Atelier Knowledge Base6 Topics · 46 Answers

Frequently Asked Questions,
Each is written by the founder

Comprehensive answers about natural gemstones, the bespoke process, international logistics, payment and privacy. Click a question to expand the answer; if you cannot find what you need, contact the founder directly on WhatsApp at any time.

General Questions

general · 10 Questions

Yes, GEMBÉAR only sells natural gemstones——we do not sell lab-grown or synthetic stones. Each loose stone for sale is accompanied by an independent third-party certificate (GUILD, GIA or GRS), confirming the type, treatment status, and origin. The certificate number can be checked on the laboratory's official website or the brand's official website. If the report does not match the description, a full refund will be given.

Color gemstones are evaluated from three dimensions: hue, saturation, and brightness. We use D55 standard light source and studio light source for dual photography, without color grading. Each stone's color characteristics are indicated on the product page (such as 'Bright red with a hint of purple'), not generalized by grade. If you have a color preference, please inform us, and we will screen from the archive.

Loose stones: 7-day return policy (original packaging and certificate intact), full refund. Bespoke jewelry: Not refundable or exchangeable after production begins, but the deposit can be fully refunded before the design is confirmed. A written confirmation is required for each milestone before moving forward. 1-year warranty includes free resizing, reinforcement, and recutting.

Stock loose stones: 1-3 business days to ship + FedEx/DHL 3-7 business days delivery. Custom rings: 3-8 weeks (depending on complexity). Progress photos are sent throughout, and tracking numbers are automatically notified. +2-3 business days for remote areas.

Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, as well as WeChat Pay, Alipay, and bank transfers. All processed by Stripe, compliant with PCI-DSS Level 1 certification, and the atelier does not handle card numbers. Custom orders require a deposit (30-50%) followed by the final payment in installments.

Simple setting: 3-4 weeks, medium complexity: 4-6 weeks, high complexity: 6-8 weeks. Calculated from the date of deposit payment. If there are fixed dates, please inform in advance, and we will assess the feasibility truthfully.

Seven steps: ①Submit requirements→②24h scheme response→③Confirmation and deposit→④Material selection→⑤Manufacturing (progress photos)→⑥Final product acceptance→⑦Final payment + shipment. Free modification before metal manufacturing; charged according to the modification content after entering the manufacturing process, and advance written notice is required.

Photos and videos are automatically sent at five stages: before model making, bezel fitting, stone placement, polishing, and final product. Also, you can request an unexpected inspection at any time via WhatsApp, and current workshop progress will be photographed within 24 hours.

Free shipping when the free shipping threshold is reached. International section FedEx Priority / DHL Express air transportation, full insurance, require a signature, and trackable; finished product stock has SF Express special delivery. Packaging is discreet with no brand identification. Self-collection is available at the exhibition hall in Guangzhou and the Greater Bay Area.

Loose stones: full refund within 7 days. Custom rings: first-time resizing is free of charge, 1-year warranty includes reinforcement/recutting. Style modification is subject to evaluation, and fees must be informed in advance. Free engraving (up to 20 characters).

Loose Stone Questions

loose gems · 5 Questions

We only sell natural gemstones. The treatment status is indicated truthfully: Unheated (not heat treated, more rare), Heated (traditional heat treatment, 95% of commercial corundum is treated this way), and other treatments are clearly marked. A full refund will be given if the report does not match the description.

GUILD (Established in Los Angeles in 1980, GUILD Gemological Laboratory in the United States has a Shenzhen laboratory since 2017): excels in the color grading of colored gemstones, defining commercial color grades such as Verdant Green, Vivid Red*, and Vivid Blue*. GIA (Gemological Institute of America): the most credible comprehensive gem laboratory in the world, the creator of the 4C diamond grading system, and its colored gemstone identification is also internationally recognized. GRS (Swiss Gem Research Laboratory): an authoritative source for colored gemstones, specializing in determining the origin of red, blue, and green gemstones (such as Myanmar Mogok, Kashmir, etc.), with its commercial color grade terms 'Pigeon's Blood' and 'Royal Blue' becoming international standards. The three are first-tier laboratories, and their authenticity can be verified on the official website with the certificate number. The certificate fee is included in the product price; if a specified institution needs to be inspected, assistance can be provided, and the cost will be borne by the buyer.

