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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT HIDALGO ENAMELGeneral information:What is enamel?What is the difference between French and Italian enamel? Does Hidalgo use French or Italian enamel? Is the enamel durable? Does it chip easily? Does Hidalgo product come with a written warranty? What diamond quality does Hidalgo use? Do the enamel and the diamonds go all the way around or partway? If a ring is normally made partway around the ring, can I have it made all the way around? Do you stock rings in different sizes or are they made to order? Where is Hidalgo jewelry made? Order information:Do you stock all the Hidalgo pieces on the Maurice Badler website?Can I order anything that appears in the Hidalgo catalog? If I saw something in the Hidalgo catalog, can I see it first before placing a special order? How long does it typically take to get my order? Can I get a rush order before Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day? Is it possible to get a rush order at other times? Can I get any ring in any color? Are rings available in any finger size? If I have a ring made to order and I change my mind, can I send it back? What metals can I order? If I order Hidalgo’s interchangeable jewelry, and I want more colors later, is it necessary to send the frame back? What is your discount percentage off the Suggested Retail price? What if I don’t know my (her) finger size? Repairs:If I have a problem with the enamel, can it be repaired?How long do repairs take? Can the rings be sized if my size changes? Can I change the enamel color? Can we ask Hidalgo to repair or re-enamel non-Hidalgo jewelry? General information:What is enamel?Enamel is a composition of heated glass or glass-like materials fused to a surface—in this case—18k gold or platinum. Some enamel is opaque, while others are translucent or transparent, where the textured or engraving in the surface shows through.What is the difference between French and Italian enamel?French enamel is powdered glass that is heated to temperatures of 1200 to 1500 degrees, where it crystallizes and adheres to the surface of the metal. French enamel does not scratch and can be subjected to harsh chemicals (excluding hydrochloric acid.) Because it is glass based, it can chip if it is hit against a sharp surface. Although it can be repaired, some people, who wear their jewelry a little hard, will chip the enamel repeatedly. Additionally, there are color limitations and you cannot adhere French enamel to white gold or platinum.The Italian enamel process has been perfected. It cannot be chipped. Household chemicals will not harm the enamel. It is also possible to match almost any color. Italian enamel should not be exposed to a direct flame, but when do you put your hand in a direct flame? Theoretically you could scratch it, but this is unlikely to happen. If it is scratched over a long period of time, you can send it back for re-enameling for a minimal fee, and the ring will look like new. Does Hidalgo use French or Italian enamel?Hidalgo switched to the Italian enamel process several years ago. Repairs for enamel problems have been virtually non-existent for three years.Is the enamel durable? Does it chip easily?Italian enamel is extremely durable and cannot chip. Maurice Badler’s experience with Italian enamel from Hidalgo and other companies has shown almost no repairs. In addition, Hidalgo uses raised dots, hearts, X’s or other motifs that are raised slightly above the enamel, thereby protecting it in case the rings are hit accidentally.Does Hidalgo product come with a written warranty?Hidalgo provides a warranty card, which we include with all orders. However, we offer our more extensive Maurice Badler warranty in addition to Hidalgo's. Please click here to view our warranty.What diamond quality does Hidalgo use?Hidalgo guarantees his diamonds to be VVS clarity, G color or better. His tiniest 1 point diamonds are full cut.Do the enamel and the diamonds go all the way around or partway?The patterns on most Hidalgo rings go half way around. On the ones that go all around, sometimes the motif continues all the way, sometimes just the enamel continues. Occasionally, there is a diamond motif on the top and the pattern continues all around, but without diamonds. If it matters to you, please ask before placing your order.If a ring is normally made partway around the ring, can I have it made all the way around?Sometimes, yes. Hidalgo’s jewelers will custom make the ring for you if it is possible. There will be an additional model-making charge. We will get you a price quote before they begin production. Keep in mind that, due to the extra labor, this ring will take longer than one month to make. Once begun is the order may not be cancelled, and the ring is not returnable.Do you stock rings in different sizes or are they made to order?Hidalgo’s “stock” size is 6 ½. All other sizes