Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Diamonds

How do I grade diamonds?

To learn the basics of diamond grading please visit the diamond grading section in our education page. In this section of our education page we explain the 4 C’s of diamond grading which include Color, Clarity, Carat and cut.

Do you sell loose diamonds?

Yes, we sell loose diamonds online, certified by the GIA. You can also view them in 3D. Click here to buy diamonds online. Also any diamonds you find in the Custom Diamond Engagement Ring Builder are GIA certified as well, on that page you can buy custom engagement rings along with your diamonds.

What is carat? (diamonds)

Carat, like grams is a way to count the weight of gemstones. One carat is approximately 0,2 grams. To learn more about diamond carat please visit the carat section in our education page in which the other 3 C’s are also explained.

What is your standard set diamond quality?

The standard quality of our set diamonds is VS-G. This means “Very Slightly Included”, and “G Color”, which are both high criteria for quality. Please note that quality standard does not include larger central diamonds, but the ones set inside the gold.

Why do you use this standard quality for your diamonds?

There are many varieties of fine jewelry. Since our clients are interested in diamond jewelry set on 18k gold, which are both symbols of status, we want to ensure they get only the best. It is also crucial for us that jewels have the right sparkle and reflection in their beauty, which is hard to achieve with low quality diamonds. In short, we want to offer our clients only the best.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ring Customization

How do I use the Ring Builder?

The bottom of the Ring Builder page has a blue link which says “how to use our ring builder”. Press this link to expand the bottom of the page to include instructions on how to build your own ring.

How do I find out what my ring size is?

If you already have a ring that fits you, but you don’t know its size, we recommend you measure the center hole. If you do not know your ring size, please contact us by phone, e-mail or live support and we will gladly send you an accurate ring-sizing strip by mail at no cost for you. For more information about finding your ring size, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Company

When was Antwerp Or founded?

Antwerp Or in its current form and under its current name was originally founded on January 30 1991. However, our family started with another jewelry shop in 1978.

How safe is online shopping at Antwerp Or?

Online shopping at Antwerp Or is extremely safe. Not only are all of our pages encrypted by default, we also never store any payment information such as credit card numbers or CCV info on our servers. All this information passes exclusively through the most safe and secure certified websites and servers.

Do you have a physical showroom I can visit?

Yes we do! You are invited to come by if you are ever in the area. Please visit the contact page for more information about our showroom such as location and opening hours.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gold

What is carat? (gold)

When speaking of carat in terms of gold people refer to the purity of the gold. Pure gold is 24 carat. However, 24 carat gold is never used because gold in its unmixed pure form is very brittle and easily dented. Click here to learn more about gold carat purities in detail.

Why do you exclusively sell 18 carat gold?

We believe there are too many problems associated with 14 carat gold and purities over 18 carats. 14 carat gold lacks the prestige of having high gold purity, as it is only roughly 50% gold. In an opposite example, 24 carat gold is is almost unusable for working with, and even when an item is finished to high standards it is far more likely to lose its shape from receiving pressure on certain spots. 18 carat gold is what we believe to be the proper mix to represent the prestige associated with high gold purity while still keeping the gold solid, strong and ready for long term use.

What is the difference between 14 carat gold and 18 carat gold?

Partially explained in the above answer, the main difference between 14 carat gold and 18 carat gold is percentage of gold from which the metal consists. 14 carat gold is roughly 58% gold, while 18 carat gold is approximately 75% gold.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Diamond Jewelry

How should I clean my jewels?

We recommend a toothbrush, some hot water and something that is good at removing fatty stains. We especially recommend liquid dishwasher.

Do you have any guides explaining how to clean diamond jewelry??

We have a guide explaining how to clean diamond earrings, and another explaining how to clean diamond rings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shopping At Antwerp Or

Are my orders sent insured?

All of your orders are perfectly insured on both ends. We buy insurance separately for every shipment and only use internationally recognized couriers and properly declare the value and nature of the jewels we ship.

What Import Fees can I expect?

Import fees are currently 2.5% for the United Kingdom, 5.5% for the United States, 6.5% for Canada and 5% for Australia.

What countries do you ship to?

We will ship your item anywhere in the world – for free! Please note however that clientel purchasing either loose diamonds or diamond jewelry from our shop will have to pay an additional 21% in taxes.

Specifically, these are the countries we ship to with full insurance coverage:

Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bermuda, Bulgaria, Canada, China, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Panama, Poland, Porutgal, Romania, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Vietnam

For shipping to other countries, please contact us first.

What is your online refund policy?

If for any reason whatsoever you decide to return your jewel you are able to do so for a total of 30 days and get a refund. To read more about our shipping & returns policy, please click here.

What is the estimated delivery time?

Every item for sale on our website is available and in-stock. Delivery time will take about a week in most cases, but definitely not much longer for regular jewels. The ring builder is however an exception. The models of the ring builder are not already made, but the loose parts can take up to two weeks to create. It is for this reason that some deliveries from the ring builder might take up to 3 weeks to deliver.