a specific moment, tell us upfront. We can sometimes expedite a piece, depending on the design and the workshop's schedule, though not every piece can be rushed. We'll always be transparent about what's achievable in your timeframe.
Already have a deadline in mind? Mention it when you book and we'll plan accordingly.
How do I get started with a custom order?
Once you've had your consultation and the design and stones are decided, a 50% deposit gets your piece started. The balance is due on completion, when you pick up your piece or before it's delivered.
If you'd prefer to spread out the deposit, just ask. We're flexible and happy to talk through what works for you.
How much does a custom engagement ring cost?
Every custom engagement ring is priced individually, because the price depends on what goes into it: the center stone, the metal, your finger size, the width of the band, and how intricate the design is.
If you have some of these details in mind, contact us and we'll give you a quote. The best first step is a no-obligation consultation, where Simon can give you a transparent picture of what's possible within your vision.
Do you provide 3D renderings of the design?
Yes. For most bespoke commissions, we produce a detailed 3D rendering so you can visualize the finished piece.
Can I provide my own diamond or gemstone?
In many cases, yes. If you have a stone with personal significance, whether it was inherited, gifted, purchased separately or sourced from a specific supplier, we'll assess it together. Please mention it during your initial phone or email consultation, before your appointment, so Simon knows what to expect. Simon is an experienced stone setter who has set stones for other jewellers throughout his career, and we approach client-supplied stones with the same level of craft and care as our own.
That said, there are a few things worth knowing upfront. When we supply the stone, it remains ours until the piece is complete, which means we can fully guarantee it. When a client supplies a stone, whether it's the center stone or accent stones from a family piece, we assume a degree of risk: setting is a precise process, and on rare occasions stones can be damaged, regardless of the setter's skill. For this reason, we are not able to take responsibility for damage to stones we did not supply, and we do charge a modest premium for setting client-supplied stones.
We share this not to discourage you, but because transparency is part of how we work. Simon will tell you exactly what to expect before anything begins.
What is the difference between a Tailored and Bespoke commission?
Custom commissions fall under two categories: Tailored & Bespoke.
A Tailored piece begins with an existing Astranova silhouette, one of our signature designs, and is adapted to your specifications: different metal, alternative stone, adjusted proportions. It's a refined, more streamlined route to something personal.
A fully Bespoke commission starts with a blank page. It is a true collaboration: Simon works from your ideas, references, and intentions to design something that has never existed before. This is the most personal option, and the one we're most known for.
Can you make a custom bracelet?
Yes. Alongside our selection of gold bracelets, we can design a bracelet from scratch, whether that's a solid gold piece or one set with diamonds or gemstones. Bring us your ideas, or the piece you'd like it to go with, and Simon will take it from there.
Are custom pieces final sale?
Yes. Custom pieces are made specifically for you, which is exactly why our process is so close and collaborative. From the first sketch to the final design, every detail is refined with you along the way. We don't make assumptions, and we don't move forward until you're certain. By the time your piece is cast, it's already yours in every way that matters.
How do I find my ring size, especially if it's a surprise gift?
The best measurement is the one we take in our studio.
If it's a surprise or if you can't visit our store, you have a few options. If you or your partner wears rings on their ring finger, borrow one and bring it to your consultation, and we can measure it precisely. A trusted friend or family member may also be able to help discreetly.
If all else fails, we can make an educated estimate and resize after the proposal. We offer one complimentary resizing of up to one size in either direction, where the design allows. The most important thing is that the moment happens. The fit can be perfected after.
Can all rings be resized?
Most rings can. There are exceptions: full eternity bands set with stones all the way around and rings with channel or pavé settings running the full circumference cannot always be resized without risk to the stones. Simon will tell you upfront what's achievable and how to size correctly from the start.
Can I see examples of past custom work before committing?
Absolutely. Our Instagram (@astranovajewellery) is the most current window into Simon's work: commissions, finished pieces, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the process. During your consultation, Simon can also walk you through past projects relevant to what you have in mind.
Every piece is different, which is part of the point. But seeing the range of what's possible often helps clients arrive at their own vision more quickly.
