Frequently Asked Questions

No. You’re welcome to visit Jonathan at the Palazzo Jewelers showroom in Rochester, NY, during regular business hours. An appointment can be helpful if you’re interested in custom jewelry design, selecting a specific diamond, or if you would like dedicated time with one of our jewelry professionals. If you'd like an appointment, you can contact us here.

Yes! Palazzo Jewelers is a family-owned jewelry store with deep roots in the Rochester area for over 50 years. Our family’s history in jewelry began with our founder, Bernardo Palazzo, training in the art of jewelry making in Florence, Italy, and we have built our reputation on craftsmanship, quality, personalized service, and long-standing relationships with our customers. 

Bernardo’s passion for jewelry making and love of diamonds and gemstones spread to his brothers and his son, Jonathan Palazzo, the current owner for the last 30 years.

We carry a wide selection of fine jewelry, including engagement rings, wedding bands, diamond jewelry, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, gemstone jewelry, and more. You can see a sampling of our jewelry online. Our Rochester showroom features an even broader selection than what you’ll find online, and we can also create custom pieces for something truly unique.

Palazzo Jewelers offers a combination of carefully selected fine jewelry and custom-made pieces. If you’re looking for something truly one-of-a-kind, our custom jewelry design services allow us to create a piece specifically for you, with attention to craftsmanship, quality, and detail.

Palazzo Jewelers offers a curated selection of fine jewelry from quality designers and manufacturers, as well as custom jewelry created specifically for individual customers. If you’re looking for something unique, our custom design services allow you to create a one-of-a-kind piece tailored to your style, preferences, and story.

We have a 14-day return policy, which means you have 14 days after receiving your item to request a return. If local, please feel free to stop by the showroom to process a return. We do accept exchanges. If you're looking to exchange an item that you purchased, please reach out to us directly. See more details here.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers offers a wide selection of engagement rings and wedding bands, including diamond engagement rings, women’s wedding bands, and men’s wedding bands in a variety of styles and precious metals. We can also create a custom engagement ring or wedding band designed especially for you.

There is no set amount you should spend on an engagement ring. The right budget is one that feels comfortable for you while allowing you to choose a ring you’ll be excited to give. Factors such as the diamond or gemstone, carat weight, cut, setting, and precious metal all affect the final price. At Palazzo Jewelers, we can help you explore your options and find or create an engagement ring that fits your style and budget.

Before shopping for an engagement ring, it helps to have a general idea of your budget, preferred ring style, metal, and diamond shape. You may also want to familiarize yourself with the 4Cs of diamonds: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Don’t worry if you don't know exactly what you want. Our experienced team can walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you compare diamonds and settings to find the right ring. Palazzo Jewelers also offers custom engagement ring design if you’re looking for something one-of-a-kind.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers provides personalized assistance for couples shopping for engagement rings and wedding bands. Whether you’re beginning your engagement ring search, comparing diamonds, looking for the perfect wedding band, or considering a custom design, our experienced team can guide you through your options and help you choose rings that fit your style, preferences, and budget.

Your wedding band does not have to match your engagement ring exactly. Some people prefer a coordinated look with the same metal, diamonds, or design details, while others like mixing metals or pairing different styles. 

One of the most important considerations is how the rings look and fit together when worn. We can help you compare wedding bands with your engagement ring and find a combination that complements both the ring and your personal style.

We recommend shopping for wedding rings at least two to three months before your wedding. Starting early gives you time to explore different styles, order the appropriate sizes, and accommodate resizing or customization if necessary. If you’re considering custom wedding bands, it’s a good idea to begin even earlier so there is plenty of time for design and production.

The best metal for a men’s wedding ring depends on your personal style, lifestyle, budget, and preferences for durability and maintenance. Gold remains a classic choice and is available in yellow, white, and rose gold. Palazzo Jewelers carries men’s wedding bands in several styles and precious metals, and many of our bands can be ordered in alternative metals, widths, and finishes. We can help you compare the options and select a wedding band that looks great and works well for everyday wear.

