Buying a Handmade Engagement Ring Online: What to Expect From Order to Delivery

Buying a ring you cannot hold first takes some trust. Handmade adds a few more questions: How long will it take? Will it look exactly like the photo? What happens if the size is off? What if you change your mind?

This guide walks through how ordering works at Scott Bonomo Diamond Setting, from timing to returns, so nothing about the process surprises you. It reflects the terms on our FAQ page, so check there for the most current details.

What "Handmade" Means Here

Scott Bonomo Diamond Setting is a small, independently owned jewelry shop in Manalapan, New Jersey, and Scott is the third generation of his family in the jewelry industry. Every item is made completely by hand from scratch, and most listings can be customized.

A few things follow from that:

• Solid gold, not plated. All 14k items are solid gold, and no metals are plated. Scott can also cast jewelry in 18k gold and platinum.
• Small variations are normal. Because each piece is handmade, there can be slight differences from the listing photo. That is part of what handmade means, not a defect.
• Photos are unedited, but lighting changes color. Listing photos are true to the stone's color, but stones look different under different lighting. If you have a very specific color in mind, message Scott before you order.

For more on why handmade is worth the wait, see our post on the benefits of custom-made jewelry versus mass-produced pieces.

How Long Will It Take?

Because every order is handmade, turnaround is longer than buying off a shelf. Current turnaround times:

Those figures cover making the piece. Add shipping time and a buffer for the unexpected. If you are working toward a proposal, birthday, anniversary, or holiday, work backward from the date and leave a few extra weeks. That cushion costs nothing and removes a lot of stress.

Once your order ships, you will receive an email with a tracking number and an estimated delivery date. If you need the order sooner, contact us and ask about expediting.

Ordering a Custom Piece

If you do not see exactly what you want, a custom order is the way to get it. Using computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing technology, Scott can create jewelry from a picture, a drawing, or a basic sketch.

To start, fill out the form on our custom order page. It asks for:

• Your name, email, and phone number
• Ring size
• Metal type
• Stone type
• A description of your design

To make that conversation easier, gather these before you begin:

1. One or more reference images, even rough ones
2. Your ring size (see below)
3. Your preferred metal
4. Any specific stone color you want, since this is where custom orders are most useful

Know the terms before you commit. There are no refunds or cancellations on custom orders, and the site's promotional discounts do not apply to them. Custom work is made specifically for you, which is why it cannot be returned, so take the time to be sure of the design before you start.

Getting Your Ring Size Right

Sizing is the most common reason a ring does not fit on the first try, and there is a charge for resizing when it is needed for reasons other than a seller error. That makes it worth getting right from the start.

A few reliable habits help:

• Measure at the end of the day, when fingers are at their largest.
• Avoid measuring when your hands are cold.
• If you can borrow a ring that fits the right finger, measure its inside diameter.
• Remember that a wider band feels snugger than a thin one at the same size.

If you are buying for someone else, ask a close friend or family member who can help, or consider sizing up slightly rather than down.

Shipping

• United States: All items ship complimentary within the US via USPS or FedEx.
• International: Yes, orders ship internationally. The buyer is responsible for any customs charges or taxes assessed. Refunds are not available for customs charges or surcharges, so check what your country will charge before you order.

Returns, Exchanges, and Cancellations

Scott gladly accepts returns, exchanges, and cancellations on standard pieces, within specific windows:

The short version: if you are unsure, reach out right away. The windows are short because each piece is made for you.

Before You Order: A Quick Checklist

1. Confirm your ring size.
2. Decide on your metal.
3. Check the stone color and shape against your preferences, remembering that lighting changes how a stone looks.
4. Work backward from your date to leave room for turnaround, shipping, and a buffer.
5. If it is a custom order, make sure you are certain about the design before you submit it.
6. Read the FAQ page for the latest terms.

Not sure which ring to start with? Our step-by-step guide to choosing an engagement ring walks through the decisions in order.

Questions Buyers Ask

How long does a handmade ring take? A standard piece averages about 3.5 weeks, and custom orders are currently 4 to 6 weeks. Shipping is additional.

Can I return a custom ring? No. Custom and personalized orders cannot be returned or cancelled unless the piece arrives damaged or defective.

Will my ring look exactly like the photo? Very close, with slight variations because each piece is handmade. Listing photos are unedited, but a stone's color can look different in different lighting.

Is the gold plated? No. All 14k items are solid gold, and nothing is plated.

Do you ship internationally? Yes. The buyer is responsible for customs charges and taxes.

Ready to Order?

Browse the Moissanite Rings and Bands collections to find a piece you love, or start a custom order if you have something specific in mind. Questions before you buy? Contact us and we will help.