Welcome to our comprehensive guide to the world of designer jewellery. Over the years of working in our SmetanaQ Showroom in the heart of Prague, we have gathered countless experiences and answered thousands of questions. This guide was created from your most frequently asked questions and our daily conversations with you.
1. How to choose the right ring size?
The size of the ring is a basic parameter that cannot be underestimated. Imagine the situation: the long-awaited moment (wedding or engagement) is coming, but the ring cannot be put on or is too big. Getting the size right is key, especially with rings. In our showroom, we use professional measuring tapes , but we also offer several tips for home measurements.
Therefore we recommend:
- Measure your finger during the day (size changes due to temperature)
- Use our measuring rings
- Bring an older ring to compare
Expect that your fingers may be slightly more swollen in the summer
2. Which metal to choose for everyday wear?
Choosing a metal is like choosing a life partner - it has to last and still look great.
We offer:
14kt and 18kt gold (ideal for everyday wear)
9251000 silver (more affordable option)
We are often asked what the difference is between 14kt and 18kt gold . Let's look at it 14 carat gold (585/1000) contains 58.5% pure gold and is an ideal choice for everyday wear. It is harder and more durable than 18 carat gold (750/1000), which contains more pure gold (75%) but is softer. Therefore, we recommend 14kt gold especially for wedding rings and jewelry for daily wear.
925/1000 silver is a popular choice for its availability and beautiful luster. It should be expected that it may darken over time, but with proper care this process can be minimized.
3. How to care for jewelry?
You can read more about this topic on our blog - " How to properly care for jewelry ". Jewelry is like a relationship and needs regular care.
We recommend:
- Store jewelry separately, preferably in a jewelry box designed for this purpose
- Take them off before sports activities and sleep
- Avoid contact with chemicals
- Clean regularly with special products - we recommend Hagerty professional cleaning products
- Remove jewelry before swimming in the pool or sea
4. How to choose stones for jewelry?
Several important factors influence the choice of gemstones . The design of the jewelry, your budget, the quality of the stones. We try to choose the best stones from verified sources for our jewelry, but this sometimes results in a higher price. However, we also work with more affordable stones. For our client, we always try to find stones that match his ideas and possibilities. We will be happy to guide you through the world of stones and find the right one.
When choosing a stone, we consider:
- Hardness (Diamond = 10, Sapphire = 9, Emerald = 7.5-8)
- The origin and ethics of mining
- Certification and quality
- Personal preference and symbolism
5. Can I have the design modified?
Every piece of jewelry from our portfolio made in gold can be customized according to the client's wishes. We are especially concerned about your satisfaction and a beautiful result. For silver jewelry, the size can be adjusted as standard. For all pieces of jewelry, stones or pearls can be added.
We offer:
- Design consultation
- Possibility to edit existing collections
- Custom-made production
- 3D visualization before production
6. How long does it take to make wedding and engagement rings?
The production of wedding jewelry usually takes 2-4 weeks. It is greatly influenced by seasonal workload and the complexity of the design. You can read more about this topic on my blog - " The Journey to Your Wedding Rings: How They Are Made ".
7. How long does it take to make a custom piece of jewelry?
Every piece of jewelry is a story that begins with your imagination. If you don't have one and would still like to own something unique. You don't have to worry. At our joint meetings, with the help of my questions, we will arrive at a concept that will create a unique designer piece of jewelry. The custom manufacturing process is quite a demanding process. It requires long research, consultation with the client, designs, models. The realization takes approximately 2-12 weeks and depends on how large and technically demanding the final piece of jewelry will be.
The production process includes:
- Initial consultation and proposal
- Selection of materials and stones
- 3D visualization for a better idea
- Production of models
- Hand made
- Final edits and quality control
The timetable depends on:
- Design intricacies
- Availability of materials
- Seasonal workload
- Special requirements
The whole process usually takes 2-12 weeks, but the result is worth it - you will get a unique piece of jewelry that exactly matches your ideas.
8. Hallmarks - your guarantor of quality
Every piece of jewelry made of precious metals must bear a hallmark that guarantees its purity. It is like the birth certificate of a piece of jewelry - it confirms its origin and quality. In our showroom, we will be happy to show you how to read and recognize hallmarks.
Practical tips at the end
- Allow plenty of time to choose
- Don't be afraid to ask and consult
- Trust your taste
- Think practicality and aesthetics
We will be happy to welcome you to our SmetanaQ Showroom in the heart of Prague, where we will fully attend to you and help you find a piece of jewelry that perfectly matches your ideas and tastes. Our expert advice will provide you with all the necessary information about the individual collections and materials so that you can make a decision with absolute certainty. Come and personally try the unique pieces from our offer and discover the quality and beauty that our jewelry brings.