What is a push present, and is it something Astranova can help with?
A push present, sometimes called a push gift, is a piece of jewellery given to mark the arrival of a new baby. Between us, we think the name could use a rebrand, but the milestone certainly deserves celebrating, and it's one of the most meaningful gifts we work on.
Stud earrings and tennis bracelets are classic choices, and there's plenty of room to make it more personal: a stone that matches the baby's birth month, a piece that echoes the engagement ring, or something entirely new that marks the beginning of this chapter. One client chose a substantial gold chain for himself, knowing he'd have a son to pass it on to. Bring the occasion to us and we'll help you find the right expression of it.
Timing is worth thinking about early, particularly if you'd like the piece to be ready close to the due date.
What is a pavé, bezel, or prong setting, and which is right for me?
These are the three most common ways a stone is held in a piece of fine jewellery, and each creates a distinctly different look and feel.
A prong setting uses small metal claws to grip the stone, allowing maximum light to enter from all angles. It's the most classic choice for solitaire engagement rings: it shows the stone, and shows it well.
A bezel setting surrounds the stone with a continuous rim of metal, holding it flush and secure. It has a more modern, architectural quality and is an excellent choice for active wearers, as the stone is less exposed.
A pavé setting (from the French for 'paved') places many small stones closely together across a surface, creating a field of continuous sparkle. It's often used on band shoulders or as a complement to a larger center stone.
There are many other setting styles, including tension, channel and flush. Simon will walk you through the options most relevant to your design during your consultation.
Men's Jewellery
Do you make men's jewellery and wedding bands?
Yes, and it's some of Simon's favourite work. He loves designing men's jewellery and wears plenty of it himself, so he knows how a piece should sit, feel and wear day to day.
Beyond men's wedding bands, we make chains, pendants, bracelets, signet rings and custom rings, including pieces designed to go with the watch you wear. We also have excellent supply lines for gold chains and bracelets, so there's a wide range to choose from.
When it comes to wedding bands, there are no rules. Some couples want their bands to complement each other through a shared theme or detail, while others choose bands that are distinctly their own. Either way, we often design both in the same consultation.
Do you make custom gold chains?
Yes. We have excellent supply lines for gold chains, so there's a wide range to choose from, and we can also make a chain to order.
Simon will help you choose a style that suits how you'll wear it. If it's going to be worn every day, he'll steer you toward a chain that's built for it. Finer chains, and some styles such as herringbone, are best taken off at night.
Do you make signet rings?
Yes. A signet ring is a classic piece of men's jewellery, and one Simon especially enjoys making. Each one is designed from scratch, from the shape of the face to any stones or engraving, so it's personal to you. Past commissions include a squared signet set with sapphires and diamonds.
Materials & Ethics
What is the difference between a natural and lab-grown diamond?
A natural diamond forms over billions of years, deep within the earth, a testament to our planet's geological wonders and a timeless symbol of enduring love.
A lab-grown diamond is a tribute to human ingenuity: the remarkable feat of harnessing nature's own forces to create the same brilliant, unyielding treasure.
The true difference lies in their origin, and how that story speaks to you.
Gem-quality natural diamonds are finite, growing scarcer with every passing year. To own one is to hold a piece of geological history that can never be replicated.
Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, make some of nature's rarest colours attainable. Pink, blue and green diamonds are extraordinarily rare and expensive in nature, but as lab-grown stones they come within reach at a far more accessible price.
At Astranova, we work with both. Whether you're drawn to the ancient forces of the earth or the artistry of modern innovation, the choice is entirely yours. Not sure which is right for you? Start with our guide to natural vs. lab-grown diamonds.
Are your diamonds ethically sourced and conflict-free?
Yes. All natural diamonds we source comply with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, the United Nations' international standard designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the supply chain.
Diamonds of Russian origin are currently under sanctions. When we import diamonds, customs requires an attestation from our suppliers that they are not of Russian origin.
Some of our natural diamond suppliers can also trace a diamond back to its mine of origin. If that matters to you, ask us and we can source a diamond with a known origin, particularly Canadian diamonds. Lab-grown diamonds are also available, though their exact origin can't be traced in the same way. We're happy to discuss our sourcing practices in full during your consultation.