are custom made to order.Where is Hidalgo jewelry made?Hidalgo jewelry is made in Miami, Florida.Order information:Do you stock all the Hidalgo pieces on the Maurice Badler website?Normally, yes. Occasionally, we are out of stock because we often send out our sample rings for clients to approve.Can I order anything that appears in the Hidalgo catalog?Of course. Anything Hidalgo makes is available to us.If I saw something in the Hidalgo catalog that Maurice Badler doesn’t stock, can I see it first before placing a special order?If you have never seen the item in person and wish to see it first, we will get the stock size piece to send you from Hidalgo. Of course, this assumes they have one to send us. This item is returnable for a refund or exchangeable for one in the correct finger size.How long does it typically take to get my order?Hidalgo’s production time is one month. Allow a little extra for shipping time from them to us and then on to you. When in a pinch for time, we can have them drop ship the jewelry, but we prefer all items to pass our Quality Assurance inspection before sending them to you.Can I get a rush order before Christmas, Valentine’s Day, or Mothers Day?Sometimes, Hidalgo can produce more quickly. During the Christmas season, they work overtime so that any order placed before Dec 8th should come in time for Christmas. Presume you will need overnight or 2nd day air shipping in the 10 days before Christmas. Check with us for Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day deadlines.Is it possible to get a rush order at other times?Hidalgo’s people are very responsive to our needs. Sometimes they can get an order sooner, but it is never guaranteed. Rings without enamel have a good chance of coming sooner. Presume you will need overnight or 2nd day air shipping.Can I get any ring in any color?All Hidalgo jewelry may be special ordered in any color Hidalgo makes. Please be aware that translucent enamel reflects the color of the metal underneath. Although black, red, and royal blue will look virtually the same on yellow or white gold, light blues and pinks will look very different on yellow gold than they do on white. For example, light pink looks like salmon on yellow gold. We will advise you if you choose a color/metal combination that might come out differently than what you expect.Are rings available in any finger size?You may order Hidalgo’s rings in any finger size. Please note that for rings sizes 8 through 9 3/4 the price is 10% higher. Sizes 10 and above will be 20% higher.If I have a ring made to order and I change my mind, can I send it back?Unfortunately, not. It has been custom made for you in your color preference and finger size. For a minimal charge, you can change the enamel color at any time.What metals can I order?You may order in 18k white or yellow gold, or platinum. The surcharge for platinum varies with each piece. We will get a quotation for you to approve before placing your special order in platinum.If I order Hidalgo’s interchangeable jewelry , and I want more colors later, is it necessary to send the frame back?It is not necessary to send back the frame, there is only a small variation in the width of the centers from piece to piece.What is your discount percentage off the Suggested Retail price?We don’t have a uniform percentage off the retail. However, we will quote you a price for any ring you specify. It will be worth your time to call.What if I don’t know my (her) finger size?We suggest you purchase the stock size 6 ½, which fits many people. After you receive (or your gift recipient receives) it, you may exchange it for a new one in the correct size.Repairs:If I have a problem with the enamel, can it be repaired?Of course. Hidalgo will re-enamel their jewelry. There may be a charge, which will be quoted to you before any work is done.How long do repairs take?Repairs for Hidalgo jewelry generally take one month, although sometimes they will come sooner.Can the ring size be changed if my size changes?Yes. Hidalgo will size and re-enamel the rings. Please keep in mind that all around patterns may be altered when adding or taking out gold sections. A price will be quoted to you before any work is done.Can I change the enamel color?Yes, you can. This is a wonderful feature. Should you decide you want a change, send the jewelry back to us. We will quote a price for you before any work is done.Can we ask Hidalgo to repair or re-enamel non-Hidalgo jewelry?Yes. Hidalgo is very accommodating to us. However, rings intended for enameling have to be made a certain way to hold the enamel. Although they will try their best, we cannot guarantee the work on jewelry that was not made by Hidalgo.These questions and answers were compiled from Hidalgo’s “frequently asked questions” report and by our staff that has years of experience with enamel.©2002-2009 Maurice Badler Fine Jewelry Ltd.
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