Welcome to Winter Jewelry’s FAQ page. We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions our customers ask about our jewelry, services, and policies. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service team at any of our locations throughout Western New York.
Winter Jewelry is located at 5500 Main Street, Suite 210, Williamsville, NY 14221. We proudly serve customers throughout Western New York, including Buffalo, Amherst, Orchard Park, Niagara Falls, Wheatfield, Lewiston, North Tonawanda, Clarence, Hamburg, and Batavia.
Our standard hours are Monday 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Tuesday to Friday 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Saturday 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, and Sunday closed. Hours may vary by location and during holidays. Please check our Locations page for specific hours at your preferred store or call ahead to confirm.
Walk-ins are always welcome at all Winter Jewelry! However, for personalized services like custom design consultations, engagement ring shopping, or jewelry repair assessments, we recommend scheduling an appointment. This ensures we can dedicate uninterrupted time to your specific needs and have the right specialist available to assist you.
Winter Jewelry combines decades of expertise with personalized service across Western New York. We pride ourselves on offering both traditional and contemporary jewelry options, including lab-grown and natural diamonds. Our custom design services, multiple convenient locations, and commitment to customer education set us apart. We’re not just selling jewelry—we’re helping you create and preserve meaningful moments.
Our extensive collection includes engagement rings, wedding bands, custom jewelry pieces, and various jewelry collections featuring both lab-grown and natural diamonds. We also offer gold jewelry in various karats and colors. Our pieces range from classic designs to contemporary styles, ensuring there’s something for every taste and occasion.
Yes, we provide comprehensive jewelry repair services. Our expert craftspeople can handle ring sizing, stone replacement, prong retipping, chain repair, clasp replacement, and jewelry cleaning. We also offer watch battery replacement and watch repair services. Each repair includes a thorough inspection to identify any potential issues that might need attention.
Absolutely! Custom jewelry design is one of our specialties. Our design process begins with a consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline. We then create sketches or CAD renderings for your approval before crafting your unique piece. Whether you’re reimagining a family heirloom, creating a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, or designing something entirely new, our team will guide you through every step.
Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as natural diamonds but are created in controlled laboratory environments rather than mined from the earth. They typically cost 20-40% less than natural diamonds of comparable quality. Both options are available at Winter Jewelry, allowing you to choose based on your preferences for origin, environmental considerations, and budget. All our diamonds, regardless of origin, come with proper certification.
Yes, we provide professional jewelry appraisals for insurance, estate, and resale purposes. Our certified appraisers evaluate your pieces based on current market values, quality, and craftsmanship. Appraisals include detailed documentation with photographs and descriptions of each piece. We recommend updating appraisals every 2-3 years as precious metal and gemstone values fluctuate over time.
We recommend beginning your engagement ring search 2-3 months before you plan to propose. This timeline allows for browsing different styles, considering customization options, and ensuring proper sizing. For custom designs, add an additional 4-6 weeks to the timeline. However, we understand that timelines vary, and we’re equipped to accommodate more urgent requests when possible.
There are several discreet methods to determine your partner’s ring size. Borrowing a ring they currently wear (on the intended finger) is most accurate. Alternatively, you can trace the inner diameter of their ring on paper, or gently wrap a string around their finger while they’re sleeping and mark the length. If these options aren’t possible, consider asking friends or family members who might know. Remember that we offer complimentary sizing after purchase if needed.
We recommend shopping for wedding bands 3-4 months before your wedding date. This timeline allows for customization, proper sizing, and any potential adjustments. If you’re interested in custom designs or engraving, add an additional 2-4 weeks. Many couples choose to shop together to ensure their bands complement each other and their engagement ring.
While traditional wisdom suggests matching metals and styles, modern couples often choose bands that complement rather than exactly match their engagement rings. Consider factors like lifestyle, profession, and personal style when selecting wedding bands. Some opt for bands that create a cohesive set with the engagement ring, while others prefer contrasting styles that stand out on their own. Our jewelry consultants can help you explore options that work with your existing ring.