Do you offer Canadian diamonds?
Yes. Many Canadian diamonds come with mine-to-market traceability, so you can know where your stone came from. Ask for a Canadian diamond when you get in touch, and we'll source one through our suppliers who can confirm its origin.
How do you source your coloured gemstones?
We've made it our business to get as close to the source as we can. We have long-standing relationships with an international community of suppliers who follow ethical practices, and many of them source rough material directly from the mine. In Sri Lanka, for example, we work with suppliers who cut the gems themselves, direct from the mines.
We take pride in being close to the source and in supporting the mining, cutting and polishing communities whose families depend on this work.
A gemstone's origin isn't always known, though sometimes it can be. Origin can also affect price: Burmese rubies, Colombian emeralds and Australian opals carry a premium for their reputation, even though equally beautiful stones come from elsewhere, such as emeralds from Zambia.
What is the difference between 14k and 18k gold, and which should I choose?
Gold purity is measured in 24 parts, with 24k being pure gold. 14k gold is 14 parts gold out of 24, or 58.3%, and the remaining 10 parts (41.7%) are other metals, alloyed in for added durability. It is a practical, hardwearing choice, particularly well-suited for everyday pieces or rings that will experience significant contact and wear.
18k gold is 18 parts out of 24, or 75% pure gold. It is richer in colour, slightly softer, and carries greater intrinsic material value. It is the preferred choice for statement pieces and fine jewellery where depth of tone matters.
You may also see gold stamped with its purity in thousandths: 750 for 18k, and 585 for 14k, a common stamp on gold from Italy and elsewhere that sits slightly above the 58.3% standard.
The right choice depends on the piece, how it will be worn, and your personal preference. Simon will guide you toward what makes sense for your lifestyle and commission.
What is the difference between white gold, yellow gold, rose gold and platinum for an engagement ring?
Yellow gold is the traditional choice: warm, rich, and timeless. It requires no plating to maintain its colour and develops a natural patina over time that many clients find adds to its character.
White gold achieves its cool, bright finish through rhodium plating applied over a gold alloy. It has the look of platinum at a lower price point, though the plating wears over time and needs refreshing about every two to three years. How long it lasts depends on how often you wear the piece, your skin's natural pH, and habits like daily hand sanitiser or hot tub use. Earrings and necklaces keep their plating longest, since they see less contact than rings.
If you prefer, white gold can also be left unplated. It keeps the same polish but has a slightly warmer white, as a hint of the gold's natural colour shows through. We usually recommend the plating, but the choice is yours.
Rose gold behaves much like yellow gold and has a similar hardness, but it is alloyed with copper, which gives it its warm colour. The difference is most noticeable between 14k and 18k: 14k rose gold contains more copper and looks pinker, while 18k has a richer, more golden rose tone.
Platinum is naturally white, extraordinarily dense, and hypoallergenic. It does not require plating and will not yellow over time, making it the most enduring choice for a piece intended to last generations. With everyday contact, gold gradually wears away and thins, while platinum holds together far longer. It does, however, scratch and dent more easily than white gold. It is also the heaviest, which many clients experience as a reassuring quality.
Platinum's higher melting point makes it more challenging to repair, as traditional torch work near the stones would risk damaging them. Our laser welder lets us repair platinum safely.
There is no universally correct answer. The right metal depends on your lifestyle, your partner's skin tone, and how the band will sit alongside other pieces. Simon will walk you through the options during your consultation.
What metals do you work with?
At Astranova Jewellery, we work in gold and platinum. Our gold selection spans 14k and 18k in yellow, rose, and white. Platinum is an excellent option as it is naturally hypoallergenic, exceptionally dense, and enduringly luminous.
What stones do you work with?
We specialize in natural diamonds and coloured gemstones, and lab-grown options are available too. Coloured gemstones include precious stones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds, as well as a wide range of semi-precious stones.
We keep a hand-selected collection of diamonds and gemstones in the studio, and through our trusted network of suppliers we can source just about any diamond or gemstone at very competitive prices, from the smallest accent stones to large feature stones. Whether you have a specific stone in mind or need guidance finding the right one, we'll help bring your vision to life in your design consultation.