Yes. We offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds. While we specialize in and generally recommend natural diamonds for their rarity, enduring value, and timeless appeal, we understand that every customer has different priorities. We’re happy to discuss both natural and lab-grown options and help you choose the diamond that best fits your preferences and budget.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers carries GIA-certified diamonds and has extensive experience helping customers select high-quality certified diamonds. We can explain important diamond characteristics such as cut, color, clarity, and carat weight so you can make an informed decision.

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, but they differ in how they are formed, their rarity, and their long-term value. Natural diamonds are formed in the earth over billions of years and are valued for their rarity and enduring appeal. Lab-grown diamonds are created in a controlled environment and can offer a larger diamond for a given budget. At Palazzo Jewelers, our primary focus is on high-quality natural diamonds, but we offer both options and can help you understand the differences so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

Yes. Our experienced jewelry professionals can examine your diamond and help determine whether it is a genuine diamond. Because lab-grown diamonds have essentially the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds, specialized testing may be needed to distinguish a natural diamond from a lab-grown one. If you have questions about a diamond you own, bring it to Palazzo Jewelers for professional guidance.

Yes! Custom jewelry design is one of our specialties. Our experienced jewelers can work with you to create a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, wedding band, anniversary gift, or other piece of fine jewelry tailored to your style and vision. Stop in or contact us to talk about your ideas!

The timeline for custom jewelry depends on the design, materials, gemstones, and complexity of the piece. Many of our made-to-order pieces list an estimated production time of approximately 3–5 weeks. Fully custom designs may have different timelines, so we’ll discuss the expected completion date with you before your project begins.

Yes. If you already have a center diamond, we can help you create an engagement ring around it. Whether it’s a newly purchased diamond or a stone with sentimental value, we can work with you to choose or create a setting that complements the diamond and reflects your personal style.

Yes. A photo, sketch, or even a general idea can be a great starting point for a custom jewelry design. Our team can work with you to interpret the inspiration and develop a unique piece that captures the elements you love while creating a design specifically for you.

Yes. Our custom jewelry and restoration services can help give meaningful heirloom jewelry a new life. Whether you want to update an older design, reset a family diamond or gemstone, or create something entirely new using elements of an existing piece, we can work with you to develop a design that preserves its sentimental value while better fitting your personal style.

Yes. In many cases, diamonds and gemstones from existing jewelry can be incorporated into a new custom design. We can evaluate your stones, discuss what you would like to create, and recommend options for giving them a new look while preserving their sentimental significance.

Absolutely. Resetting an heirloom diamond into a more contemporary setting is a wonderful way to preserve its history while creating a ring or other piece that better reflects your style. We can evaluate the diamond and help you select or custom-design a setting that showcases it beautifully.

Possibly. Whether gold from an existing piece can be reused depends on its condition, purity, composition, and the requirements of the new design. In some cases, it may be preferable to apply the value of the old gold toward a new piece rather than reuse the original metal itself. Bring your jewelry to Palazzo Jewelers, and we can evaluate it and discuss the best options for your project.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers offers engraving to add a personal touch to select jewelry. Whether you’re adding initials, a meaningful date, or a special message, ask our team about engraving options for your piece.

Absolutely. Whether you’re shopping for an anniversary, birthday, holiday, milestone, or another special occasion, our team can help you find a meaningful piece based on the recipient’s style, your budget, and the occasion. Choose from our selection of diamonds, gemstones, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, rings, and other fine jewelry, or work with us to create a custom gift.

Yes. The team at Palazzo Jewelers can help you select jewelry for anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, graduations, and other special occasions. We can recommend options based on the recipient’s personal style, the significance of the occasion, and your budget. If you’re looking for something truly personal, we can also discuss custom jewelry options.

A milestone birthday or anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to choose a meaningful piece of fine jewelry that can be treasured for years to come. Diamond jewelry, gemstone rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, birthstone jewelry, and custom pieces can all make memorable gifts. 