As seen is as sent. Shot with D55 standard light source and color calibration card, no color grading or image editing. Flaws are presented truthfully. Double light source comparison photos, 10x magnified detail photos, and a video for product inspection before shipment are provided. If there is a significant difference between the physical product and the video, the product can be returned.

If the original packaging and certificate are intact within 7 days, a full refund will be provided. The buyer is responsible for return shipping costs unless the issue is due to quality problems. No handling fee is charged. Refunds will be initiated within 3-5 working days after verification, and the amount will be credited within 5-10 working days.

Referring to the GIA Color Diamond Grading System: Clarity FI/VVS/VS/SI/I1-I3, color with hue + saturation + brightness three-dimensional evaluation. The specific grading of each gem is marked on the product page. Inclusions are the fingerprints of a gem's natural identity; certain varieties (such as emerald jardin) are considered distinctive.

Ring Questions

Rings · 11 Questions

Finished Products = Inventory already made, as seen is as received, shipped within 1-3 days. Custom = Made from scratch according to your stone, style, size, and metal, 3-8 weeks. It's faster to purchase directly if you find something completely satisfactory in the finished products; otherwise, customizing is more suitable.

Yes. Complete design archives are kept for all sold pieces (setting diagrams, metal specifications, and craft details). Click "Start Customization with This Design" to enter the workbench, where you can change stones, adjust metals, modify details, or completely adhere to the original design.

Simple: 3-4 weeks, Medium: 4-6 weeks, Complex: 6-8 weeks. Customization with stone +3-5 days for inspection. Please inform of firm dates in advance; we do not promise timelines that cannot be met.

①Submit requirements→②24-hour proposal + quotation→③Deposit to secure schedule→④Confirm materials→⑤Production (progress photos)→⑥Final product acceptance→⑦Final payment + shipment. Each step has a clear deliverable.

Metal adjustments are free before production (styles/stones/metal/size). After entering production: free minor adjustments before polishing, charging for a new prototype based on complexity. Principle: inform of costs and timelines first, then start work after written confirmation.

Once the production process has commenced, returns and exchanges are not permitted. However: full refund of the deposit is available before the confirmation of the plan; written confirmation at each milestone; acceptance of finished product photos and videos; free modifications for reasonable disputes; 1-year warranty.

Three methods: ① Choose stone + choose model (workbench) ② With creative image evaluation ③ Full design commission (tell us the occasion, style, and budget). No charge before the confirmation of the plan.

The bead setting range is typically ±1.5mm, any excess requires design adjustment. The hardness of the gem variety affects the setting method: corundum (Mohs 9) is suitable for all methods; emerald (7.5-8) should avoid tension settings. The proposal specifies compatibility and recommendations.

Support customized gemstone settings. Process: Provide photos/certificates→Assess suitability for setting→Confirm the plan→Purchase shipping insurance for the stones and send them to the workshop (at Mingrun Jewelry Square, Panyu, Guangzhou)→We take photos to confirm there are no damages→Manufacture→Mail back the finished product. If there are any damages to the stones due to our operations during the setting process, we will compensate you.

Recommendations: ① Free Ring Sizer (please note when placing order and we will send it immediately) ② Professional measurements at jewelry stores ③ Self-measurement using a thin string. 10-20mm in Hong Kong size corresponds to 5-10mm in US size. For wide band rings, it is recommended to size up half a size to one size. First resizing is free.

Upon receipt of photo and video confirmation for finished product, payment must be made prior to dispatch. Payment should be made in the same manner as the deposit. Dispatch will occur within 1-2 working days after confirmation. If any objections are raised, they must be brought forth within 3 working days, with the option to modify for free before reshipment.

Logistics Questions

Shipping · 9 Questions

FedEx Priority / DHL Express air transportation with specialized security procedures for jewelry; ready-to-ship products can be sent via SF Express express service. Available for local pick-up in Guangzhou or at the display hall. 2-4 days in mainland China, 2-4 days in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, 3-5 days in North America, and 3-6 days in Europe.

Each order is fully insured based on the declared value, and the cost is included. Coverage is provided throughout the entire process from delivery to receipt. For claims: take photos → contact us within 24 hours → we will process the claim and prioritize the replacement or refund. Insurance for gemstone transportation is to be purchased by the customer.

Inner layer: Velvet bag/jewelry box + shock-absorbent foam. Outer layer: Shock-absorbent bubble wrap + unbranded cardboard box. No logo, no "Jewelry" text, no value tags. Item name for shipping filled in as "Accessories". Completely discreet.

