You've spent months thinking about this moment. You've saved up, you've done your research, and now you're sitting across from a jeweller who's showing you rings that make your heart race.
The last thing you want to do is slow things down with a list of questions.
But here's the thing: the questions you ask at a jewellery consultation will determine the quality, longevity, and integrity of the ring you take home. Ask them, and ask them before you fall in love with a specific piece.
1. Is there a jeweller on site?
This seems like an odd question. Surely, you're in a jewellery store? But the reality is that many jewellery retailers don't employ any jewellers at all. They take orders, then send them to subcontractors who make rings for multiple stores simultaneously.
If they can't show you their jeweller, that's worth noting.
2. How long have you personally been working with jewellery?
You want to work with someone who has genuine expertise, not just sales training. The person advising you on a purchase you'll wear every day for the rest of your life should have deep knowledge of metals, stones, settings, and craftsmanship. Ask. The answer tells you a lot.
3. Where is the ring physically made?
Made in Melbourne, made in India, made in Vietnam - these aren't value judgments, they're facts. What you want to know is whether you can expect consistent quality standards, what oversight exists, and what your after-service looks like if something goes wrong.
4. What alloys are in your metals?
18 carat gold is 75% pure gold. The other 25% is made up of alloys, and what those alloys are matters enormously.
Some overseas manufacturers use nickel-based white gold, which can cause skin reactions and tends to turn yellow faster, requiring more frequent rhodium plating. Palladium-based white gold stays whiter for longer, needs fewer polish cycles, and is gentler on sensitive skin.
You have a right to know what's in the ring you're buying.
5. Where are the diamonds sourced from?
Ethical sourcing matters. Whether you're concerned about the environmental impact of mining, the origin of the stone, or the labour conditions involved, a reputable jeweller should be able to give you a clear answer about where their diamonds come from and how they're certified.
6. Do you provide authentication certificates with the diamonds?
A graded diamond should come with a certificate from an independent gemological lab - GIA, IGI, or similar. This certificate confirms the stone's specifications: carat, cut, colour, clarity. Without it, you're taking the jeweller's word for what you're getting.
7. What does your after-service look like?
A ring isn't a set-and-forget purchase. Over time, prongs wear down, stones can loosen, and rings may need resizing as our fingers change with age, temperature, and life events.
Ask specifically: Do you offer lifetime resizing? If a stone falls out, how do you handle it? What's your repair policy? What happens if the ring needs work after the warranty period?
Read about Micheli's after-service.
8. Is the ring being designed around my specific stone or will you fit my stone to an existing setting?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask. A fancy-shaped diamond like pear, oval, emerald cut, has unique proportions. Every stone is different. When a ring is custom-designed around your specific stone, it fits perfectly: secure, centred, structurally sound.
When a jeweller takes a semi-mount (a pre-made setting) and forces your stone into it, you're accepting a compromise. It may not be visible when you pick up the ring, but can affect security and longevity over time.
9. Are you making the ring, or subcontracting it?
There's nothing wrong with subcontracting, but you should know. What matters is whether the jeweller you're talking to has oversight and accountability for the quality of the finished piece, or whether they're essentially a middleman placing an order.
Ask plainly: Is your company physically making my ring, or is the production being subcontracted - whether locally or overseas?
The Bottom Line
A jeweller who is proud of their work will welcome these questions. A jeweller who hedges, deflects, or seems annoyed by them is telling you something important.
You're about to make a significant investment in a piece that's meant to last a lifetime. You deserve complete, honest answers, and a jeweller who earns your trust before they earn your business.
Ready to begin? Our team is here to provide the answers and expertise your project requires. Visit us at our Malvern or Moonee Ponds boutiques, or book a virtual appointment to connect with us online.
