Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Questions

We understand that purchasing an engagement or wedding ring is a huge milestone. To make the process stress-free, we guide you through a simple four-step journey to finding the perfect ring.

1. Initial Consultation: We start by learning what you envision. We will look at your inspiration photos, educate you on gemstones and ring construction, and help you design a ring that fits your style and budget.

2. Gemstone Selection: Next, our team works with you to select the perfect loose diamond or gemstone.

3. Design and CAD: We take your input and move into the design phase, providing sketches and 3D CAD renderings so you can see your ring from every angle.

4. The Reveal: Finally, you come in to pick up and see your finished ring.

It depends which route you take, and the clock starts once you have approved the design and placed your deposit.

Fully custom: 3 to 4 weeks to completion. That covers casting and setting by our partners and our in-house jewelers.

Made-to-order or semi-custom: 1 to 2 weeks. This is the route to take when your timeline is tight.

Ready to wear: rings we already have finished and sized can be ready within 1 to 2 business days.

If you have a date in mind, tell us at your first appointment and we will let you know which of these is realistic.

A little more, but far less than most people assume. A custom ring generally runs 10 to 15% above a comparable pre-designed style, which covers the sketching, CAD drawings, one-off manufacture, and hand finishing that go into a ring made only once. It's still within range of a pre-designed ring and for most couples it is well within reach.

To begin the design and CAD phase we take a $250 deposit, which helps cover the design time. If you move forward with the ring, $150 of it is credited toward the final cost of your ring.

Yes. We know many clients want to keep the proposal a surprise but also want their partner involved in the design process. We have you covered with stand-in options. Reach out to us, and we will help you determine the best solution for your specific situation.

Yes, we offer a curated selection of both lab-grown and natural diamonds. We work with a network of trusted diamond brokers across the globe to find gemstones that fit your specific needs, budget, and preferences.

We always do our best to accommodate rush orders. While we can typically expedite our process to fit your timeline, we highly recommend booking your appointment as soon as possible to get the ball rolling.

Absolutely. If you have fallen in love with a design on our Instagram or elsewhere, snap a picture or a screenshot and bring it to your appointment. We can help you recreate any design you envision or put a unique twist on one of our signature settings.

Our mission is to make this a comfortable and fun experience where you feel great about your purchase and have a trusted jeweler you can rely on. Unlike online retailers, we offer a private, one-on-one experience where you get to see and handle the rings yourself. We'll help guide you through diamond quality, design, and settings in person. We are a locally owned family business committed to making the process just as special as the proposal itself.

Yes, we operate on an appointment-only basis. We believe buying an engagement ring is a personal milestone that deserves our full, undivided attention. You essentially have the entire bridal shop along with a dedicated expert to help you find the perfect ring.

Office Hours: Monday-Saturday, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM (late appointments available Tuesdays and Thursdays). Closed Sundays.

Walk-Ins: For walk-in services, we refer customers to our sister store, Creekside Jewelers, also located in Golden, CO, only half a block away.

You can apply in any Colorado county, regardless of where in the state you are getting married, and a license issued anywhere in Colorado is valid statewide.

Jefferson County issues its licenses in Golden, a few minutes from our showroom. Two things catch couples out: the county offices are open Monday through Thursday only, and the identification you bring must be valid and unexpired. The application also asks for details most people do not have on hand, such as your parents' current addresses and where each of you was born, so it is worth completing the county's online form before you go.

We wrote a full guide covering what to bring, what the county asks for in advance, and the Colorado rule that lets couples marry each other without an officiant: Getting a Marriage License in Jefferson County.

Yes. The Golden Gem only works with diamond suppliers who are compliant with the Kimberley Process, ensuring conflict-free diamonds. Our select group of diamond brokers source from mine or lab operators that follow internationally recognized labor, trade, and environmental protocols.

Yes, we offer a wide range of men's wedding bands and even men's engagement rings. These can be fully custom, made-to-order, or ready-to-wear.

We design custom wedding bands as well, for either of you, and matched pairs if you want them. Engagement rings and wedding bands are what we do, and they are all we do.

For custom work outside bridal, such as earrings, a pendant, a bracelet, or redesigning an inherited piece that isn't a ring, our sister store Creekside Jewelers handles it, half a block away on Washington Avenue. Tell us what you have in mind and we will point you to the right door.

We highly recommend insuring your jewelry. You can add it to your homeowners' policy, or purchase a stand alone policy through our partner, Jewelers Mutual. In fact, if you purchase a complete bridal ring from us and choose Jewelers Mutual, we include the first year of insurance on us. Please purchase the policy directly from them and save your receipt to take advantage of this offer.

Yes, we are happy to set or reset a diamond you already own, even if it wasn't purchased from us. However, we highly recommend using one jeweler for both the diamond and the setting for warranty and insurance simplicity.

While some clients believe buying a diamond online is cheaper, our pricing is competitive with online dealers. Plus, buying with us offers distinct advantages: you have a physical store to visit should any issues arise, we ensure the diamond originates from reputable sources and is calibrated to fit perfectly, and you get to support a local Colorado business.

Pieces purchased from The Golden Gem carry a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase, covering manufacturing defects in material and workmanship.

Outside that, after the first year, or for damage from ordinary wear, an accident, or neglect, repair work is quoted individually. All of our repair work is handled by our sister store, Creekside Jewelers, half a block away on Washington Avenue in Golden.

Call us at (720) 761-5956 or email hello@thegoldengem.com and we will tell you what is involved and what it will cost before any work starts. Nothing proceeds without your approval, and we are always straight with you about whether a piece can be repaired or whether it is better remade.

This is very common. If you aren't sure of the size, we can help you select a design that is easily resizable. We offer one complimentary resizing within 60 days of receipt. Once you propose, simply come in for a proper sizing, and we will adjust it for the perfect fit. Note: not all eternity bands or intricate designs can be resized, so ask your consultant for guidance.

All rings purchased from us come with lifetime professional clean and checks. In between visits, we recommend cleaning your ring once every 1 to 2 weeks. Soak it in a cleaner such as Connoisseurs Precious Jewelry Cleaner, use the soft brush to reach under the gemstone, and rinse with hot water.

Pro tip: dry your diamonds with a hair dryer to prevent water spots and restore maximum sparkle.

Because most of our bridal rings are customized and personalized, they are considered FINAL SALE. We do not offer refunds on deposits or completed custom or made-to-order items. In certain cases, deposits may be transferred toward other items at our discretion. Please review our Returns and Exchanges page for full details.

Once a diamond or gemstone is selected, we require a 50% deposit to secure the gemstone and begin the CAD and production phase. We accept credit cards, debit cards, and cash. The remaining balance is due in full at pickup or shipment. We also offer financing options through our third-party credit partners.