Frequently Asked Questions From Our Customers

A well-lit Melbourne boutique interior with display cases showcasing handmade jewelry, brown wall panels, a large chandelier, and a black carpeted floor. There are stools at each display case and a flower vase on a desk.

MDT DESIGN Frequently Asked Questions From Clients

Custom Jewellery Design in Melbourne and Australia

How does the custom jewellery design process work?

Most custom pieces require one to two consultations to finalise the design and source the perfect stones if they are not already available in our boutique. Once confirmed, manufacturing takes approximately four to six weeks.

Can I customise or design my own jewellery piece?

Yes. You can work directly with one of our designers at MDT DESIGN to create a fully bespoke piece tailored to your preferences, style and budget.

Can you recreate or modernise a family heirloom?

Yes. MDT DESIGN can redesign heirloom jewellery and often reuse your existing gold, diamonds and gemstones in the new piece.

Can I use my own diamond or gemstone in a custom design?

In most cases yes. MDT DESIGN can remove stones from heirloom pieces and reset them into a new design. We generally do not set newly purchased external stones into our designs.

Can I see a sketch before production?

Yes. MDT DESIGN provides hand sketches of your design. We do not use 3D rendering, as all jewellery is handmade and not cast or mass produced.

Do I need to book an appointment for a design consultation?

Appointments are recommended to ensure dedicated design time with one of our designers, although walk ins are welcome when available.

Can I bring photos or sketches for inspiration?

Yes. We encourage bringing photos, sketches or inspiration images to help guide your design.

Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings in Melbourne

Do you offer engagement rings and wedding rings?

Yes. MDT DESIGN carries a curated ready to wear collection in our Melbourne boutique, however most engagement rings and wedding rings are made to order and fully custom.

How do I choose the perfect engagement ring?

Speak with our designers and we will guide you through styles, stones and settings. Our Love at First Sight guarantee ensures the final piece is perfect.

What are the most popular engagement ring styles?

Round solitaire diamonds remain the most popular. Oval, pear, cushion and unique settings are becoming increasingly popular.

Can you make matching wedding bands for couples?

Yes. MDT DESIGN creates matching or complementary wedding bands for couples, tailored to individual preferences.

How far in advance should I order wedding rings?

We recommend ordering your wedding bands at least eight weeks before your wedding date.

Diamonds and Gemstones

What metals do you work with?

MDT DESIGN works exclusively with precious metals including 9ct and 18ct yellow, white and rose gold, as well as platinum which is 95 percent pure.

What gemstones do you use?

We primarily work with diamonds, sapphires, emeralds and rubies. We also stock amethyst, aquamarine, topaz, opal, garnet, pearls and citrine.

What is the difference between natural and lab grown diamonds?

Natural diamonds form over millions of years within the earth. Lab grown diamonds are created in controlled environments. Both are equally durable.

What are the 4 Cs of diamonds?

The 4 Cs are carat, cut, colour and clarity. A balanced combination of all four is more important than size alone.

Do you offer pink diamonds and emerald cut diamonds?

Yes. MDT DESIGN specialises in Australian and Argyle pink diamonds, emerald cut diamonds and other fancy shapes including oval, pear and cushion.

Can coloured gemstones be used in engagement rings?

Yes. We recommend sapphires, rubies and emeralds due to their durability and suitability for everyday wear.

Do you offer gemstone sourcing for rare stones?

Yes. MDT DESIGN has global contacts to source rare and specific gemstones upon request.

Ethical Jewellery and Sustainability

Are your diamonds conflict free?

Yes. All diamonds at MDT DESIGN adhere to the Kimberley Process and are conflict free.

Are your gemstones ethically sourced?

Yes. We work with reputable and ethical suppliers.

Do you recycle gold or remodel old jewellery?

Yes. MDT DESIGN recycles old gold and can melt down your existing pieces for reuse.

Can I trade in old gold or platinum jewellery?

Yes. Gold and platinum can be credited toward a new purchase.

Ring Resizing, Jewellery Repairs and Cleaning Services

Do you offer resizing, cleaning and repair services?

Yes. All resizing, cleaning and repairs are completed onsite in the MDT DESIGN Melbourne workshop.

How long does ring resizing take?

Typically five to seven business days depending on complexity.

How much does ring resizing cost?

Pricing varies based on the number of sizes adjusted, the metal type and the ring design.

How long do jewellery repairs take?

