Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we are asked most often, from how a bespoke piece is made to how to care for it once it is yours. If you can't find what you need, you can contact our team on hello@leil.com.au, or message us on our Live Chat. We are open from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Saturdays 10am to 4pm.
Bespoke and engagement
How does the bespoke process work?
It begins with a consultation, in studio or online, where we explore your ideas, how the piece will be worn and the stone you have in mind. Once you decide to proceed with Leil, we develop a complimentary CAD design, source your diamond and present the options for your approval. Once the design is approved, your piece is crafted in Australia and carefully inspected by us before collection.
How long does a bespoke ring take?
Allow six weeks from design approval to completion. A bespoke cut diamond adds four weeks, so allow ten weeks in total. If you have a date in mind, tell us at your first appointment and we'll plan backwards from it.
Do I need a finished idea before we meet?
No. Some clients arrive with an idea with a mood board, others bring a few images or simply a sense of what they like. Part of our role is to translate that into a design that wears well every day.
Bespoke cut diamonds
What is a bespoke cut diamond?
A bespoke cut diamond is a shape that doesn't exist in a standard catalogue. We design its outline, facet pattern and proportions for your piece, and the diamond is grown and cut to that design. The result is a stone grown and made for you.
How is it made?
We begin with how the stone should take in and return light, and how its geometry relates to the setting around it. Before anything is cut, we show you the shape as a 3D model, so you can see its outline, proportions and facets. Once approved the laboratory grown diamond is then cut to our specification and reviewed by us before your ring is made.
How long does it take?
A bespoke cut adds four weeks to the six-week bespoke timeframe. Allow ten weeks in total from design approval. For a completely new, bespoke cut shape, we recommend six weeks additional to the six weeks, so twelve weeks total.
Can any shape be cut?
Most shapes can, within the limits of how a diamond behaves. Some outlines lose brilliance or become fragile at their points; we'll explain these trade-offs during design so the finished stone is both beautiful and durable.
What is a Spike cut?
Spike is an elongated, angular form with step-cut facets designed to control how light moves through the stone. We chose it for its light effects and geometry. Where a brilliant cut breaks light into scattered sparkles, Spike's long, parallel facets return it in broad, clean planes, so the stone reads as a precise line on the hand. It is available in our signature AURI ring.
Diamonds, gemstones and metals
Do you work with natural or laboratory-grown diamonds?
Both. Natural and laboratory-grown diamonds are chemically and optically the same; they differ in origin, rarity and price.
How do you source your diamonds?
We have sourced diamonds internationally for more than ten years and work only with suppliers we know. Natural diamonds come through suppliers who comply with the Kimberley Process. Laboratory-grown diamonds are sourced from known growers in India, who we've been working with for years. More about this here.
Do your diamonds come with certification?
Centre stones of 0.50ct and above come with an independent grading report from GIA or IGI. We'll walk you through the report so you understand exactly what you are buying.
Which metals do you work in?
We work in 9ct, 14ct and 18ct yellow, white and platinum. Each wears differently: yellow and white gold soften to a warm patina over time, white gold is rhodium plated and may need replating every few years, and platinum develops a soft matte finish that can be repolished.
Do you use coloured gemstones?
Yes we work with all gemstones. We can recommend the best options for each jewellery piece based on its durability. Each is selected individually for colour and clarity.
Making and quality
Where are your pieces made?
Every Leil piece is made in Australia by master jewellers we have worked with for years. Design, sourcing and quality control are led from our Sydney studio.
How do you check quality?
Each piece is inspected in the studio before it reaches you: stone security, finish, proportions and comfort on the hand. If anything falls short, it goes back to the bench before sending or collecting.
Are your designs made for everyday wear?
Yes. Our pieces are engineered to be worn daily, with low profiles and settings designed to protect the stone. Collections such as Ionia use flush settings with no prongs or raised edges. However, fine jewellery still needs to be worn with care: a significant knock can affect the structural integrity of a piece and the security of its stones.
Appointments
Where is your studio?
Our studio is in Sydney CBD. Appointments are by booking only. We are open from 10am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday. Last appointments are 4pm.
We are open Saturdays 10 am to 4pm. Last appointments are 3pm.
Do you offer virtual appointments?
Yes. If you are outside Sydney, we can design with you by video call and courier your finished piece, fully insured.
Do you do trunkshows?
We hold Melbourne trunkshows twice a year and are looking at other states in the upcoming year. Dates are announced through our newsletter and Instagram.
What happens at a first appointment, and is there a cost?
We talk through your ideas, try on reference pieces and look at stones. A first appointment usually runs 40 minutes and is complimentary.
Private appointments are in the studio or virtual. Book to begin.
Pricing and payment
What does a bespoke engagement ring cost?
Bespoke engagement rings begin from $6000 AUD. The final price depends mainly on the diamond, followed by metal and design complexity. We'll give you a written quote once the design and stone are agreed.
Does a bespoke cut diamond cost more?
Yes. Bespoke cutting is quoted after an appointment has been made and all requirements are established.
How is payment structured?
A $1000 design deposit begins the process and covers the development of your 3D render. Once you approve the design, a 50% deposit commences production and secures your chosen stone. The balance is due on collection, less the $1000 design deposit.
Which payment methods do you accept?
Bank transfer, Visa, Mastercard, Amex.
Sizing
How do I find my ring size?
The most reliable way is to be sized in studio. We size in Australian sizes and can convert from US and European sizes.
How can I find a size discreetly?
Bring a ring your partner already wears on the same finger, or trace the inside of one onto paper. We'll take it from there.
Can my ring be resized later?
Most designs can be resized by one or two sizes. Some, such as continuous-set or flush-set bands, can't be resized without remaking; we'll tell you at design stage if this applies.
Orders, shipping and returns
Are online pieces made to order?
Most pieces are made to order; the estimated making time is listed on each product page. Pieces marked ready to ship dispatch within 2 business days.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. All orders are sent fully insured with signature on delivery. International duties and taxes are prepaid are the recipient's responsibility.
Can I collect from the studio?
Yes. Select studio collection at checkout and we'll contact you to arrange a time.
What is your returns policy?
Bespoke and made-to-order pieces are created for you and can't be returned or refunded, except where required under Australian Consumer Law. Ready-to-ship pieces may be exchanged within 7 days if unworn and in original packaging.
Can I cancel a bespoke order?
Deposits are non-refundable, as each stage commits design work and materials made specifically for you. We review every detail with you before moving to the next stage, so you approve the design and stone with full confidence before production begins.
Can I change or cancel an online order?
Changes or cancellations must be done within 24 hours because pieces go to a jeweller straight away. Contact our team on hello@leil.com.au with your order or invoice number.
Care, warranty and repairs
Do your pieces come with a warranty?
Every piece is covered by a 12-month warranty against manufacturing faults from the date of collection. It doesn't cover impact damage or alterations made by another jeweller.
Do you offer cleaning and maintenance?
Yes. We offer annual complimentary cleaning and a stone-security check for Leil pieces in the studio. We recommend a check every 12 months for rings worn daily.
Can you repair a damaged piece?
Yes. Contact us with photos of the piece and we'll arrange an assessment and quote. Allow two to three weeks for most repairs.
How should I care for my jewellery day to day?
Remove rings for the gym, gardening, swimming and cleaning. Store pieces separately so diamonds don't scratch other metals or stones, and clean them gently with warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
Should I insure my jewellery?
We recommend it. Every bespoke piece comes with details that can be provided to any insurance company. We provide invoices for clients who need insurance cover.