Frequently Asked Questions

About Us

What is your warranty policy on handmade MAX Diamonds Jewellery?

At MAX Diamonds we create your handmade jewellery using the highest quality materials and the most experienced and talented jewellers here in Sydney, Australia. Jewellery that you purchase from MAX Diamonds is something we want you to treasure for life, and go on to become family heirlooms. We take great pride in our work, and because of this all of our handmade jewellery comes with a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing and material faults.

All MAX Diamonds jewellery set with gemstones of any kind must be checked by one of our trained consultants every 18 months or the lifetime guarantee will be void. We recommend that you bring in jewellery purchased from MAX Diamonds for an annual complimentary check and clean to make sure that the precious gemstones are secure in their setting

Our guarantee does not cover any faults or damage caused by general wear and tear, misuse, neglect, scratches or accidents. Any changes to MAX Diamonds jewellery made by any jeweller other than us will make this guarantee void.

In the rare instance that there is anything you are concerned about with your jewellery, please contact us to arrange to bring in your jewellery as soon as possible for us to inspect, so we can either repair free of charge if covered by our guarantee or we can work out a quote to repair it for you.

We love hearing from you so please contact us with any questions you may have.

How much does a ring cost?

A handmade ring in 18 carat white or yellow gold with a simple, classical setting and no additional diamonds starts at about $3,000 inc GST.

For platinum rings, we need to check on the trading price of platinum on the day of purchase, as the cost of platinum fluctuates on a daily basis. If you have a design or idea in mind for your engagement ring, please feel free to email it to us or bring it in and we would be more than happy to work out some quotes for you.

How do I pay for my ring?

We accept cash, cheque, all major credit cards, EFTPOS and electronic transfer. If you have asked us to custom-make a ring for you, we accept a 50 percent deposit at the time that you place your order and the balance only when you collect your ring and you’re 100 percent happy with it. It’s our mission to make sure you are absolutely thrilled with your finished jewellery.

Where do the diamonds come from?

Our diamonds are predominantly mined in Central and Southern Africa and the vast mine fields of Canada, and are sourced from cutting factories all over the world.

What is a Conflict-Free Diamond?

All of our GIA certified diamonds here at MAX Diamonds are certified as conflict-free and ethically traded. The GIA has a strict set of protocols that they follow in their grading process to ensure diamonds they have graded have been sourced ethically and sold in compliance with the Kimberley Process, to stem the illegal flow of conflict diamonds into the international marketplace and help ensure that only diamonds mined in accordance with the regulatory measures end up in jewellery sold to consumers.

Can I design my own ring?

Absolutely! At MAX Diamonds, we specialise in creating bespoke jewellery that reflects your individual style and vision. Whether you have a clear design in mind or are looking for inspiration, our experienced jewellery designers and gemmologists will guide you through the process. From selecting the perfect diamond or gemstone to choosing your preferred precious metal and refining the design, we'll work with you to create a unique piece that feels truly personal. To get started, book a private consultation with our team or send us an email.

What are your opening hours?

To make sure we can attend to you with care and attention, we ask you to make an appointment before you come to see our diamond collection in our Sydney showroom. Appointments are available between 9am to 4:30pm, from Monday to Friday.  Just call us on (02) 9231 3454 to arrange an appointment.

Where are you located?

We have a private showroom on King Street in Sydney’s central business district. Suite 315, 3rd Floor, The Trust Building, 155 King Street, SYDNEY 2000. Visiting our showroom is a pleasant experience that makes it hard to believe our diamonds are also affordable and highly competitive in price.

We ask you to make an appointment before you visit our showroom, to help us give you the time, quality, care and attention you deserve.

Do you have diamonds in stock for me to look at?

We carry a wide selection of diamonds in stock to show you. Do you have a particular diamond specification? Let us know and we’ll order it in. Most of our customers find it hard to choose between the incredible supply of loose diamonds we already hold in our showroom. We also have a range of handmade rings to try on. Sometimes it helps to see how different ring styles look when you try them on.

Do you sell wedding bands?

Yes, we have a large range of mens’ and ladies’ wedding rings to look at as well as commitment rings. If you don’t find one that we already have in stock that meets your needs, we can also custom-make one to suit your engagement ring, or matched to your partner’s ring.

What is the difference between a handmade ring and a cast ring?

At MAX Diamonds, we offer both handmade and cast engagement ring designs, giving you the flexibility to choose the style, craftsmanship and price point that best suits your preferences.

Handmade rings are individually crafted by our master jeweller, with the metal carefully shaped, formed and assembled to create your chosen design. This traditional process involves considerable skill and attention to detail, allowing for a high level of customisation and a truly individual finish. As each ring requires significant hands-on workmanship, handmade designs generally have a higher price point.

Cast rings are created by pouring molten gold or platinum into a mould to form the design. Casting allows designs to be reproduced more efficiently and can offer a more accessible price point, while still achieving a beautiful result. We offer a selection of cast designs alongside our handmade jewellery.

The main differences are the manufacturing process, the level of individual craftsmanship, the design options and the overall cost. The strength and durability of either type of ring will also depend on its design, metal and construction. Our team can help you compare the options and choose the approach that best suits your design, lifestyle and budget.

What is the difference between 9-carat and 18-carat gold?

The main difference between 9ct and 18ct gold is the amount of pure gold each contains. 9ct gold contains 37.5% pure gold, while 18ct gold contains 75% pure gold. The remaining percentage consists of other metals, known as alloys, which influence the colour, hardness and properties of the gold.

9ct gold is generally more affordable and can be a practical choice for everyday jewellery. Its higher proportion of alloy metals can make it harder than some 18ct gold alloys, although its overall durability depends on the specific alloy and design.

18ct gold has a richer gold content and is often chosen for its luxurious appearance and precious-metal value. It is a popular choice for engagement rings and wedding bands intended to be treasured for a lifetime. However, its resistance to scratching and wear depends on the alloy composition and how the jewellery is made.

For white gold, both 9ct and 18ct options may be rhodium plated to achieve a bright, white finish. Over time, this coating can wear away with regular use, revealing the natural colour of the white gold beneath. Periodic replating may be required, depending on the alloy and how frequently the piece is worn.

Our Recommendation for Engagement Rings

At MAX Diamonds, we generally recommend 18ct gold for engagement rings because of its higher gold content. As an engagement ring is often a piece of jewellery you'll wear and treasure for a lifetime, we believe 18ct gold is an excellent choice. While 9ct gold can be a more affordable alternative for men's wedding rings, our preference for engagement rings is 18ct gold for its premium quality and timeless appeal.

I've heard about cut, colour, clarity, and carat. But what are 'polish' and 'symmetry' grades?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) describes the “polish” grade of a diamond as “the quality of the surface condition of the facets on a diamond”. The average consumer won’t be able to tell the difference between a Very Good and Excellent polish grade, but might be able to tell the difference between an Excellent and Good polish grade with a lot of difficulty. To give you an example, a diamond might be given a Very Good polish grade because of fine polishing lines on the diamond surface that only an experienced grader will see with some effort under 10x magnification. These polishing lines would be minute and invisible to the naked eye, even if it has been given a Good polish grade. The “symmetry” grade refers to the shape of the diamond; it is the actual symmetry and even placement of each of the small, polished surfaces of the cut diamond. Few people would be able to tell the difference between a Very Good and Excellent symmetry grade. A diamond might be given a Very Good symmetry grade because one facet is a different shape or it doesn’t align with the other facets. You will see the noticeable faults in the symmetry only if the diamond has been graded fair or poor. We only stock Excellent and Very Good polish and symmetry graded diamonds.