Currently, our most requested styles include oval and cushion-cut solitaires, hidden halos, and three-stone designs. Vintage-inspired settings with milgrain details and nature-inspired designs featuring organic elements are also trending. While white gold and platinum remain popular, we’re seeing increased interest in yellow and rose gold settings. Remember that the best style is one that resonates with your partner’s personal taste and lifestyle.
Our custom design process involves four key steps: 1) Initial consultation to discuss your vision, budget, and timeline; 2) Design development with sketches or CAD renderings; 3) Refinement based on your feedback; and 4) Creation of your piece by our master craftspeople. Throughout the process, you’ll receive updates and have opportunities to provide input. The entire journey typically takes 4-6 weeks, depending on complexity and materials.
Yes, we specialize in reimagining existing pieces. Whether you’ve inherited family heirlooms or want to update jewelry that no longer suits your style, we can transform them into new creations while preserving their sentimental value. We can extract gemstones from original settings, melt down precious metals for reuse, or incorporate elements of your existing pieces into entirely new designs.
Custom jewelry pricing varies widely based on design complexity, materials, gemstones, and labor requirements. Simple custom bands might start around $800, while intricate designs with premium gemstones can range from $3,000 to $15,000+. During your initial consultation, we’ll discuss your budget and provide transparent pricing information. We work with clients across various price points and can suggest alternatives to help achieve your vision within your budget.
Yes, we welcome client-provided gemstones for custom projects. Our gemologists will examine your stones to verify quality and ensure they’re suitable for your desired setting. If you’re incorporating family heirlooms or sentimental pieces, we take extra care in handling these precious items. Please note that we cannot guarantee stones we haven’t sourced, but we’ll provide honest assessments and recommendations.
For regularly worn pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands, we recommend cleaning at home every 2-3 weeks and professional cleaning every 6 months. For occasionally worn jewelry, clean before and after wearing. Professional cleanings at any Winter Jewelry location include inspection of prongs and settings to prevent stone loss and identify potential issues before they become serious problems.
For diamond jewelry and most gemstones, mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Soak your pieces for 20-30 minutes, then gently brush with a soft toothbrush, focusing on areas that collect residue. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. Avoid this method for pearls, opals, and other porous gemstones—these require specialized care with a damp, soft cloth only. When in doubt, bring your pieces to any of our locations for professional cleaning.
Store each piece separately in a fabric-lined jewelry box or individual pouches to prevent scratching. Keep chains fastened to prevent tangling. Store pearls and opals away from other jewelry as they scratch easily. Avoid exposing stored jewelry to extreme temperatures or humidity, and keep away from direct sunlight which can fade certain gemstones. Consider using anti-tarnish strips in your jewelry box to reduce oxidation of silver and some gold alloys.
Remove jewelry before swimming (chlorine and salt water can damage metals and loosen settings), exercising, gardening, cleaning (chemicals can erode metals and damage stones), and sleeping (to prevent prong damage and stretching of chains). For rings specifically, remove when applying lotions, perfumes, or other beauty products as these can create buildup that dulls gemstones and can potentially damage certain porous stones.
We recommend professional inspections every six months for regularly worn pieces like engagement rings and wedding bands. These inspections check for loose stones, worn prongs, and potential structural issues. For jewelry worn less frequently, annual inspections are sufficient. Many insurance policies require regular inspections to maintain coverage, and our complimentary inspections include documentation for your records.
The most accurate method is to visit any Winter Jewelry location for professional sizing. Our experts use calibrated ring sizers to determine your exact size. If you can’t visit in person, we offer printable ring sizers on our website, though these are less precise. When self-measuring, check your size at different times of day as fingers naturally fluctuate in size. For the best fit, measure when your hands are at a normal temperature—not too cold or too warm.
