Gregorio Diamonds faqs banner — Gregorio Diamonds FAQs — Jewelry, Watches, Appraisals & Buying in Hialeah, FL — Hialeah, Florida
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our appraisals, repairs, custom design, watch service, jewelry buying, and more at Gregorio Diamonds in Hialeah, Florida. Can't find your answer? Get in touch.

01About Gregorio Diamonds & Our Location

Where we are, who we are, and what makes us different.

Where is Gregorio Diamonds located?

Gregorio Diamonds is located in the Country Club Shopping Center at 7664 NW 186th Street, Hialeah, FL 33015.

We welcome customers from Hialeah, Miami Lakes, Hialeah Gardens, Miami Springs, Miramar and Pembroke Pines at our Hialeah showroom.

Visit our locations page for hours, directions and contact information.

What are your hours?

We're open:

  • Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday & Monday: Closed
What makes Gregorio Diamonds different from other Hialeah jewelers?

Gregorio Diamonds is a family-owned jewelry store with a jewelry tradition dating to the 1930s. We're led by Tony Abajian, a third-generation jeweler and GIA-trained gemologist, and his son Gregory M. Abajian, a fourth-generation jeweler and watchmaker.

You get four generations of expertise, an on-site GIA-trained gemologist, and an on-site watchmaker — all in one location. That's rare, and it means jewelry, diamonds, and watches never leave our workbench.

Do I need an appointment?

No appointment needed for most services — walk in during business hours for evaluations, repairs, appraisals, or to browse the showroom. For custom design consultations, large estate evaluations, or bringing multiple watches, calling ahead helps us prepare and give you dedicated time.

02Jewelry Repair

Ring resizing, stone tightening, broken chains, and everything in between.

What jewelry repair services do you offer?

We offer full jewelry repair right here at our store, including fixing broken chains, resizing rings, replacing and tightening stones, repairing clasps, soldering, prong retipping, engraving, pearl restringing, and cleaning or polishing. Our jewelers have experience with many types of jewelry — if you aren't sure what your piece needs, just ask.

How long does a ring resizing or broken clasp repair take?

Simple repairs like resizing or a clasp fix are often done within 2 to 5 days, depending on how busy the shop is and the specific work needed. If the job needs special parts or extra work, it might take a little longer.

How much does ring resizing cost?

Ring resizing cost depends on the metal (gold, platinum, silver), how many sizes up or down, and the complexity of the setting. Simple resizes on plain gold bands cost less than resizing an intricate diamond eternity band. Bring your ring in for a free evaluation and we'll give you an exact quote before any work begins.

Can you clean and restore diamond jewelry that's lost its shine?

Yes. Regular cleaning removes buildup from lotions, oils, and everyday wear. If your jewelry needs more — fixing loose stones, repairing worn settings, prong retipping — restoration options are offered too. Bring your piece in and we'll recommend the right service to get it sparkling like new.

Can I have loose diamonds or gemstones set into new rings?

Yes. Bring your loose diamonds or gemstones in and our skilled jewelers will design the perfect ring around them, making sure your stones are secure and the style matches your taste. Great for anniversaries, upgrades, or turning inherited stones into a new piece.

How often should I have my jewelry inspected?

We recommend having everyday jewelry inspected once a year — especially engagement rings and pieces with prong-set stones. Regular inspection catches worn prongs, loose stones, or thinning bands before they become expensive problems or result in a lost gem.

Most jewelry insurance policies also require periodic inspection to keep coverage valid — check your policy for details.

03Watch Repair & Service

Battery replacement to full movement overhaul — done in-house.

What types of watch repair do you handle?

We handle the full range — from simple battery replacements and strap resizing to more complex work like movement overhauls, crystal replacement, water resistance testing, case & bracelet restoration, and dial refinishing. Vintage watch restoration is also available.

Every repair is done by experienced watchmakers using genuine parts and professional tools. Most simple services are done on the spot; more complex work may take a few days.

Which luxury watch brands do you service?

We service most recognized luxury and fine watch brands, including Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Cartier, Omega, Breitling, Vacheron Constantin, Hublot, Panerai, Breguet, Blancpain, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Chopard, Piaget, Roger Dubuis, Jacob & Co., Bell & Ross, TAG Heuer, Chanel, Corum, Raymond Weil, Tissot, Citizen, U-Boat, Louis Moinet, and more.

Not sure whether we service yours? Bring it in for a professional evaluation.

How much does a watch battery replacement cost?

Watch battery replacement cost depends on the watch — a basic quartz watch is inexpensive, while luxury watches with water resistance require gasket testing and cost more. Bring your watch in and we'll give you a quote up front. For quartz watches, most battery replacements are done while you wait.

Is water resistance testing included after repair?

Yes. After any repair or battery change that could affect the seal, we test your watch using professional equipment to make sure it's properly sealed. We only return your watch once we're confident it passes the test.

How often should a mechanical watch be serviced?