For anniversaries, you may also consider jewelry featuring a gemstone traditionally associated with the anniversary year. The team at Palazzo Jewelers can help you select a piece based on the occasion, the recipient’s personal style, and your budget.

Our inventory changes regularly, and antique or estate jewelry may be available from time to time. If you’re looking for a particular antique or vintage piece, contact Palazzo Jewelers or visit our Rochester showroom to ask about current availability. We can also explore creating a custom piece inspired by a particular period or antique design.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers offers jewelry with both classic and contemporary styling, including designs featuring vintage-inspired details such as halos, intricate settings, and other timeless elements. If you have a particular vintage style in mind, we can also work with you to create a custom piece inspired by the look you love.

Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are among the best gemstones for jewelry you plan to wear frequently because of their durability and resistance to scratching. Other gemstones can also be suitable for regular wear but may require additional care. 

When choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring or another piece you'll wear every day, Palazzo Jewelers can help you consider durability, setting, lifestyle, and proper care in addition to color and appearance.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers offers fine jewelry in a variety of precious metals, including gold and silver. Our selection includes rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, pendants, and other pieces, with additional options available in our Rochester showroom.

Yes. Platinum is available for select jewelry, including engagement rings and wedding bands. Availability varies by design, and some pieces may be special-ordered or custom-made in platinum. Our team can help you compare platinum with other precious metals and find the right option for your jewelry.

Neither is necessarily better - the right choice depends on your priorities. Platinum is naturally white, dense, durable, and does not require rhodium plating to maintain its white appearance. 

White gold is also durable and beautiful but is typically alloyed with other metals and rhodium-plated to achieve its bright white finish, which may need to be reapplied over time. White gold is generally more affordable, while platinum typically costs more. Palazzo Jewelers can help you compare both options based on your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

The primary difference is gold content. 14K gold contains approximately 58.3% pure gold, while 18K gold contains 75% pure gold. Because 14K contains a higher percentage of alloy metals, it is generally more resistant to everyday wear and typically costs less. 

18K has a higher gold content and often a richer color, but it can be somewhat softer and more expensive. Both are excellent choices for fine jewelry, and the best option depends on the piece, how often you'll wear it, your preferred appearance, and your budget.

If you have a sensitivity to certain metals, let our team know when selecting your jewelry. We can help you explore precious-metal options and discuss the metal composition of a particular piece. Because individual sensitivities vary and jewelry alloys can contain different metals, we recommend discussing your specific needs with us before purchasing.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers provides professional jewelry repair and restoration services, from routine repairs to restoring treasured pieces. Our experienced jewelers handle each piece with precision and care.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers offers professional jewelry repair services, including ring resizing. Our experienced jewelers can evaluate your ring and determine the best approach for achieving a comfortable, secure fit while protecting the integrity of the piece.

It depends on the ring. Many rings can be resized up or down, but the amount depends on the metal, setting, design, and placement of diamonds or gemstones. Rings with intricate details or stones extending around the band may have more limitations. Our jewelers can examine your ring and let you know how much it can safely be resized.

In many cases, yes. Antique and heirloom rings often require additional care because of their age, construction, settings, and condition. Before resizing, our jewelers can examine the ring to determine whether it can be safely adjusted while preserving its character and integrity.

Many broken gold and precious-metal chains can be repaired, depending on the type of chain, location of the break, and overall condition of the piece. Bring your chain to Palazzo Jewelers, and we can examine it and recommend the appropriate repair.

Yes, in many cases, worn or damaged prongs can be repaired or rebuilt to help secure your diamond or gemstone. Because worn prongs can increase the risk of losing a stone, we recommend having your rings inspected periodically, especially pieces you wear every day.

Many scratches and signs of everyday wear can be reduced or removed through professional polishing and refinishing. The appropriate method depends on the metal, finish, design, and condition of the jewelry. Our jewelers can evaluate your piece and recommend the best way to restore its appearance without unnecessarily removing material.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers offers pearl restringing to help protect and preserve your pearl jewelry. Over time, the string can stretch, weaken, or become soiled, making professional restringing an important part of caring for frequently worn or treasured pearl necklaces and bracelets.

