Custom Jewelry FAQ: Engagement Rings, Diamonds & Fine Jewelry in Naples, FL
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 in Naples, Florida serving clients throughout Southwest Florida and nationwide. Peter Sakaris, a second-generation jeweler, works directly with each client to design and manufacture custom engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond eternity bands, tennis bracelets, and fine jewelry in 18k gold and platinum. This guide answers the most common questions about our process, our diamonds, our pricing, and how to get started.
It starts with a conversation, not a sales pitch. You book a private appointment and we sit down together, in person at our Naples, Florida studio or virtually from anywhere in the world, to talk about what you have in mind, your timeline, and your budget. There are no commissioned salespeople, no pressure, and no inventory we are trying to move. Just Peter, you, and a blank canvas. Most people leave their first consultation with a clear vision and a plan they feel genuinely excited about.
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 our clients are not local. We conduct full consultations over video call, walk you through diamond options, share CAD renderings digitally, and ship the finished piece directly to your nearest FedEx location for secure pickup. The entire process works seamlessly from anywhere in the United States or internationally. We serve clients from Naples and Fort Myers to New York, Chicago, and beyond.
For most custom engagement rings and wedding bands, you should plan for four to six weeks from deposit to delivery. More complex designs with intricate settings or custom diamond sourcing can take six to eight weeks. If you have a specific deadline, such as a proposal date or a wedding, tell us at the start and we will build the timeline around it.
If you decide to move forward, we collect a deposit and begin sourcing diamonds or materials based on what we discussed. We then develop a CAD rendering, a precise three-dimensional design of your piece, and share it with you for approval before anything is cast or set. You have full visibility at every stage and can request adjustments before production begins.
We collect a 50% deposit at the start of every project. That deposit is applied in full toward the total cost of your piece. The remaining 50% is collected prior to delivery. We will walk you through the exact numbers during your consultation so everything is clear before you commit.
At this time we focus exclusively on pieces we design and manufacture ourselves. If you are looking to repair or restore a piece, we are happy to point you in the right direction. Reach out through our contact page and we will do our best to help.
We are not a jewelry store. There is no showroom, no foot traffic, no commissioned staff. When you work with us, you work directly with Peter, the jeweler and manufacturer. That means no middleman, no retail markup chain, and no one nudging you toward a piece that happens to be in the case. You get manufacturer pricing, honest guidance, and a finished piece made specifically for you. It is a fundamentally different experience from walking into any jewelry store in Naples or anywhere else.
Visit our booking page and choose a time that works for you. You can select an in-person appointment at our Naples studio or a virtual appointment from anywhere. The whole process takes less than two minutes.
It begins with a consultation where we discuss the style, the metal, the diamond, and your budget. Once you approve a direction, we source diamond options and share them with you, along with pricing, so you can choose with confidence. We then develop a CAD rendering of the setting for your review and approval. Once you approve the design, we cast and hand-finish the piece. The finished ring is inspected and delivered to you, typically within four to six weeks of your deposit.
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. If you have a family diamond or a stone you have already purchased, we can design and build a custom setting around it. Bring it to your consultation or ship it to us securely, and we will work with what you have.
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.
This is one of the most common questions we get, and there are several approaches that work well. Borrowing a ring she already wears on the correct finger is the most reliable. For a rough estimate, the average ring size for women is between a 6 and 6.5. If you are not certain, we can make the ring slightly on the larger side and resize it after the proposal. We include one complimentary resize on eligible rings.
The range is wide because every ring is different. The diamond accounts for the majority of the cost, and diamonds vary significantly based on size, quality, and whether you choose natural or lab-grown. We work across a broad range of budgets and will always be transparent about where your money goes and how to maximize what you have. There is no right or wrong budget, only what is right for you.
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 CAD stage is for. We review the rendering together and make any adjustments you want before anything is produced. Once production begins, changes become much more difficult, which is why we take the approval process seriously. We want you to be certain before we begin.
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.
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 at least six to eight weeks before your wedding date. Custom bands typically take four to six weeks, and building in a buffer gives us time to handle any adjustments and relieves pressure on both sides. If your wedding is closer than that, contact us anyway. We will always try to accommodate tight timelines when we can.
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 typically cost sixty to eighty percent less than a comparable natural diamond. That price difference is substantial and allows many clients to go significantly larger or higher quality while staying within the same budget. We will show you side-by-side comparisons during your consultation so you can make the decision that 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 do not have a preference, and we do not have inventory bias in either direction. We source both and present both honestly. The right answer depends on what matters most to you. We will ask about your priorities and give you a genuine recommendation based on your specific situation, not on what we have in stock.
For natural diamonds above 0.50 carats, we use GIA, the Gemological Institute of America, which is the global standard for diamond grading and the most trusted certification in the industry. For lab-grown diamonds, we use IGI, the International Gemological Institute, which has become the leading certifying body for lab-grown stones. Both are reputable, but GIA is the benchmark for natural diamonds and what serious buyers and insurers rely on.
The 4 Cs are cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Cut is the most important by a significant margin. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully and looks alive. A poorly cut diamond of excellent color and clarity can still look dull. After cut, we prioritize color and then clarity. Carat weight is last, because a slightly smaller diamond with a better cut will almost always look more impressive than a larger one with poor light performance. Our full diamond education guide covers all of this in much greater depth.