Most mechanical and automatic watches should have a full service every 3 to 5 years — even if the watch runs perfectly. Lubricants inside the movement dry out over time, and running a watch on dry oils causes internal wear that becomes expensive to fix later.

Signs your watch needs service sooner: gaining or losing significant time, condensation under the crystal, sluggish winding, or a shorter power reserve than usual.

Are watch repairs warrantied? Are you insured?

Every watch repair comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee and a one-year repair warranty. If there's any issue with the repair within a year, it'll be taken care of at no extra cost.

All repairs are handled by experienced, insured, and bonded watchmakers using genuine parts and advanced equipment.

Can I mail in my watch for repair?

Yes. Follow the instructions on our contact page. All shipped watches are securely tracked, insured shipping options are available, and every repair comes with the same one-year warranty and 100% satisfaction guarantee as in-store service.

04Custom Design, Engagement & Wedding

Rings, bands, and custom pieces designed to your vision.

Where can I find engagement rings in Miami?

Right here at Gregorio Diamonds in Hialeah. We offer a wide selection of settings, diamonds, and custom design options. Shopping in person lets you see different styles, compare quality, and get personal advice from a GIA-trained gemologist. Ask us about a diamond's cut, color, clarity, and carat weight to pick the right ring for your budget and taste.

How much should I spend on an engagement ring?

The old "two months' salary" rule is dated. In practice, most of our customers spend between $3,000 and $15,000 on an engagement ring — but we help customers find beautiful rings at every budget level.

A good jeweler will help you balance the 4Cs to get the visual impact you want at the price you're comfortable with. Book a consultation and we'll show you exactly what's possible in your budget.

How does the custom engagement ring design process work?

The process starts with a one-on-one meeting to talk about metal, diamond or gemstone, and overall look. Bring photos or sketches — or start from a blank page. Once the main details are clear, sketches or 3D models are created so you can see the finished ring.

After you approve the design, the ring is crafted using high-quality materials and expert techniques. Updates are given throughout, and you approve the final design before it's finished.

How long does a custom engagement ring take to make?

A typical custom engagement ring takes 4 to 8 weeks from concept to finished piece, depending on complexity. Simpler designs move faster; intricate pave or micro-set designs take longer. If you have a proposal date in mind, tell us at your first consultation and we'll build a timeline around it.

Can I have a custom-designed wedding band made?

Yes. Bring in your own ideas, sketches, or inspiration to create something one-of-a-kind. You'll work directly with a jeweler to choose the metals, stones, engraving, and overall style so your wedding band fits your personal look and meaning.

Can I use my grandmother's ring to make something new?

Absolutely — we specialize in redesigning heirloom jewelry. Existing diamonds and gemstones can be removed from an older setting and incorporated into a new piece. An inherited engagement ring might become a pendant. A family diamond could become the center of a new ring. Gemstones from several pieces could be combined into one design representing multiple generations. Bring the piece in and we'll walk you through the possibilities.

Can I trade in old wedding bands toward a new piece?

Yes. The process starts with an evaluation to determine fair market value. That value can then be used as credit toward the custom design you want. Works for gold, platinum, diamond rings, and other jewelry types.

What's your return policy on engagement rings bought online?

Most new, unopened engagement rings bought online can be returned within 14 days for a refund, in original condition and packaging. If there's a mistake with your order or the wrong item was sent, follow the instructions on the website. Shipping costs are usually non-refundable unless the return is due to a store error.

05Diamond & Gemstone Education

The 4Cs, lab-grown diamonds, birthstones, and buying with confidence.

What are the 4Cs of a diamond?

The 4Cs are the internationally recognized standard for diamond quality:

  • Cut — how well the diamond has been cut; proportions and craftsmanship that affect brilliance.
  • Color — the degree to which the diamond is colorless or displays color (graded D through Z).
  • Clarity — presence, size, and visibility of inclusions and external characteristics.
  • Carat Weight — the diamond's weight, measured in carats.
Which of the 4Cs matters most?

Most experts — including GIA — say Cut matters most. A well-cut diamond returns more light to the eye and looks brighter, more brilliant, and often larger than a poorly cut stone of the same carat weight.

If you have to compromise, compromise on clarity (many small inclusions aren't visible without magnification) or color (some warm tones are barely noticeable in yellow gold settings). Don't compromise on cut.

What's the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds?

Natural and lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same chemical composition and look virtually identical to the unaided eye. The difference is how they were formed — natural diamonds took millions of years underground; lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled facility over weeks or months.

Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30% to 60% less than natural diamonds of comparable size and quality, but they also hold less resale value.

Common at-home tests cannot reliably tell them apart. Professional gemological examination is the only trustworthy way. Bring your diamond in and our GIA-trained gemologist can identify it correctly.

Does my diamond need a grading report / certificate?

For diamonds 0.5 carats or larger, we strongly recommend a grading report from a recognized lab like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). The report documents carat weight, color, clarity, cut, measurements, and other identifying details — a fair and independent assessment of what you're getting.

