FREQUENTLY ASKED

THE QUESTIONS
WE HEAR MOST.

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The Custom Process

How Does A Custom Design Start?

Every custom jewelry piece starts with an hour at the Design Bar. You sit with a designer, we talk about your story and your piece, and we sketch the first version together. Most clients leave the first visit with a finished pencil sketch.

How Long Does A Custom Piece Take?

From the day you approve the final design, expect four to six weeks for most engagement rings. Heirloom redesigns are similar. Simpler pieces (initial pendants, plain bands) can ship in two to three weeks.

What Happens If I Don't Like The Design After I See The Sketch?

We refine it. Sketches are free and unlimited until you're happy. We don't move to CAD or casting until you've approved the design completely.

Can I See The Ring Before It's Finished?

Yes, three times. After the hand sketch, after the 3D CAD render, and before final polish. Any changes happen at those checkpoints.

Do I Have To Commit At The First Consultation?

No. The consultation is complimentary and there's no commitment to move forward. Many clients take a few weeks before deciding. That's expected.

Heirloom Redesigns

What Happens To My Original Stone During A Redesign?

Your stone stays with us throughout the process, handled with the same care we'd give any piece we made ourselves. We examine it at your first visit, note any existing wear or damage, and photograph it before any work begins. When the redesign is finished, the same stone you brought in is in the new setting.

Can I Use The Gold From The Original Piece?

In most cases, yes. We can melt down the original metal and use it as casting material for the new piece. This keeps the materials continuous even when the design changes completely. We'll let you know at your first visit whether the metal quality is suitable for recasting.

How Do I Know If My Stone Is Worth Keeping?

We examine every stone before any redesign conversation begins. We'll tell you honestly what you have, what it's worth, and whether it's a good candidate for resetting. Some stones are better candidates than others depending on cut, condition, and quality. We'll give you a clear picture before you decide anything.

What If I'm Not Sure I Want To Change The Piece?

Come in anyway. Many clients arrive undecided and leave with more clarity, even if that clarity is that they don't want to change anything after all. We sketch two or three redesign directions on the spot so you can see the possibilities. If you decide not to proceed, we return your piece exactly as it came.

How Long Does A Heirloom Redesign Take?

Most redesigns take four to eight weeks from approved design to finished piece. It can be slightly longer if we're resetting a stone that requires extra care or if the new setting is complex. We'll give you a timeline before any work begins.

Stones & Materials

What's The Difference Between Lab-Grown And Natural Diamonds?

Lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds. The only difference is origin. Natural diamonds formed underground over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment in a matter of weeks. Lab-grown are typically 60% less per carat for equivalent quality. We're genuinely neutral on the question and will explain both without pushing you either way.

Do All Stones Come With Certifications?

Yes. Every diamond and major gemstone we source is independently graded by GIA, IGI, or AGS. You receive the grading report with your finished piece. If you bring your own stone, we can tell you whether it has existing documentation and what it might say.

What Metals Do You Work With?

14k and 18k yellow, white, and rose gold, platinum, and our house antique gold finish, which is yellow gold treated with a soft oxidation for a warmer, more vintage tone. Recycled gold is available on request for any of the yellow gold options.

Can I Use A Gemstone Instead Of A Diamond?

Absolutely. Sapphires, rubies, emeralds, morganite, tourmaline, aquamarine, and many others. Colored gemstones make for some of the most distinctive engagement rings and custom pieces we design. We'll walk you through the durability considerations for whatever you're thinking about so you can make an informed choice.

Are Your Diamonds Conflict-Free?

Yes. All natural diamonds we source are Kimberley Process certified, and we can provide full origin documentation on request. Our lab-grown diamonds are fully traceable by nature of how they're made.

Pricing & Timeline

How Much Does A Custom Piece Cost?

Our custom engagement rings typically start around $2,000 and can range from there depending on the metal, stone type, and design complexity. We'll always work with your budget in mind and recommend options that make the most of it — without compromising on beauty or meaning.

Do You Offer Payment Plans?

Yes. We offer in-house payment plans and work with Affirm for financing. A 50% deposit starts production, with the balance due at delivery. We'll walk through options at your consultation so you can choose what works for you.

What If My Budget Is Smaller?

Tell us your number at your first visit and we'll show you what's genuinely possible inside it. Some of our most beautiful pieces are under $2,500. Lab-grown diamonds, alternative gemstones, and simpler settings can all bring a piece well within a tighter budget without compromising on quality or craft.

How Long Does The Full Process Take?

From approved design to finished piece, most custom engagement rings take four to six weeks. Some are faster, some take longer if we're sourcing a specific stone. We confirm your timeline before production begins. If you're working toward a proposal date or a deadline, tell us early and we'll tell you honestly what's possible.

Are Rush Orders Available?

Yes, for an additional fee. Depending on the complexity of the design and the stone we're sourcing, some pieces can be completed in two to three weeks. We'll let you know what's feasible for your specific piece at your consultation.

Care & Aftersale

Do You Offer Free Cleanings?

Yes, for life. Every piece made by Old Main comes with complimentary cleaning, polishing, and re-tipping for as long as you own it. Bring it in any time, or mail it to us if you're not in Utah.

What If My Ring Needs A Repair?

Repairs on Old Main pieces are free or at cost for life. For pieces made elsewhere, we offer standard repair pricing and will assess honestly before any work begins. Most repairs take three to five business days.

How Should I Clean My Ring At Home?

Warm water, a few drops of plain dish soap, and a soft toothbrush. Soak for ten minutes, gently scrub behind the stone, rinse, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid toothpaste, bleach, chlorine, and paper towels. Full care instructions come with every piece.

What Should I Avoid Wearing My Ring For?

Swimming, showering, sleeping, and working out are the main ones. Chlorine weakens gold over time, soap residue builds up under stones, and physical activity can warp prongs. None of these will ruin a ring immediately, but consistent exposure adds up. Take it off and put it somewhere safe before any of those activities.

Do You Provide Appraisals For Insurance?

Yes. A written appraisal for insurance is included with every piece we make. It covers a full description, photographs, and current replacement value. We also partner with Jewelers Mutual if you want dedicated jewelry insurance handled in one place.

Visiting The Studio

Where Is The Studio Located?

12251 S 900 E, Draper, Utah 84020. About 25 minutes south of downtown Salt Lake City. Free parking directly in front, step-free entry.

Do I Need An Appointment?

Yes, we work by appointment only so every client gets the studio's full attention. Same-week openings are usually available. You can book online, call, or text us at 801-901-3343.

What Should I Bring To My First Visit?

Nothing is required. But if you have them, bring any of these: a Pinterest board or inspiration images, a stone you already own, an heirloom piece you're considering redesigning, a ring size if you know it, or a photo of an existing ring you want to match or complement. If you have none of these, we'll figure it out from the conversation.

Do You Offer Virtual Consultations?

Yes. Virtual visits work the same way as in-studio visits. We meet over video, work through the Design Bar process together, and sketch while you watch. For virtual clients, we mail setting samples to your home before the call so you can hold them during the conversation.

What Are Your Hours?

By appointment, Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm. We don't do walk-ins, but same-week appointments are almost always available. If you have a specific time constraint, reach out and we'll do our best to accommodate.