Do you work with coloured gemstones for engagement rings?
Absolutely, and it's some of our most exciting work. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and morganites are increasingly popular choices for engagement rings, and for good reason. A well-chosen coloured stone can be just as enduring and meaningful as a diamond, with a personality entirely its own.
Because an engagement ring is worn every day, some stones suit it better than others. Harder, more durable gemstones such as sapphires and rubies are the typical choice. Softer stones like emeralds can still work beautifully; we simply design the setting to protect them.
In addition to our own curated selection, we can source rarer options like teal Montana sapphires, Paraíba tourmalines, and salt-and-pepper diamonds. If you have a colour or character in mind, bring it to the conversation. We'll find the stone that fits.
Can you help me source rare or unusual gemstones?
Absolutely. Simon has a passion for unusual gemstones and has built a private collection over the years for clients to choose from for custom commissions. Sometimes the right stone is already in the studio: one client who came in on short notice was able to choose from a selection of teal sapphires within his budget, without anything needing to be sourced.
When it isn't, we draw on an extensive network of suppliers, and we'll bring a stone from the other side of the world if that's what it takes. We use our expertise to vet the options and present the best of them to you, in person or virtually. Depending on what you're looking for, that may be a few choices, or one stone that's simply right.
Special sourcing or a custom cut may require a deposit. Tell us what you're looking for and we'll talk it through case by case.
Can you use my own gold in a new piece?
Often, yes. If you have gold from an existing piece, whether it's an heirloom, a gift, or a ring from another era, we can often work directly with that metal. This is particularly meaningful in heirloom redesign projects, where gold from one generation becomes the foundation of a piece made for the next.
There are some limits. Yellow gold is the easiest to reuse. Gold alloys vary between regions and eras, so reusing heirloom gold gives us a little less control over the final colour, and your gold will keep its colour: white gold can't practically become yellow, because refining it back to pure gold only happens in large batches. Where your gold can't be reused directly, we can take it in trade for its value.
High-karat gold can also be made more wearable. A 22k ring from a client's grandmother, for example, can be alloyed down to 18k or 14k to create a stronger, more durable piece for daily wear. Bring your gold to your consultation and we'll tell you what's possible.
What happens to the leftover gold from my heirloom redesign?
Any gold from your original piece that isn't used in the new design can be credited toward your commission or returned to you. We'll weigh the metal together at your consultation so you know exactly what you're working with from the start.
Do you offer recycled gold?
Yes. Jewellers are the original recyclers. In our studio, gold never goes to waste: filings and offcuts from our workbenches are collected, refined and re-alloyed into new pieces, and we even keep the sweepings from our floor. Much of the gold we use already contains recycled material, and even the fine gold we buy from our dealer may include some.
If you'd like your piece made entirely from recycled gold, just ask. That's easy for us to do.
Where is Astranova jewellery made?
Almost everything we make is designed and crafted by our own hands, in our workshop in Vancouver's Seymour Building, by Simon and our assistant designer and goldsmith, Jacky. Design always happens in-house.
For some specialised work, such as hand engraving, we work alongside a carefully chosen network of artisans, craftspeople we trust and are proud to call collaborators. Heirloom and consignment pieces are the exception, as they come to us already made.
Jewellery Care
Is your jewellery suitable for everyday wear?
Absolutely. Our pieces are crafted to be part of your daily life, not kept in a box for special occasions. That said, even the finest jewellery benefits from thoughtful handling.
We recommend removing your pieces during high-impact activities (exercise, gardening, heavy household work) and avoiding prolonged exposure to chemicals such as chlorine, saltwater, perfume, and cleaning products. The more consistently you care for it, the longer it will look and feel exactly as it did the day you fell in love with it.
Can I wear my jewellery in the pool, sauna, or at the beach?
We recommend leaving your jewellery behind for all three. Chlorine and saltwater are harsh on precious metals and can dull or damage gemstones over time. In a sauna, the piece itself may become uncomfortably warm against the skin.