For smaller diamonds, a grading report is optional. If your diamond doesn't have one, we can still evaluate it professionally in-store.

What are the birthstones by month?
  • January: Garnet
  • February: Amethyst
  • March: Aquamarine
  • April: Diamond
  • May: Emerald
  • June: Pearl / Alexandrite
  • July: Ruby
  • August: Peridot
  • September: Sapphire
  • October: Opal / Tourmaline
  • November: Topaz / Citrine
  • December: Turquoise / Tanzanite / Zircon

We create custom birthstone jewelry for rings, necklaces, pendants, bracelets, and earrings — single stones or multi-stone family designs.

06Appraisals

Professional appraisals for insurance, estate, and personal use.

Do you offer jewelry appraisals for insurance or estate planning?

Yes. Our GIA-trained gemologist provides appraisal services using advanced testing equipment and up-to-date market research to make sure values are accurate. Helpful if you need official documentation for insurance, estate matters, or if you're thinking about selling your piece.

How often should I update my jewelry appraisal?

We recommend updating your appraisal every 3 to 5 years, or whenever precious-metal or diamond markets shift significantly. Insurance companies also often require updated appraisals to maintain adequate coverage — check your policy for their specific requirement.

What's the difference between an appraisal and a resale offer?

Two different values, two different purposes:

An appraisal is documentation of value for a specific purpose — usually insurance replacement. It reflects what it would cost to replace the piece.

A resale offer reflects what a buyer will pay for it in the current secondary market. Resale values are generally lower than insurance-appraisal values because the buyer needs to resell the piece and account for their own market risk.

07Selling & Trade-In

Cash, Zelle, Apple Cash, Cash App, or Wire Transfer. Eligible trade-in is also available.

How do I sell gold, silver, or estate jewelry to you?

Just bring in your items — necklaces, rings, bracelets, coins, loose diamonds, or full estate collections. No appointment is needed for an initial evaluation. Please bring a valid photo ID if you plan to sell. If it's a complex piece with unusual stones, any certificates, receipts, or history can help but aren't required.

Our experts will look over your jewelry on-site, explain what's needed, and let you know the next steps. No pressure or obligation after the evaluation. Payment options include Cash, Zelle, Apple Cash, Cash App, and Wire Transfer.

How do I sell a pre-owned luxury watch?

Bring your watch in for authentication and evaluation. Brands like Rolex, Cartier, Omega, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and others are accepted. Original box, papers, service records, and extra links help but aren't required.

After evaluation, choose to get paid by Cash, Zelle, Apple Cash, Cash App, or Wire Transfer, or apply the value toward a new jewelry or watch purchase.

What determines the value of gold jewelry?

Gold value depends on purity (karat) and weight, priced against the current gold spot market. But not every piece should be valued purely by weight — a designer piece, luxury watch, antique item, or piece containing diamonds or gemstones may have characteristics well beyond its metal content.

Our experienced team examines each item to determine the appropriate way to evaluate it — not just weigh it.

What if I inherited jewelry and don't know what I have?

Bring everything in — we specialize in inherited and estate collections. Our team will help you identify what you have (metal type, stone quality, brand, era) and explain your options, whether that's keeping, restoring, redesigning, insuring, or selling. You decide what to do next — there's no pressure to sell.

08Jewelry Care & Additional Services

Keeping your jewelry beautiful, plus notary and document services.

How do I clean my jewelry at home?

For most gold and diamond jewelry, use warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap, and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a lint-free cloth. This handles most everyday oils, lotions, and grime.

Avoid at home: ultrasonic cleaners on pearls, emeralds, or opals (they're too fragile), harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia, and toothpaste (it's abrasive and can scratch soft metals and stones).

For a deeper clean, bring your jewelry in for professional cleaning — we do it in minutes at no cost for our regular customers.

How do I store my jewelry to keep it looking new?

Store each piece separately in a lined jewelry box or soft pouch to prevent scratches. Keep silver in tarnish-resistant pouches or with anti-tarnish strips. Store pearls flat and away from other jewelry — they scratch easily and need airflow (not airtight bags).

Remove jewelry before showering, swimming, exercising, applying lotion or perfume, and sleeping. This alone dramatically extends the life of most pieces.

Can I shower with my jewelry on?

You can, but you shouldn't. Soaps and shampoos leave a residue that dulls diamonds and precious metals. Hot water can loosen prongs and settings over time. Chlorinated pool water and salt water are worse — they actively corrode gold alloys and can damage stones. Take jewelry off before any water exposure and your pieces will stay bright and secure much longer.

Do you offer notary services?

Yes. Notary services are available for documents like power of attorney forms, real estate paperwork, affidavits, and business contracts. Quick, reliable, on-site.

You can also print, copy, fax, or scan documents during your visit — a convenient one-stop for both jewelry and document needs.

Still have a question?

Our team is happy to help — whether it's about a specific piece, a service, or a visit to the showroom. Reach out and we'll answer personally.

Contact Us Visit Our Showroom A Family Tradition Since the 1930s