30-second answer
When bespoke jewellery is delivered, the client should check the physical piece, laboratory report, size, engraving, gemstone security, surface finish, wearing comfort, receipts and after-sales policy. Inspection is not about finding fault; it is about confirming that the piece matches the prior agreement and can be worn safely.
Celeste Jewellery recommends that delivery must come with a checklist. The higher the value of the jewellery, the less it should rely on “looks beautiful” alone to complete handover.
What should you check first at delivery?
It is best to inspect in the following order:
- Whether the overall appearance matches the approved design.
- Whether the centre stone matches the confirmed gemstone.
- Whether the number and placement of accent stones are correct.
- Whether the metal colour is correct.
- Whether the ring size is suitable.
- Whether the engraving is correct.
- Whether the laboratory report, receipts and care instructions are complete.
Check the key facts first, then the aesthetic details.
How do you check the laboratory report?
laboratory report checking should cover:
- The name of the certifying laboratory.
- The laboratory report number.
- The gemstone weight, dimensions and shape.
- Diamond 4C Or coloured gemstone identity, treatment and origin opinion.
- Pearl type, size and quality description.
- The laboratory report date.
- Official verification result.
- Whether the physical piece matches the laboratory report.
Please note: a laboratory report is not a valuation report, and it is not a guarantee of appreciation. It is mainly used to confirm identity, quality factors and testing conclusions.
How do you check the finished workmanship?
The client can check:
- Whether the metal surface has obvious scratches, pits or porosity.
- Whether the polishing is even.
- Whether the claws are symmetrical.
- Whether the claw tips scratch the skin.
- Whether the gemstone is tilted.
- Whether any accent stones are missing or sit unevenly.
- Whether the inside of the ring is smooth.
- Whether the soldered areas are rough.
- Whether the necklace clasp, earring backs and bracelet clasp work smoothly.
Tiny handmade marks under high magnification are not the same as obvious flaws visible to the naked eye. Celeste should explain the reasonable boundaries of workmanship at delivery.
How do you confirm size and wearing comfort?
For rings, confirm:
- Whether the ring size is suitable.
- Whether it feels too tight or too loose when worn.
- Whether the ring turns easily.
- Whether the height of the centre stone affects daily movement.
- Whether the ring shank digs into the hand.
- Whether it can be stacked with a wedding ring.
For earrings, confirm:
- Whether the left and right sides are comfortable in weight.
- Whether the posts scratch the ear.
- Whether the backs are secure.
- Whether the pearl or gemstone faces the correct way.
For necklaces, confirm:
- Whether the length is as expected.
- Whether the pendant flips over.
- Whether the clasp is secure.
- Whether the chain thickness matches the pendant’s weight.
How do you inspect engraving and hidden details?
Bespoke jewellery often includes engraving, hidden stones, commemorative symbols or special motifs. At delivery, confirm:
- Whether the letters, numbers and dates are correct.
- Whether the font matches the approved version.
- Whether the placement is correct.
- Whether the depth is appropriate.
- Whether the colour and number of hidden stones are correct.
- Whether special symbols are clear.
Once engraving is complete, changes may require re-polishing or may affect metal thickness, so the final text must be confirmed before production.
What should you ask about after-sales policy?
At delivery, clarify:
- Whether free cleaning is included.
- Whether periodic inspections are included.
- Whether resizing is chargeable.
- What the resizing limits are.
- How stone loss is handled.
- How loosened setting is handled.
- How polishing, plating and restoration are charged.
- How pearl re-stringing is handled.
- What situations are outside the warranty scope.
A professional brand should not avoid after-sales boundaries. Clear after-sales terms are more reliable than vague promises.
How should you care for it after delivery?
Basic advice:
- Remove jewellery when doing housework, exercising, swimming or bathing.
- Pearls should be worn last and removed first.
- Avoid ultrasonic cleaning for emeralds, pearls, opals and similar stones.
- Have diamond rings checked for claw security every 6 to 12 months.
- Store jewellery separately to avoid friction between pieces.
- Photograph the jewellery’s condition regularly to aid after-sales communication.
Celeste Bespoke recommendation
- Create a unified handover checklist as the standard appendix for every bespoke piece.
- For high-value orders, provide finished-piece photographs, a copy of the laboratory report or laboratory report number record, a care card and after-sales instructions.
- At handover, the adviser should guide the client through the checklist item by item, rather than offering only an emotional unboxing experience.
- It is advisable to set an annual inspection reminder, especially for diamond rings, coloured gemstone rings, micro-pavé pieces and pearl necklaces.
FAQ
Can bespoke jewellery be altered after delivery?
Some changes are possible, such as resizing, polishing and minor adjustments. However, major alterations involving the main structure, setting and gemstone positions are costly and carry significant risk.
What should I do if the laboratory report and the actual piece do not fully match?
Weight, size and description should correspond. If there is any obvious discrepancy, delivery should be paused and reviewed.
Is it normal if a ring feels slightly tight when first worn?
Fingers are affected by temperature, time, diet and exercise. Judgement should be based on how the ring feels after wearing it several times; do not decide to resize on the basis of a single try-on.
What should be done if a problem is discovered at delivery?
It should be recorded on the spot, with the adjustment plan, timetable and responsibilities clearly confirmed before deciding whether to accept the item.