Chlorine deserves special mention. Regular, long-term exposure, such as daily use of a chlorinated pool or hot tub at home, weakens the alloys in gold and can make it brittle, leading to serious damage. An occasional dip is fine; it's the everyday exposure that causes problems.
Sand is worth mentioning too. It's more abrasive than it seems, and can leave fine scratches on metal over time.
The simplest habit: remove your jewellery beforehand and store it somewhere secure while you're there.
Can I wear my jewellery in the shower?
For most pieces, occasional exposure to water won't cause immediate harm. That said, soap, shampoo, and conditioner residue builds up over time, particularly behind stones and inside settings, dulling brilliance and potentially causing skin irritation. Hot water also accelerates wear on rhodium plating over white gold.
Our recommendation is to remove your jewellery before showering. It takes seconds, and it significantly extends the time between professional cleanings.
When should I put my jewellery on, and when should I take it off?
A simple rule that becomes second nature: last on, first off. Apply makeup, perfume, and hairspray before putting on your jewellery, and remove your pieces before getting undressed. This prevents delicate chains from snagging on fabric and minimizes chemical exposure to the metal and stones.
For the same reason, remove rings before applying hand lotion, cleaning, cooking with acidic ingredients, or using hand sanitizer.
Can I sleep in my jewellery?
For rings and most chains, it's generally fine. Delicate chains and dangling earrings are the exception, and we'd suggest taking them off at night. The movement of sleep puts repeated tension on fine metalwork, and some chain styles, such as herringbone, are easily damaged overnight because of the way their links are made.
Think of it like a fine silk blouse: beautifully made, but designed for considered wear.
Why is my jewellery scratching even though I'm being careful?
Microscopic silica, the same material as sand, is virtually everywhere: in fabric fibres, on wooden surfaces, in the air itself. Because silica particles are harder than precious metal, even light contact with an everyday surface causes micro-abrasions. These handling marks accumulate gradually, softening the high polish your piece has when it first leaves our studio, and are a completely normal part of a piece being regularly worn.
Deeper scratches are different. They come from contact with harder materials, such as steel door handles, cutlery while you're washing dishes, or barbells at the gym. Precious metals are relatively soft, which is exactly what allows us to shape them into jewellery, so it's worth taking your rings off for tasks like these.
To minimize this, store your jewellery in a lined jewellery box or soft pouch when not in use, and keep individual pieces separated so they don't contact each other. We offer professional polishing to restore your piece to its original finish. Just reach out when you're ready.
How should I store my jewellery when I'm not wearing it?
Each Astranova piece comes in its own protective box, the simplest storage solution for pieces you wear regularly. For a larger collection, a lined jewellery box with individual compartments is ideal: it keeps pieces separated, prevents contact scratching, and protects against dust.
A few things to avoid: leaving jewellery in direct sunlight for extended periods (which can affect certain gemstones), storing pieces in bathrooms where humidity is high, and keeping multiple pieces loose together where they can scratch one another.
If you travel with your jewellery, a dedicated travel roll or pouch with individual sleeves is worth the investment.
How do I clean my jewellery at home?
For most pieces, an at-home clean is straightforward. Use a soft toothbrush, a small amount of mild dish soap, and warm water. Don't be shy: work the bristles into the setting and behind any stones, where product residue accumulates and can dull a stone's brilliance. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a soft cloth.
A home ultrasonic cleaner, used with the correct solution, is the best way to keep diamond jewellery and bridal sets looking their best. Gold set with diamonds, sapphires, rubies, and many semi-precious stones such as topaz can go in. Some stones must never go in: pearls and mother-of-pearl, opals, ammolite, turquoise, and emeralds. If you're unsure whether a piece is safe, check before you clean it, or ask us.
Avoid chemical jewellery dips, and never use bleach. Both can seriously damage the alloys in your gold and may even cause cracking.
If your piece needs a deeper clean, we'll be happy to take care of it in the studio using our professional ultrasonic and steam cleaning equipment.
How often should I have my jewellery professionally inspected?
We recommend a professional inspection and cleaning once a year for pieces worn daily. This gives us the opportunity to check prong integrity, assess stone settings, and address anything before it becomes a problem.
