FAQ

BRAVAIS FINE JEWELRY — COMPLETE FAQ

For Shopify

ABOUT BRAVAIS

What is your mission? Bravais Fine Jewelry and artisan Abby Koppes, Ph.D. create premium handmade jewelry featuring rare natural gemstones, hypoallergenic metals, and ethically sourced materials. We serve discerning customers seeking unique heirloom pieces with exceptional provenance and lasting beauty — made by a woman-owned, independent brand.

What makes Bravais Fine Jewelry different?

Founded by a Chemical Engineering professor with over 20 years of experience in materials science
Treatment transparency on all gemstones — heated, unheated, irradiated, clarity enhanced — you get the full story
Extensive inventory of rare gemstones: Paraiba tourmalines, Montana sapphires, benitoite, Mahenge spinels, sphene, and more
Signature bombe ring technique using hand-carved wax
Named after the Bravais lattice — 14 crystal systems in crystallography
Sustainable health-first production model
Every piece is one-of-a-kind unless otherwise specified

I believe you deserve to know exactly what you're buying, backed by graduate-level engineering and materials science expertise.

Who makes the jewelry? Every item is handmade by Abigail Koppes, the founder and owner of Bravais Fine Jewelry. I am an indie shop owner and I appreciate your support. For more information about Abby and Bravais, please see the "About" tab.

GEMSTONES & MATERIALS

How do you select your gemstones? Gemstones are selected based on my attraction to their qualities, often beyond the traditional "Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat" model. I look for stones that speak to me through their unique character — usually with inclusions or rare color patterns that make them truly one-of-a-kind. As a scientist, I cannot help but see the beauty in the internal story of the environment in which the crystals grew. This may include silk, inclusions of another mineral, liquid inclusions, visible growth crystals, color zoning, or freeform shapes. I am happy to shop for a "perfect" stone for your custom order as well.

For diamonds, I only work with vendors who abide by the Kimberley Process for conflict-free stones. I encourage buyers to find the stone that speaks to them — from gemstones with beauty, character, and inclusions (think salt-and-pepper or fluorescent champagne) to natural, collector-quality sourcing. Lab-grown stones are also Bravais-approved — they have the same chemical structure as natural stones.

What is treatment transparency? Treatment transparency means I fully disclose every treatment a stone has or has not received — heating, irradiation, clarity enhancement, or none at all — and explain what those treatments do and don't change at the molecular level. Most jewelers don't disclose treatments even though they are industry standard. At Bravais, every piece comes with complete treatment information so you know exactly what you are buying. This is a non-negotiable standard, not an optional feature.

What metals do you use? I work primarily with 14k gold, 14k Palladium White Gold, and TruSilver, as they are nickel-free (more hypoallergenic), offer a wide color range, and have strong working properties for gold and silver lovers alike. I also work with platinum, 18k gold, rose gold, and green gold for custom orders. All metal is sourced through recycling and a CSC-certified vendor for ethical sourcing.

What is TruSilver? TruSilver is a high-purity silver alloy with superior tarnish resistance compared to standard sterling silver. It is nickel-free, hypoallergenic, and classified and hallmarked as silver. It is the base metal for Bravais entry and mid-tier pieces.

What is 14k Palladium White Gold? A white gold alloy using palladium rather than nickel as the primary whitening metal. Palladium white gold is nickel-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin, and has a naturally white color that does not require rhodium plating. It is priced slightly higher than standard 14k white gold due to the cost of palladium.

What is green gold? Green gold is a specialty alloy of gold and silver that creates a subtle yellow-green color — a modern version of electrum, the naturally occurring gold-silver alloy used by ancient civilizations. It is rare in contemporary jewelry and is available as a custom order option through Bravais.

ORDERING & PRODUCTION

How do I start a custom order? Custom orders begin with a conversation — not a deposit. Please fill out this form to collect information about what you are looking for.

You can also email BravaisFineJewelry@gmail.com with subject line "Custom Inquiry — [Your Name]" and include: what type of piece you are looking for, your budget range, your timeline, and any specific gemstones you are interested in. I will respond within 2–3 business days to discuss your vision and schedule a free Zoom consultation.

Once we have finalized the design, I will send you a private payment link through Shopify for your 50% deposit to begin work. The remaining 50% is due upon completion. The deposit is non-refundable once design work and carving have begun.

Custom pieces typically range from $2,000–$15,000+ depending on stone and complexity ($2,000 minimum). Timeline: up to 12 weeks from design approval to completion. A hand-carved wax and rendered visual model is created for your approval before casting. Note: I will not recreate another indie artist's design, but am happy to take inspiration from various sources throughout jewelry history.

How long do orders take? Orders may take up to 12 weeks, as I am a one-person shop that makes everything by hand. If an item is in stock or a custom can be made faster, I would love to get it to you sooner and will. Please plan on this timeframe to be safe. Made-to-order collection pieces (The Donut, It's a Sign, It's the Point, The Impact, Perihelion) may also arrive faster.

What if I need my piece faster? Rush orders may be available depending on my current workload and your timeline. A rush fee of 25–50% of the labor cost applies for expedited production. Contact me to discuss availability.

Can you work with my heirloom stone? Yes, I can reset family heirloom gemstones into new designs, but please be aware of the inherent risks involved.

All gemstones carry some risk of damage during the setting process, especially older stones that may have existing stress fractures, chips, or wear that are not immediately visible. Common risks include thermal shock during casting or torch work, pressure fractures during prong setting or bezel burnishing, existing internal fractures that become visible during cleaning, and chips at girdle edges from previous settings.

