Custom Jewelry Questions, Answered Honestly.
Everything you need to know about working with a private luxury jewelry design studio. Browse by topic or jump directly to what matters most to you.
Sakaris Jewelers is a private, appointment-only jewelry design studio based in Naples, Florida, serving clients in person and nationwide by video. Peter Sakaris, a second-generation jeweler, works directly with each client to design custom engagement rings, wedding bands, eternity bands, tennis bracelets and fine jewelry in gold and platinum. This guide answers the most common questions about the process, diamonds, pricing, shipping and how to get started.
It starts with a conversation, not a sales pitch. You book a private appointment and sit down with Peter Sakaris, in person at the Naples, Florida studio or by video from anywhere, to talk about what you have in mind, your timeline and your budget. There are no commissioned salespeople, no pressure, and no inventory to move. After the first conversation, Peter sources diamond options and the design team builds ultra-realistic 3D renderings, which you review at a short second consultation before anything is made.
Yes, completely. We never charge for a consultation. The conversation is how we get to know each other and figure out whether we are the right fit for your project. There is no obligation to move forward, and we will never make you feel otherwise.
Not at all. Many of our clients come in with nothing more than a feeling, a word like "elegant" or "unique" or "something she will never take off." That is more than enough to start. We ask the right questions, show you references, and help you arrive at a design that feels completely yours. If you do come in with a Pinterest board or a sketch, even better.
Absolutely. A significant portion of clients are not local. Consultations happen by video, diamond options and 3D renderings are shared digitally, and the finished piece ships via FedEx, fully insured, to your nearest FedEx location for secure pickup. Clients across the United States work with Sakaris this way, including seasonal residents who start from home before arriving in Naples. International orders are handled case by case. Learn more about a virtual consultation.
Once you approve the design, most custom engagement rings and wedding bands take about 4 to 8 weeks to make, depending on complexity. A 2 to 3 week rush is sometimes possible. If you have a specific deadline, such as a proposal or a wedding, tell us at the start and we will build the timeline around it.
Peter sources diamond or gemstone options based on what you discussed, and the design team builds ultra-realistic 3D renderings of your piece. At a short second consultation you review the renderings and see your stone options, usually up to three, and request any adjustments. Once you approve the design, a 50% deposit begins production.
A 50% deposit begins production once you approve the design, and it is applied in full toward the total cost of your piece. The remaining balance is due at delivery. Some clients choose to pay in full up front, but only the deposit is required.
Yes. Sakaris Jewelers offers jewelry repairs and ring resizing. Every piece is assessed first so you know exactly what is possible before any work begins. See repairs and resizing for details, or reach out through the contact page.
Sakaris Jewelers is a private jeweler, not a jewelry store. There is no showroom, no foot traffic and no commissioned staff. You work directly with Peter Sakaris, who designs your piece, sources the stones and is hands-on in bringing it together with his team. That means no middleman, no retail markup chain, and no one nudging you toward a piece that happens to be in the case. Clients typically pay thousands less than for comparable quality at retail.
Visit the booking page and choose a time that works for you, in person at the Naples studio or by video. You can also call or text the studio at (239) 293-6348. Same-week appointments are often available.
It begins with a consultation with Peter about her style, the metal, the diamond and your budget. Peter then sources diamond options to your exact specifications while the design team builds ultra-realistic 3D renderings. At a second consultation you review the renderings and see the loose diamond options, then approve the design or request changes. Production takes about 4 to 8 weeks, and every diamond is set by hand. See the full process on our custom engagement ring design page.
Yes. Naples clients design their rings in person with Peter Sakaris at the private studio on Tamiami Trail North, then return to see the 3D renderings and diamond options before approving the design. See how it works on our Naples engagement rings page.
Yes. The CAD rendering gives you a precise, three-dimensional preview of your ring before any metal is cast. You can see the exact proportions, prong placement, and overall shape. If anything needs adjusting, we make those changes at the CAD stage before a single gram of gold is used.
We design everything. Solitaires, halos, three-stone settings, split shanks, hidden halos, east-west settings, bezel settings, vintage-inspired designs, modern minimalist styles, and anything in between. If you can describe it or show us a reference image, we can design it. Nothing is off limits.
Yes. Peter examines every client-supplied or family stone in person first to confirm what it is and its condition, and tells you honestly whether it suits the design. Because older stones can carry hidden stress or tiny fractures from years of wear that no inspection can fully detect, client stones must be insured by the client before setting work begins.
We work primarily in 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold, 18k rose gold, and platinum. We also work in 14k gold. The right metal depends on your style preferences, lifestyle, and how the ring will be worn alongside a wedding band. We will help you think through it during your consultation.