Catching a loosening prong early takes minutes to correct. A lost stone is a different story, and an avoidable one. Think of it as routine care for something you wear every day.
What should I do if a stone falls out?
In the rare event that a stone falls out, stop wearing the piece immediately to prevent further damage to the setting. Keep the stone if you find it. Even a small pavé stone is worth preserving. Contact us as soon as possible and bring both the piece and the stone in for assessment.
My diamonds or gemstones feel loose. What should I do?
If you notice a stone shifting or clicking in its setting, stop wearing the piece immediately. Place it in a secure pouch or its original box and contact us to arrange an inspection. We will assess the setting and tighten or repair it as needed.
Please avoid further wear. A loose stone is at significant risk of being lost entirely, and the longer a weakened setting is worn, the greater that risk becomes.
Why have my stones fallen out after years of wear? Isn't metal strong?
Gold and platinum are precious, but they are also living metals that respond to the laws of physics. Over years of daily wear, even the strongest settings gradually thin as metal is microscopically worn away by contact with everyday surfaces. This natural process is simply part of a piece's life cycle.
If you notice prongs looking flat or the band thinning, book a maintenance appointment. We can reinforce the setting and restore its structural integrity, ensuring your stones remain secure for the next generation.
Why is my white gold turning yellow?
Pure gold is naturally yellow. To achieve a bright white finish, white gold is coated with a thin layer of rhodium plating. Over time, through daily contact, cleaning, and wear, this plating naturally wears down, revealing the gold alloy beneath. This is not a defect; it is a predictable characteristic of the metal.
How much the colour changes depends on the alloy. Our white gold alloys stay very white underneath, so when the plating wears, your piece will look only slightly less bright. White gold made in large overseas factories often uses a different alloy mix and can look noticeably yellow once the plating is gone.
A professional re-plating appointment will restore the brilliant white finish quickly. We typically recommend it every two to three years, or sooner if you use hand sanitizer daily or spend a lot of time in a hot tub. Because the change is so subtle, some clients are happy to leave it longer.
My jewellery has tarnished. What should I do?
Tarnish is mostly a concern with silver. Gold and platinum, the metals we work with, don't really tarnish, and on a piece you wear regularly, everyday contact keeps the surface from changing. You might notice some darkening on a piece that has sat in a box for decades, and we'll be happy to restore it in the studio.
With gold, time in the air can actually be a good thing. Freshly polished 18k yellow gold often takes on a richer tone after a few weeks, as more of the fine gold comes to the surface. You'll see it to a lesser degree in 14k, and less again in 10k. Many people, Simon included, think it looks even better.
How do I know if my ring needs to be re-tipped or re-pronged?
Prong wear is gradual and easy to miss with the naked eye, which is precisely why regular professional inspections matter. That said, there are a few signs worth watching for: prongs that look flat, pointed tips that have rounded off, metal that appears thin or worn at the contact points, or a stone that moves even slightly when touched.
If you notice any of these, book an inspection before wearing the piece further. Re-tipping (adding metal to the tip of an existing prong) or full re-pronging (replacing the prong entirely) are both straightforward procedures when caught in time. Left too long, the risk of stone loss increases significantly.
The gold stamp has worn away. How can I verify its fineness?
Hallmark wear after years of wear is entirely common and nothing to be concerned about. If your Astranova piece's stamp has become illegible, bring it in and we'll assess it using a traditional touchstone test, a time-honoured method for accurately determining gold content.
How should I care for my jewellery while travelling?
A dedicated jewellery travel roll or a hard-sided case with individual compartments is the safest way to transport fine pieces. Keep jewellery in your carry-on, never in checked luggage, and store it away from toiletries, which can leak and cause chemical exposure.
Jewellery is made to be worn, so there's no need to leave it behind. If you're heading to the beach or the pool, simply minimize contact with sand and chlorine and your pieces will wear more slowly.
Orders, Shipping & Peace of Mind
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. We ship within North America and Europe. For destinations outside these regions, please contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate.
All shipments are fully insured and discreetly packaged. There is no external branding that identifies the contents as fine jewellery, which is particularly important for surprise gifts or high-value deliveries.
