Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do you do custom jewellery and repairs on-site?
A: Yes, we have 2 goldsmiths upstairs and all the equipment necessary to do wax carving, casting, and almost all types of repairs.
Q. Is your business locally owned?
A. Yes, we are completely family owned here in Edmonton, and we’ve been in business since 1980. See our About Us section for more.
Q: Do you have free parking?
A: Yes. We have 5 parking spaces of our own behind our building, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot.
Q: Is platinum stronger than white gold?
A: No. Platinum is actually softer, but because it’s softer, it doesn’t crumble like gold when it gets scratched, so platinum jewellery lasts a lot longer. See our Precious Metals Guide for more.
Q: Do you sell Canadian Diamonds?
A: Yes, we sell both Canadian and international diamonds. A lot of jewellery stores carry higher quality diamonds in their Canadian showcase, but all diamonds are graded the same way. Also, some Canadian diamond brands are more expensive because they advertise a lot. We try to carry high quality diamonds of all kinds with the most competitive prices we can.
Q: Is there a way to keep my rings from spinning as much?
A: It’s a very common problem and actually there are several methods. The easiest way is to flatten the bottom of the ring a bit. We can also add gold beads to the inside to provide friction, or add a permanent ring guard or an arthritic shank if the problem is more severe.
Q: How long does the custom process take?
A: Usually it takes around a month, give or take a week or two, depending on how many alterations we need to make on the wax. We usually make a wax version first, and we can fine-tune the piece until you’re happy with it.
Q: How long do repairs take?
A: We do a lot of repairs here, so there's usually a backlog of 2-3 weeks or so. Call us at 780-482-4822 or email us at steve.adamas@yahoo.com to find out the current timeframe.
Q: What metals can you repair?
A: We do repairs on gold, silver, and platinum. When dealing with other metals, we might be limited on what we can do, but we can take a look and let you know the options.
Q: Do you clean and polish jewellery?
A: Yes, we offer free cleaning, and we offer polishing for $10 per item. If the piece is from us, then polishing is free!
Q: How often should I get my jewellery checked?
A: Any rings that are being worn every day should be checked once a year or so to make sure there’s no loose diamonds or claws that need repair. We don’t charge anything to check rings. We also clean them thoroughly, because the dirt can help hold diamonds in place. It’s very common for diamonds to loosen up or fall out after the ring has been cleaned.
Q: What are some of the most common problems that can happen with jewellery?
A: Most problems stem from the gold wearing down over the years. The tips of claws in rings eventually wear down to the point where they’re fragile and sharp, and can easily break. It’s a good idea to get claws re-tipped every 10 years or so, and that should help prevent you from losing a diamond. Also, the links and loops in chains and bracelets get a lot of wear from the rubbing between them, and eventually weaken and break, especially near the clasp.
Q: Do you do watch repairs?
A: Unfortunately no, we don’t do any kinds of work with watches. Watch repairs are a bit of a different field from goldsmithing.
Q: Do you do appraisals?
A: Unfortunately we don't do professional appraisals. If you just want to get an opinion on something, then one of our goldsmiths could take a look, and usually they'll know pretty well, but we don't have the equipment needed to be 100% sure about gemstones. You'd need to go to a certified gemologist for that, and they'd give you the paperwork needed to get the piece insured as well.
Q: Do couples today shop for engagement rings and wedding bands together?
A: A lot of couples shop together now for both. Usually if the man is shopping for the engagement ring by himself, he’ll have some idea of what kind of ring she likes. Today’s ring market is so diverse, and most women have a preference, so it’s a good idea for the man to get ideas from her or her friends. Classic engagement styles like solitaires are usually a pretty safe pick if he doesn’t have any ideas. Almost all couples shop for the wedding bands together while they plan their wedding.
Q: What are the best alternatives to diamond?
A: We carry quite a few at Adamas Goldsmiths. Synthetic diamonds (or artisan diamonds) have been advertised a lot lately, and they look just like genuine diamonds and are quite a bit less expensive. There’s also moissanite, which is also a man-made stone which looks just like a diamond and has almost the same hardness. They’re quite a bit less expensive than synthetic diamonds. Cubic zirconia is extremely cheap and not really recommended for rings, because it’s softer and will show wear over time.
Q: Do I need to make an appointment?
A: No, we don’t take appointments. We rarely have more than 1 customer at a time and we have 4 staff members that can help you.