Borrowing a ring she already wears on her ring finger is the most reliable approach; bring it in and it can be measured. You can also quietly ask a close friend or family member. If the size is not perfect after the proposal, one complimentary resizing within the first year is included, where the design allows. Our ring sizing guide has more tips.
Custom engagement rings at Sakaris Jewelers typically range from about $5,000 to $150,000 and up. The center diamond accounts for most of the cost, and it varies with carat weight, color, clarity and whether you choose natural or lab-grown. We work within your budget from the very first conversation, no matter where that number is.
In most cases, no, and often it is less. Because we work as both the manufacturer and the client-facing studio, you are not paying for retail overhead, showroom rent, inventory financing, or commissioned sales staff. You pay for the piece itself. Many clients are surprised by how far their budget goes when there is no middleman in between.
That is exactly what the rendering stage is for. Most designs are right the first time, but small refinements such as prong shape or band width are common. Every change is made before you approve the design. Once production begins, changes become much more difficult, which is why we take the approval step seriously.
Yes. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, and other precious stones make beautiful center stones or accent stones. If you are drawn to a sapphire halo or a ruby three-stone design, we are very comfortable working with fine colored gemstones and will source the right stone for your design.
Yes, and this is one of the most satisfying parts of what we do. When we design your engagement ring, we can design a complementary wedding band at the same time or at any point afterward. Matching sets, contoured shadow bands, and straight bands that sit flush with a specific setting are all well within what we build. If your engagement ring was made by another jeweler, bring it in or send us photos and measurements and we will design a band that fits beautifully. See custom wedding bands.
A full eternity band has diamonds or stones set all the way around the entire circumference of the ring. A semi-eternity band has stones set across the top half or two-thirds, with plain metal on the bottom. A plain band has no stones at all. Full eternity bands offer maximum sparkle. Semi-eternity bands are often more practical for active lifestyles and are resizable. Plain bands are timeless and pair beautifully with any engagement ring. We will help you decide which is right for you based on your lifestyle and aesthetic.
We work in 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold, 18k rose gold, and platinum. We also offer 14k gold. Each metal has a different look, feel, durability profile, and price point. During your consultation we will walk you through the differences so you can make the right choice for how you live and what you love.
Yes. We design and manufacture men's bands in a full range of widths, profiles, and finishes. From classic plain bands in yellow or white gold to heavier platinum bands with hammered or brushed textures, to bands with subtle diamond accents, we build exactly what you are looking for. Many grooms come to us wanting something that feels substantial and personal rather than off-the-shelf.
Yes. Interior engraving is one of the most meaningful finishing touches you can add to a wedding band. A date, initials, a short phrase, or coordinates are all popular choices. We will discuss engraving options during your consultation and ensure it is executed exactly as you intend.
We recommend reaching out about eight to ten weeks before your wedding date. Custom bands typically take 4 to 8 weeks once the design is approved, and building in a buffer leaves time for any adjustments. If your wedding is sooner, contact us anyway; tighter timelines can sometimes be accommodated.
Absolutely. Stacking is one of the most popular ways to wear fine bands, and it is something we design for intentionally. Whether you want two bands flanking your engagement ring, a single stack of three or four slim bands, or a curved shadow band that wraps the shape of your setting, we design stacking sets with the finished look in mind from the start.
We work with clients in this situation regularly. Share photos and measurements with us and we will design a band that complements your existing ring in metal, proportion, and style. If the engagement ring is in our studio for another service, we can also measure it directly to ensure a perfect fit.
A natural diamond formed over billions of years deep within the earth and was brought to the surface through volcanic activity. A lab-grown diamond is created in a controlled environment using technology that replicates the same conditions, resulting in a diamond with the same chemical composition, crystal structure, and optical properties. They are physically and chemically identical. The only difference is origin and, as a result, price.
Lab-grown diamonds cost significantly less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality, often a fraction of the price. That difference lets many clients choose a larger or higher-grade stone within the same budget. We show you natural and lab-grown options side by side during your consultation so you can decide what is right for you.
No. They are visually identical to natural diamonds. No jeweler or gemologist can tell the difference with the naked eye. Even advanced equipment requires specific testing to distinguish them. They sparkle the same, they cut the same, and they wear the same.