Ring size fluctuates due to several factors: temperature changes (fingers expand in heat and contract in cold), weight changes, pregnancy, medication, and even salt intake affecting water retention. Seasonal variations are common, with fingers often larger in summer months. If you experience significant size changes, we recommend being sized in conditions similar to your typical environment and considering a slightly larger size for comfort during warmer months.
Most rings can be resized within 1-2 sizes up or down, but there are exceptions. Eternity bands with stones all around cannot typically be resized. Rings with intricate details on the band, tension settings, or alternative metals like tungsten and titanium present challenges. Materials like stainless steel, rose gold, and some white gold alloys have limitations. During your purchase, we’ll discuss resizing possibilities for your specific ring style.
Standard ring resizing typically takes 7-10 business days. Simple size adjustments for plain bands may be completed in 3-5 days. Complex resizing involving channel-set stones or intricate designs may require 2-3 weeks. We offer expedited services for urgent situations at an additional fee. During peak seasons (holidays, wedding season), resizing times may be slightly longer.
Some rotation is normal, but excessive spinning indicates your ring may be too large. Ideally, your ring should turn with gentle pressure but not spin freely. Factors affecting fit include knuckle size (larger knuckles may require a slightly larger size), band width (wider bands fit more snugly), and seasonal changes. Solutions for spinning rings include sizing beads, spring inserts, or Euro-style shanks that maintain a comfortable fit while preventing excessive movement.
We offer complimentary educational sessions at all our locations where our gemologists explain the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) and other important factors in gemstone selection. Our website features detailed guides on various gemstones, their properties, and care requirements. We also host monthly workshops covering topics like diamond grading, gemstone identification, and jewelry history. These resources help you make informed decisions regardless of your knowledge level.
We recommend diamonds certified by reputable laboratories like GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS (American Gem Society), or IGI (International Gemological Institute). These certificates verify a diamond’s characteristics including the 4Cs, proportions, and any treatments. GIA is considered the gold standard for natural diamonds, while IGI is widely respected for lab-grown diamond certification. All diamonds sold at Winter Jewelry come with appropriate certification from these trusted sources.
Different gemstones require specific care approaches based on their hardness and structure. Diamonds (10 on Mohs scale) can withstand regular cleaning with mild soap and water. Sapphires and rubies (9 on Mohs scale) are similarly durable. Emeralds (7.5-8) contain natural inclusions that may be affected by ultrasonic cleaners and should be cleaned gently. Pearls (2.5-4.5) are very delicate and should only be wiped with a soft, damp cloth. Visit our Jewelry Care page for detailed guidelines for specific gemstones.
You can reach our customer service team by phone at (716) 555-0123, by email at service@winterjewelry.com, or through the contact form on our website. For location-specific inquiries, please visit our Locations page for direct contact information. Our customer service hours are Monday through Friday, 9am-6pm EST. For urgent matters outside these hours, please leave a message, and we’ll respond as soon as possible.
Yes, we offer virtual consultations via video call for customers who cannot visit our stores in person. These appointments allow you to speak directly with our jewelry consultants, view pieces of interest, discuss custom designs, or address any questions you might have. Virtual consultations can be scheduled through our website or by calling any of our locations. We recommend preparing specific questions or having images of styles you like to make the most of your virtual appointment.
We value your feedback and use it to continuously improve our services. You can share your experience leaving a review on our Google Business listing, or contacting our customer service team directly. For specific concerns or exceptional service experiences, please contact our customer experience manager at feedback@winterjewelry.com. We appreciate your input and strive to address all feedback promptly.
If you couldn’t find the answer to your question, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly. Our team of jewelry experts is always ready to assist you with any inquiries about our products, services, or policies.
General Inquiries
Phone: (716) 309 4276
General Inquiries
Phone: (716) 309 4276
ASSISTANCE HOURS
Monday:
10 am - 4:30 pm
Tuesday to Friday:
10 am - 7 pm
Saturday:
11 am - 3pm
Sunday:
Closed
MAIN STORE
5500 Main St #210 Williamsville, NY 14221
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