That depends on the condition, value, repair required, and what the piece means to you. Sentimental or heirloom jewelry may be worth restoring even when its monetary value is modest, while extensive repairs may not always make sense for every piece. Our team can examine your jewelry, explain the repair options, and help you decide whether repairing, restoring, or redesigning it is the best choice.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers offers professional watch repair and restoration services to help keep your timepieces looking and functioning at their best. Whether your watch needs a routine repair or more extensive restoration, our experienced team can evaluate its condition and discuss the available options. Contact us or visit our Rochester, NY showroom to learn more about our watch repair and restoration services.

Yes. We provide professional jewelry cleaning and maintenance to help keep your fine jewelry looking its best. Routine inspections and cleaning can also help identify loose stones, worn prongs, damaged clasps, and other potential problems before they lead to more significant repairs.

Proper care depends on the metals and gemstones in your jewelry, but in general, store pieces separately to help prevent scratching, remove fine jewelry before strenuous activities or exposure to harsh chemicals, and clean it using methods appropriate for the specific materials. We also recommend periodic professional cleaning and inspection to check prongs, settings, clasps, and other components and help keep your jewelry looking its best.

We generally recommend having your engagement ring professionally inspected about once or twice a year, especially if you wear it every day. Regular inspections can identify loose stones, worn prongs, or other issues before they become more serious. You should also have your ring checked if it has been struck, snagged, or you notice that a stone or setting feels loose.

Palazzo Jewelers offers professional jewelry cleaning and maintenance services to help keep your jewelry looking its best and identify potential issues that may need attention. Contact us or visit our Rochester showroom to learn more about available cleaning and maintenance services for your jewelry.

Yes. We provide professional jewelry appraisal services for insurance, resale, estate purposes, or simply to better understand the value of your jewelry. Stop in or make an appointment to get a piece or pieces appraised.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers provides professional jewelry appraisals that can be used for insurance purposes. An appraisal documents important details about your jewelry and provides a value that your insurance company can use when determining appropriate coverage. Contact us or visit our Rochester showroom to learn more about having your jewelry appraised.

It depends on your insurance company, the value of the ring, and your coverage. Many insurers require or recommend a current appraisal for higher-value engagement rings and other fine jewelry, particularly when adding scheduled jewelry coverage to a homeowners or renters policy. 

Check with your insurance provider to determine its specific requirements. A professional appraisal can provide the documentation and value information needed to properly insure your ring.

A common recommendation is to have valuable jewelry reappraised every two to five years, although your insurance company may have its own requirements. The cost of diamonds, gemstones, precious metals, and labor can change over time, so an older appraisal may no longer reflect the current cost of replacing your jewelry. You may also want a new appraisal after a significant modification or upgrade to a piece.

An insurance appraisal and resale value serve different purposes and generally are not the same amount. An insurance appraisal typically estimates what it could cost to replace a piece with one of comparable quality in the current retail market. 

Resale value reflects what you might reasonably receive if you sold the jewelry, which is often lower than its retail replacement value. Understanding the difference can help you use the appropriate valuation depending on whether you're insuring or considering selling your jewelry.

Palazzo Jewelers can examine and evaluate gemstones and provide professional guidance about their characteristics and value. If formal laboratory certification is needed, contact us to discuss your gemstone and the appropriate options for documentation or independent laboratory testing.

Diamonds, sapphires, and rubies are among the best gemstones for jewelry you plan to wear frequently because of their durability and resistance to scratching. Other gemstones can also be suitable for regular wear but may require additional care. 

When choosing a gemstone for an engagement ring or another piece you'll wear every day, Palazzo Jewelers can help you consider durability, setting, lifestyle, and proper care in addition to color and appearance.

Yes. Palazzo Jewelers buys gold, silver, diamonds, and other valuable jewelry with proper certification. Bring your items to our Rochester showroom so our experienced team can evaluate them and discuss your options.

Yes, diamond studs are one of our favorite trade-in items and when upgrading your engagement ring.