This is the most important honest answer we can give: lab-grown diamonds do not hold their value the way natural diamonds do. The technology to produce them continues to improve and prices have dropped significantly over the past few years. A lab-grown diamond purchased today will likely be worth considerably less in the resale market in five to ten years. Natural diamonds, particularly well-certified GIA stones in excellent quality grades, have historically retained value better. If long-term resale value matters to you, a natural diamond is the better choice. If size, quality, and budget are the priority and resale is not a concern, a lab-grown diamond is an excellent option.
We advise on both options honestly with no agenda in either direction. Most Sakaris clients choose natural diamonds for their rarity, and lab-grown is an excellent choice when size and quality within a budget matter most. Because Sakaris holds no inventory, the recommendation is based on your priorities, not on what is in stock.
Every center diamond comes with an independent grading report. Natural diamonds are graded by GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, the global benchmark for natural diamond grading. Lab-grown diamonds are graded by IGI, the International Gemological Institute, the leading grading lab for lab-grown stones. Both describe the diamond's cut, color, clarity and carat weight, plus details such as fluorescence.
The 4 Cs are cut, color, clarity and carat weight. Cut matters most for beauty: a well-cut diamond reflects light and looks alive, while a poorly cut diamond with excellent color and clarity can still look dull. After that, the right balance depends on your priorities, whether that is size, color, clarity or a mix. Our diamond education guide covers each in depth.
Fluorescence is a soft glow, usually blue, that some diamonds give off under ultraviolet light, including sunlight. According to GIA, roughly 25 to 35% of diamonds show some fluorescence, and for the overwhelming majority it has no widely noticeable effect on appearance; in slightly yellow-tinted diamonds it can even make the stone look whiter. Only in very rare cases does extremely strong fluorescence make a diamond look hazy. It is listed on every grading report, and Peter reviews it when sourcing your diamond.
There is no single right answer. At your consultation, Peter sets a budget range with you and asks what matters most: size, color, clarity, or a balance of all three. Then he sources stones that put your budget where you will actually notice it. Because Sakaris holds no inventory, every diamond is sourced to your exact specifications rather than chosen from stock.
Yes. You see your diamond options and their GIA or IGI grading reports before anything is set. In-person clients view the loose diamonds at the Naples studio; virtual clients receive detailed specifications, the grading reports and, in many cases, video of the actual stones. You will never be asked to commit to a diamond you have not reviewed carefully.
We design and manufacture the full range of fine jewelry. Diamond tennis bracelets, tennis necklaces, diamond pendants, stud earrings, drop earrings, anniversary bands, diamond eternity bands, gemstone pieces, and custom one-of-a-kind designs. If you have something in mind that is not listed here, ask. If it is made from precious metal and diamonds or fine gemstones, we can make it. See custom fine jewelry design.
Yes. If you have a piece with sentimental value that is worn, damaged, or simply needs to be remade in a better metal or updated design, we can recreate it. Bring it in or send us photos and we will discuss what is possible.
In many cases, yes. Peter evaluates your existing stones in person first and tells you honestly whether they are suitable for the new design. Because older stones can carry hidden stress from years of wear that no inspection can fully detect, client stones must be insured by the client before setting work begins.
Our diamond tennis bracelets are manufactured to order, not pulled from inventory. You choose the metal, the total carat weight, the diamond size, and whether you want natural or lab-grown stones. Each diamond is individually sourced and set by hand to ensure consistent brilliance across the entire bracelet. We do not compromise on cut quality for these pieces.
These are some of our most meaningful projects. Diamond eternity bands, pendants, and custom pieces marking a significant anniversary, a birth, or another milestone carry real emotional weight, and we take them seriously. Many clients come to us for a tenth anniversary upgrade or a push present. We love these projects.
Yes. Cohesive suites, matching earrings, pendants, and rings that feel designed together are something we create intentionally. Share what you have and we will design something that feels like it belongs together.
Yes. Sapphires, emeralds, rubies, tanzanite, and other precious and semi-precious stones are all available. We source colored gemstones with the same care and standards we apply to diamonds. If you have a stone type or color in mind, we will find you the right one.
Because Sakaris operates as a private studio rather than a retail store, there is no showroom lease, no retail staff, no inventory carrying costs and no markup chain between manufacturer and client. You pay for the materials, the craftsmanship and the expertise. Clients typically pay thousands less than for comparable quality at a traditional jewelry store.
There is no formal minimum. Custom pieces generally start around $3,000, and custom engagement rings typically range from about $5,000 to $150,000 and up. We work within your budget from the very first conversation, no matter where that number is, and we are transparent about what is achievable.
Financing and payment plans are not offered at this time. Sakaris accepts credit card, PayPal, bank wire and Zelle, and online checkout is available. A 50% deposit begins production and the balance is due at delivery.