①Take photos immediately (appearance/waybill/inside) ②Contact us within 24 hours ③Keep all packaging materials ④We will claim with the carrier and prioritize reissuing or refunding. Full insurance ensures zero loss. It is recommended to inspect on the spot upon delivery.

Direct dispatch from the Guangzhou atelier. 1-2 days to Guangzhou, 2-4 days for Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, 2-4 days to Singapore and South Korea, 3-5 days to North America, 3-6 days to the UK and Europe, 3-6 days to Australia and New Zealand. Remote areas add an additional 2-3 days. The above are business days.

DDU terms - Duties are borne by the recipient. We declare accurately without under-declaration. Reference markets: USA (5.5% for jewelry, threshold $800), UK (0-2.5% + VAT 20%), EU (0-4% + VAT 19-25%), Canada (0-8% + GST 5-15%), Australia (0-5% + GST 10%, threshold AUD 1000), Japan (0% + Consumption Tax 10%), Singapore (0% + GST 9%, threshold SGD 400). It is recommended to check the latest customs policy of your country before purchasing.

Free shipping upon reaching the threshold. For orders below the threshold, shipping costs are calculated based on destination and weight and displayed at checkout. No hidden fees, no additional fees for remote areas. Return shipping costs are borne by the buyer (except for quality issues).

For shipments from China to the USA, orders do not include sales tax, but import duties are borne by the recipient (DDU). Some states have tax exemptions or preferential tax rates for jewelry, which are subject to the latest regulations of the customs and tax departments of the respective states.

① Contact us (order number + reason) → ② Obtain return address + RMA number → ③ Trackable shipping back (keep receipt) → ④ We verify within 1-2 days → ⑤ Refund initiated within 3-5 business days. No handling fees are charged.

Payment Questions

payment · 8 Questions

Visa/Mastercard/Amex, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, WeChat Pay, Alipay, and bank transfers. All processed through Stripe, compliant with PCI-DSS Level 1 certification and enabled with 3D Secure. Card information is not stored, and the entire process is HTTPS.

Our checkout does not currently offer third-party installment services. Bespoke itself is a form of installment: 30-50% deposit is paid upon confirmation of the plan to lock the schedule and purchase materials. Final payment is made upon product acceptance before shipment, with a gap of 3-8 weeks in between.

Loose stones are eligible for a full refund within 7 days. Refunds are initiated within 3-5 business days after verification, and typically arrive within 5-10 days for credit cards and WeChat/Alipay, 3-5 days for PayPal, and 5-10 working days for bank transfers. No handling fees are charged.

Three steps: ① Email/WhatsApp/form to specify order number + reason → ② Receive return address + RMA number within 24 hours → ③ Trackable shipping back. One email can initiate the process.

A deposit (30-50%) is paid upon confirmation of the plan to lock the schedule and purchase materials. The final payment (50-70%) is made upon product acceptance before shipment. There are progress photos for tracking between 3-8 weeks.

Full refund is available if the product has not entered production. Once production has started, it cannot be refunded (materials have been purchased and labor has been invested). However, milestones are confirmed in writing, and there will be no 'halfway through' notifications. If the finished product does not match the plan, it can be remade for free or fully refunded.

Reasonable disputes (mismatch with the plan, quality issues, size error) are free of charge until satisfaction is achieved. If the final payment is refused, the product will not be shipped. Communication is the best way to resolve issues.

No fees are charged: No return handling fee, no relisting fee, no administrative fee. Refund = full amount of the product. Return shipping costs are borne by the buyer (except for quality issues). Cross-border refund fees for payment gateways are borne by us.

Privacy Questions

privacy · 3 Questions

Only collect: Name, address, email, phone (used for order processing and logistics delivery). Will not sell/share with third parties, will not send unsolicited marketing emails, and will not store complete card numbers.

Can be requested to be deleted at any time. Specify 'data deletion request' in the email or form. Completed within 30 days. Transaction records are retained for 7 years according to tax regulations (but personal identity information is deleted). Custom design files can be optionally retained.

No. No brand logo, no 'jewelry' wording, no value tags. The shipping item name is filled with neutral 'Accessories'. The tracking number is only sent to you. The courier does not know the nature of the contents.
Still Curious

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Founder Martin can directly answer any questions about gemstones, bespoke, and logistics within 24 hours on weekdays.