Simple repairs usually take around five business days. More complex repairs such as retipping may take ten to twelve business days.

How long does jewellery cleaning and polishing take?

If dropped off before 11am during the week, your piece can often be ready by 4pm the same day.

Do you offer rhodium plating for white gold?

Yes. Same day service is available if your piece is dropped off before 11am. The cost is approximately 180 AUD per piece and rhodium plating typically lasts around twelve months.

Jewellery Warranty and Aftercare

Is there a warranty on MDT DESIGN jewellery?

All pieces from MDT DESIGN come with a lifetime manufacturing warranty, provided the jewellery is professionally cleaned and checked every eight to twelve months. Failure to maintain inspections reduces the warranty to twelve months.

How often should jewellery be checked or cleaned professionally?

We recommend every eight to twelve months.

What should I do if a stone becomes loose or falls out?

Contact MDT DESIGN immediately to arrange an assessment.

Do you offer complimentary cleaning and polishing?

Yes. MDT DESIGN offers complimentary lifetime cleaning, polishing and refinishing for all pieces purchased from us.

Jewellery Pricing, Lay By and Returns

How much does a custom piece cost?

Pricing depends on the metal type and weight, the diamonds or gemstones selected and the labour complexity involved.

Do you offer payment plans or lay by?

Yes. MDT DESIGN offers lay by with a minimum 30 percent deposit required before production begins.

Can I cancel or change my order after it is confirmed?

Yes. Orders can be changed or cancelled, however refunds are not provided. Store credit is offered instead.

What if I am not happy with the final piece?

MDT DESIGN offers a 100 percent credit guarantee that can be used toward another piece.

Jewellery Insurance Valuations and Appraisals

Do pieces come with a certificate of authenticity or valuation?

Yes. Valuations and relevant stone certifications are provided where applicable.

Can you provide insurance valuations for jewellery not purchased from MDT DESIGN?

Yes. MDT DESIGN provides insurance valuations for pieces purchased from us and for external pieces.

How often should jewellery be revalued for insurance?

Insurance companies generally recommend revaluing every two years.

Will my jewellery increase in value over time?

Pieces made in gold with natural diamonds and gemstones generally increase over time. Lab grown diamonds and synthetic gemstones are typically on a downward trend.

Orders, Shipping and Consultations

How long does it take to make a bespoke piece?

Most new pieces take approximately four to six weeks to create.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. MDT DESIGN ships worldwide. Australian shipping can take up to seven business days. International shipping generally takes seven to fourteen business days depending on location.

How do I book an appointment with MDT DESIGN?

You may call the boutique on 03 9654 6805, email [email protected] or visit our Melbourne CBD boutique to make a booking.

Do you work with interstate or overseas clients?

Yes. MDT DESIGN works with many clients outside Melbourne via phone, email and video consultations.

Jewellery Gifts, Engraving and Gift Vouchers

Do you offer gift wrapping?

Yes. All MDT DESIGN pieces come in branded gift packaging and can also be gift wrapped.

Do you offer engraving for rings?

Yes. Inside ring engraving is available for approximately 150 AUD depending on length and complexity.

Do you offer gift vouchers?

Yes. MDT DESIGN gift vouchers have no expiry date and can be used on products or services.

What jewellery gifts are popular for anniversaries and birthdays?

Popular choices include diamond pendants, tennis bracelets and custom designed dress rings.

Jewellery Care for Everyday Wear

Can I wear my engagement ring every day?

Yes. We encourage daily wear, however it is best to remove jewellery during heavy manual activities.

Is it safe to wear jewellery while swimming or showering?

Generally yes, but pearls and opals should be removed. Ill fitting rings may slip in cold water.

Is it safe to wear jewellery while exercising or playing sport?

It is best to remove jewellery during weightlifting and contact sports to prevent damage or injury.

Which gemstones are suitable for everyday wear?

Diamonds, sapphires and rubies are ideal due to their hardness.

What is the best metal for sensitive skin?

Platinum is often best for sensitive skin due to its high purity.

Handmade Jewellery in Melbourne

Where are MDT DESIGN pieces made?

All jewellery at MDT DESIGN is handmade onsite in our Melbourne CBD workshop.

What is the difference between handmade and handcrafted jewellery?

Handmade jewellery is created using traditional methods such as rolling, forging and forming metal, resulting in a higher quality heirloom piece. Handcrafted jewellery is often computer designed, cast from moulds and then hand finished. MDT DESIGN specialises in handmade jewellery.