A 50% deposit begins production once you approve the design and is applied in full toward the total. The balance is due at delivery. Some clients choose to pay in full up front, but only the deposit is required.
We are happy to give a general sense of range if you reach out with a description of what you are looking for, but precise pricing requires knowing the specific diamond, metal, design complexity, and other details that only come out in a consultation. A five-minute call can usually give you a meaningful directional answer.
The diamond or center stone accounts for the largest portion of the cost in most pieces. On the setting side, design complexity, metal weight, the number of accent stones, and the type of metal all factor in. Platinum costs more than gold. Intricate pave work costs more than a clean solitaire. We will explain all of these trade-offs during your consultation so you can make informed decisions.
We do not formally price match. Because Sakaris manufactures directly with no retail markup, pricing is already well below what traditional jewelry stores typically charge for comparable quality. If you have a quote from elsewhere, bring it to your consultation and we will walk you through how the two compare in quality, not just price.
Every piece ships via FedEx, fully insured, and is held at your nearest FedEx location for secure pickup. A signature and a valid government-issued photo ID matching the order name are required to collect it. Full details are on the shipping policy page.
For security reasons, this is the safest way to ensure your piece reaches you and only you. Packages left at a door or with a neighbor simply do not have the same level of protection as a pickup that requires your ID. We take the security of your jewelry seriously from the moment it leaves our studio.
We send a professional ring sizing kit to remote clients and walk through the sizing together on a short video call. If any adjustment is needed after delivery, one complimentary resizing within the first year is included, where the design allows.
One complimentary resizing within the first year is included on Sakaris rings and bands, where the design allows. Contact us and we will arrange it quickly so you are not without your ring for long. See repairs and resizing.
Once your piece is complete, it ships via FedEx with tracking, and you are notified as soon as it is in transit. The total time from design approval to delivery is about 4 to 8 weeks for most custom pieces, and your timeline is confirmed at the start and updated throughout.
Yes, fully. Every shipment is insured for the complete declared value of the piece. If anything were to happen in transit, you are completely covered.
Because every piece is made to order for one client, custom work cannot be returned, which is standard for custom jewelry. You approve the design and stones at every stage before production, and manufacturing defects are covered for one year from delivery, repaired or remade at no charge. Full details are on the return policy page.
Peter Sakaris is a second-generation jeweler from Montreal, Canada, from a family with more than 50 years in the jewelry business. He played professional hockey in North America and Europe before returning to the craft full-time and founding Sakaris Jewelers in Naples, Florida. Peter personally designs every piece with his clients, sources each diamond and material himself, and is hands-on throughout assembly before his team of jewelers finishes the piece to his exact specification. Read Peter's story.
Because that is the only way to do this properly. Every client deserves undivided attention, an honest conversation, and a process designed entirely around them. Walk-in traffic and a showroom floor are built around volume. We are built around relationships. When you book an appointment with us, Peter's full attention is yours for that time.
The private studio is at 3066 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 302, Naples, FL 34103, on the third floor of the building that is also home to Naples Illustrated, with parking in front and behind. It is a working design studio, not a retail store, open by appointment Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with Sunday appointments on request. Naples couples can see how custom engagement rings in Naples are designed at the studio.
Sakaris has one location, the private studio in Naples, Florida, and serves clients throughout Southwest Florida, including Naples, Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Marco Island and Sanibel, as well as clients across the United States by virtual consultation. See all areas we serve.
Clients range from younger couples designing their first engagement ring together to couples celebrating 30th, 40th and even 50th anniversaries with new pieces, as well as professional athletes across North America. What they share is an appreciation for craftsmanship, honesty and a process that respects their time and investment.
Sakaris Jewelers is named for our family. Peter and Daria Sakaris founded the studio in Naples together, and we are building this business as a family legacy, something we hope to pass down to our children. The name means everything we do carries the weight of that commitment.
Yes. Peter and Daria Sakaris built Sakaris Jewelers in Naples as a family business, and the private studio on Tamiami Trail North welcomes Naples clients by appointment, alongside clients nationwide. Naples is home, and the community has been incredibly welcoming.
You should expect exactly what your friend described. A private, pressure-free consultation, honest guidance, and a finished piece you will be proud to wear for the rest of your life. We love referrals because they mean someone trusted us enough to send the people they care about to us. That is not something we take lightly.
The best way to start is to book a consultation. For a quick question, call or text (239) 293-6348, email info@sakarisjewelers.com, or use the contact page.
Still have questions? Let's talk.
Book a private consultation, in person at the Naples studio or by video, or reach out directly. There is no obligation.