Stones at higher risk include emeralds (natural fractures, often oiled), opals (sensitive to heat and pressure), pearls (soft, heat-sensitive), any stone with existing chips or visible inclusions, very old stones, and treated stones.

Before accepting your commission, I will thoroughly inspect your stone under magnification, document the existing condition with photos, assess the risk level, and provide honest feedback about whether I recommend proceeding. If I determine the risk is too high I will decline the commission and help you find alternative options.

If we proceed, you acknowledge and accept that all gemstones carry inherent risk during the setting process, that I will use industry-standard techniques and care but cannot guarantee the stone will not be damaged, and that you assume all risk of damage or loss to your stone. A formal liability waiver must be signed before work begins on any client-provided heirloom stone.

What if my stone is damaged during setting? For stones from my inventory: I assume all risk. If a stone is damaged during the normal course of jewelry fabrication, I will replace it with a comparable stone (with your approval) at no additional cost to you. For client-provided heirloom stones: You assume all risk per the signed liability waiver. I will do my best to work with you and ensure you're happy with the final product.

SIZING

How do I find my ring size? The best way to find your ring size is to measure the diameter of the area where you want your ring with a piece of string. Mark the string and measure with a ruler. If you want a wider band, it is recommended to size up by half a size, as this will create a snugger fit. You can also visit a local jewelry shop to check your size. Keep in mind that temperature can affect swelling or shrinking, and if your knuckles are larger you will want to be able to get the ring on and off comfortably.

Do you offer ring resizing? Some Bravais pieces can be resized, and some cannot, depending on the band design. The Vine and The Meadow stacker cannot be resized due to, for example, their hand-carved band details. Please contact me to commission a similar custom piece in your size. Palimpsest is also non-resizable.

For all other pieces, I offer ring resizing insurance at the time of purchase, valid for one resize within two ring sizes during the lifetime of the ring. This includes resizing, cleaning, and inspection before mailing back to you. Please contact me before purchasing if sizing is a concern.

The ring I want doesn't list a size listed —what do I do? Please contact me before purchasing to confirm the current size or discuss options. Ring sizes in diameter and thickness will be updated in all listings by mid-March 2026 (Delayed due to travel :) ).

PRICING & PAYMENT

Are prices subject to change? Yes. All made-to-order prices are based on the current spot prices of precious metals at the time of listing and are subject to change due to market volatility. Gold, platinum, and silver prices fluctuate daily based on global market conditions. The price displayed at the time of order will be honored for that order. For custom commissions quoted in advance, pricing is valid for 30 days from the date of quote.

Do you offer payment plans? For pieces over $5,000, I can offer a payment plan of 50% deposit and 50% upon completion. For pieces under $5,000, payment in full is required. Contact me to discuss high-value commission options.

What payment methods do you accept? Shop purchases are made through Shopify checkout — credit card, Shop Pay, Apple Pay, and other standard Shopify payment options are accepted. For custom orders, once we have completed a design consultation and agreed on your piece, I will send you a private payment link through Shopify for your 50% deposit. I do not accept deposits until after a design consultation and agreement. For questions about payment options for high-value custom commissions, contact me directly.

Why is platinum the most expensive metal option? Platinum is denser than gold — approximately 60% heavier for the same volume — naturally white, extremely durable, and hypoallergenic. A platinum piece contains significantly more precious metal by weight than the same piece in gold, which is reflected in the price.

SHIPPING & RETURNS

Do you ship internationally? Yes, Bravais ships internationally. International orders are subject to destination-country customs duties, taxes, and import fees, which are the buyer's responsibility. All international shipments over $500 require signature confirmation and insurance. Tracking is provided for all orders. Contact me before ordering if you have questions about shipping to your specific country.

What is your return policy? As a small one-person handmade shop, all custom and personalized orders are final sale and cannot be returned. For ready-to-ship collection pieces, I accept returns within 7 days of delivery if the item is unworn, undamaged, and in original packaging. Returns are subject to inspection and will be issued as store credit. Please contact me before returning any item. All sales of custom work are final once the deposit is paid and design work has begun.

CARE & MAINTENANCE

How do I care for my jewelry? Your jewelry is made to be worn and enjoyed. Wear and tear over time is expected; however, to prolong the life of your handmade piece, remove your jewelry before rough activities such as gardening or swimming. This is especially true for soft stones such as opal.

Washing with warm (not boiling) dish soapy water and a soft toothbrush is enough for general maintenance. Ultrasonic cleaners can break softer stones such as opals and should be avoided.

Unlike what you might see in other advertisements, there is genuinely no such thing as waterproof jewelry. Some metals are less likely to tarnish and corrode in water — platinum, pure gold, and stainless steel — and are better suited for continuous wear. Gemstones have porosity, and water or lotion can enter the pores, causing cracking or discoloration. Limiting water contact will prolong the life of your heirloom.

If at any time you want a professional cleaning and inspection for loose prongs, I am happy to do so for you, provided you cover return shipping. This complimentary service is only available for pieces that have not been altered or repaired by another jeweler.

DOCUMENTATION & APPRAISALS

Do you offer appraisals or certificates? As a professor, I provide detailed gemstone documentation, including treatment disclosure, measurements, and provenance information, with every piece. For pieces requiring a formal third-party appraisal for insurance purposes, I can arrange certification through a gem lab for a $400 fee (which covers gemological testing and official documentation). This is recommended for pieces valued over $5,000.

Bravais Fine Jewelry — The only fine jewelry brand founded by a chemical engineering and materials science professor named after the 14 Bravais crystal lattices in crystallography