Is my order insured during shipping?
Yes. All orders are fully insured for their replacement value during transit. In the extremely unlikely event of a shipping issue, we will manage the process on your behalf. You will not be left navigating that alone.
Will I be responsible for duties and taxes?
International orders may be subject to import duties and taxes once your shipment reaches its destination. These charges are set by your local customs authority and vary by country. They fall outside of what we're able to control or predict.
We'd recommend checking with your local customs office ahead of time so everything goes smoothly when your piece arrives.
What is your return policy?
Ready-to-wear pieces may be returned within 30 days of delivery, no questions asked, provided they are in their original condition: no scratches, stones intact, and showing no obvious signs of wear. The piece must be back with us within those 30 days, so please allow for shipping time. Return shipping is at your cost. All returns are inspected by Simon before a decision is made.
Custom and bespoke commissions are final sale. From stone selection through to the final design, every decision is made specifically for you, which is why we make sure you're completely confident at every stage before moving forward.
I received a gift. Can I exchange it?
We want you to absolutely love your Astranova piece. Items from our Ready-to-Wear collections are eligible for a one-time exchange within 30 days of delivery. The value of the piece you return goes toward your new one, and we'll reconcile any difference in price. Please note that bespoke, made-to-order, heirloom, and consignment pieces are final sale and not eligible for exchange.
If you're looking to move to a different design, we're happy to help you find the right fit during the exchange window.
Can I get an extended return window for a gift or upcoming occasion?
In many cases, yes. If you're purchasing ahead of an occasion, let us know at the time of purchase and we'll do our best to accommodate an extended return window. We'll make a note on your file so nothing gets missed.
To be eligible, the piece must be returned in its original condition: unworn and undamaged.
Do you provide appraisals for insurance purposes?
Yes. We provide appraisals for insurance purposes on pieces purchased or commissioned through Astranova. They're carried out by an independent third-party gemologist, for an additional fee of $125. An appraisal documents the replacement value of your piece, which is what your insurer will need to add it to a policy. The appraised value is often notably higher than the purchase price.
For significant pieces, we arrange the appraisal in advance so it's ready at pickup or delivery. Just let us know whose name you'd like on the document.
We strongly recommend insuring significant pieces, particularly engagement rings. Your home or tenant insurance may already cover some jewellery, but significant pieces usually need to be scheduled as a special rider on your policy. Simply send the appraisal to your insurance provider.
What does your warranty cover?
Every piece is carefully inspected before it leaves our studio. Should a manufacturing defect ever appear, meaning an issue attributable to the original craftsmanship or materials, it's covered by our two-year warranty.
Our warranty does not cover loss, theft, or damage resulting from external circumstances. This is consistent across the fine jewellery industry.
For this reason, we actively encourage clients to insure significant pieces, either as a scheduled rider on their home or tenant insurance or through a specialist jewellery insurer. These policies protect against loss, theft, and accidental damage, circumstances that fall outside any manufacturer's warranty.
Do you provide insurance, or can you suggest a company?
While we don't provide insurance directly, we strongly encourage it. The simplest route is usually your existing home or tenant insurance, where your piece can be scheduled as a special rider. If your policy doesn't offer that, or you'd like additional coverage, contact us and we'll suggest some options.
What payment methods does Astranova accept?
Astranova accepts debit, e-transfers, wire transfers, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and UnionPay. For more payment information, please reach out to us at [email protected].
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
We don't offer financing, but we're flexible about how you pay. Custom orders begin with a 50% deposit, with the balance due on completion, and if you'd prefer to spread out the deposit, we can usually make that work.
For ready-made and estate pieces, we can accept partial payments and hold the piece for you until the balance is paid within a reasonable timeframe. Your purchase is complete once the full payment is made.
Ask us at your consultation about the options available to you.
Does Astranova offer gift cards?
Yes. Astranova gift cards are available, a thoughtful option for someone who knows what they love, giving them the freedom to choose or commission something that feels truly their own.
Our gift cards never expire, though we encourage using them within the first year. As the cost of precious materials shifts over time, redeeming sooner helps ensure the best possible value.