Fluorescence refers to the way some diamonds emit a soft glow under ultraviolet light. In strong to very strong levels, fluorescence can make a diamond appear hazy or milky in natural daylight, which reduces its visual appeal and its market value. We avoid fluorescence in the diamonds we source. A non-fluorescent diamond looks cleaner and brighter across all lighting conditions and holds its value better over time.
For natural diamonds, we work within the G to H color range and VS1 to VS2 clarity. These grades are in the sweet spot, genuinely high quality that is visually excellent without paying a premium for characteristics you cannot see with the naked eye. For lab-grown diamonds, the price differential is small enough that we move up to D through F color and VVS clarity. We walk through all of this during your consultation so you can see the difference yourself.
Yes. During your consultation we will present diamond options that fit your budget and preferences. For virtual clients, we share detailed specifications, GIA or IGI certification 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.
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. This is called repurposing, and it is something we do regularly for clients who have inherited jewelry or have stones from older pieces they no longer wear. We will evaluate your existing stones during your consultation and let you know whether they are suitable for the new design you have in mind.
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 we operate as a private studio rather than a retail store, our cost structure is fundamentally different. There is no showroom lease, no retail staff, no inventory carrying costs, and no markup chain between manufacturer and consumer. You pay for the materials, the craftsmanship, and our expertise. That is it. In practice, clients consistently find that they receive significantly more for their budget than they would at a traditional jewelry store in Naples or anywhere else.
We do not have a formal minimum, but our work is positioned at the luxury level, and the nature of fine materials and handcrafted manufacturing means there is a natural floor to what a piece costs to make well. During your consultation we will be completely transparent about what is achievable at your budget and will never leave you feeling like you should have spent more or less.
We do not offer payment plans or in-house financing at this time. For custom pieces and larger transactions, we accept bank wire transfer and Zelle. We will walk you through the payment process clearly during your consultation so everything is straightforward from the start.
We collect a 50% deposit at the start of every project. That deposit is applied in full toward the total cost of your piece. The remaining 50% is collected prior to delivery. We will walk you through the exact numbers during your consultation so there are no surprises.
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, but because our pricing reflects actual manufacturing costs without retail overhead, we are already significantly below what traditional jewelry stores charge for comparable quality. If you have received a quote elsewhere, bring it to your consultation and we can walk you through exactly how our piece compares in quality, not just price.
All high-value pieces are shipped via FedEx to the client's nearest FedEx location for secure pickup. For security reasons, we do not ship directly to home addresses for pieces above a certain value threshold. You will need a valid government-issued ID to collect your package. Every shipment is fully insured for the complete declared value of the piece.
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 at no charge. Once you have it, we schedule a short video call and walk through the sizing process together to make sure we get it right. It is a simple process and most people are surprised by how easy it is.
We include one complimentary resize on eligible rings and bands. If the fit is not perfect when the piece arrives, contact us and we will arrange to have it resized at no additional cost. We handle this quickly so you are not without your ring for long.
Shipping itself is fast, typically one to two business days via FedEx. You will receive tracking information as soon as the package is in transit. The total time from deposit to delivery is four to six weeks for most custom pieces.
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 our pieces are custom-designed and made specifically for each client, we do not accept returns on custom work. This is standard in the custom jewelry industry. However, we stand behind everything we make and will address any issue with craftsmanship or quality immediately. Our goal is for you to love your piece completely, and we work closely with you throughout the process to make sure that is the case before anything goes into production.
Peter is a second-generation jeweler from Montreal, Canada who spent six seasons as a professional hockey player before returning full-time to the jewelry industry. He spent years studying the craft and building relationships with master artisans, craftsmen, and diamond dealers around the world before founding Sakaris Jewelers in Naples, Florida. He does not just sell jewelry. He designs it, sources the materials, and oversees every piece from first conversation to finished product.
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.
Our private studio is located at 3066 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 302 in Naples, Florida 34103. It is a working design studio, not a retail store, and we see clients by appointment only. If you are local to Naples, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, or anywhere in Southwest Florida, an in-person consultation is a wonderful experience. If you are outside the area, everything works equally well over video.
Our studio is in Naples, Florida, and we serve clients throughout Southwest Florida, including Bonita Springs, Estero, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Marco Island, and Sanibel. We also work with clients across the United States and internationally through virtual consultations. Our process is designed from the ground up to work seamlessly from anywhere. Learn more on our areas we serve page.
Our clients range from couples designing their first custom engagement ring together to established individuals commissioning significant anniversary pieces. Many are professionals and business owners who value quality and authenticity. What our clients 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.
Peter moved to Naples permanently when he and Daria decided to build their life here together, and Sakaris Jewelers has been serving the Naples community and clients nationwide for over two years. Naples is home, and we are deeply committed to this community.
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 is to book a free consultation directly. If you have a quick question first, you can reach us by phone at (239) 293-6348, by email at info@sakarisjewelers.com, or through the contact form on our website. We respond promptly and warmly to every message.
Still have questions? We are always happy to talk.
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