Founded in 1972 in New Haven, CT, Peter Indorf Jewelers specializes in bridal jewelry, diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. We design and create custom jewelry in platinum and gold, incorporating diamonds, precious gems, and pearls.

Peter Indorf is the primary jewelry designer.  John Indorf is Connecticut’s only Certified Master Bench Jeweler.

We employ state of the art equipment and have a Laser Welder, Vision Engraving system, GemVision Matrix and a Revo wax mill which enables us to offer our clients exceptional quality and value.

Explore our website or visit one of our stores located in New Haven and Madison, CT.

Members of the Peter Indorf staff have been awarded certificates in the following areas:

Gemological Institute of America: Graduate Gemologist, Jewelry Design

American Gem Society:  Registered Jeweler, 
Certified Gemologist, 
Certified Gemologist Appraiser, Accredited Gem Lab

Jewelers of America: Certified Store Management,
 Certified Master Bench Jeweler

Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions “FAQ’s” section, where you’ll find information on how to buy diamonds, jewelry care definitions and more.

Contact Us with any further questions.

We are committed to your 100% satisfaction with each and every piece you select from Peter Indorf Jewelers.
If you purchase an item from our estore and you are not completely happy, please call us and we will provide you with details for the return and discuss your return options which include credit to your credit card.

If you purchase an item from our retail store, please return the item to the store for a cheerful exchange or store credit.  In store purchases are not refundable nor can we credit your credit card.

We do request that all items are returned in their original packaging and in new condition within 30 days of  purchase or delivery.

Special orders cannot be returned or exchanged.  Layaway items must be picked up within 90 days.  There is a 15% restocking fee for cancellation on layaway items.  No refunds on layaway payments.  Returned checks subject to a $50 service charge.

Cut-
Of the four Cs, cut is perhaps the most important factor affecting a diamond’s overall quality and beauty. A diamond’s brightness, or its brilliance, is determined by how much light is reflected back to your eyes.  Light enters the stone through the crown, which is the portion of the diamond above the girdle.  The crown is made up of the table, which is the large flat facet on top of the diamond, and many crown facets.  It then travels to the pavilion, or body, of the stone, where it is reflected from one side to the other and then back through the top and to an observer’s eye.

A well cut, well proportioned stone evenly reflects and refracts light within the stone, thereby producing an eye-catching, fiery spectrum of color. A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, allows more light to pass through or “leak” from the sides of the stone, which results in a lifeless appearance with reduced sparkle.

The science behind diamond cutting is more or less an exercise in proportion.  Changing the proportion of a diamond’s depth and width is done in order to maximize the stone’s brilliance.  If the cut adheres to certain “ideal” proportions, the results can be spectacular.  If poorly cut, the results can be so bad as to cause structural instability, which makes the stone susceptible to breaking.  Because cut is so important, gemologists have developed grading methods to assist consumers in determining a diamond’s cut.  In general, they are:  Ideal, Excellent, Very Good, Good and Fair.

Color-
The measurement and comparison of diamond color ranges from colorless to slightly tinted. However, discerning the subtle differences between sequential color grades can be almost impossible with the naked eye.  For this reason, a letter scale, such as the GIA professional color scale which ranges from D to Z, was created to assist in distinguishing a diamond’s color grade.  Diamonds that are in the “D-F” range are considered colorless.  These diamonds are rarer and more expensive.  Diamonds in the “G-I” range appear completely white to most observers and for this reason can be a better value than colorless diamonds.  Color grades beyond “J” exhibit a yellowish or brownish tint, which is increasingly discernable by the untrained eye as you approach the extreme end of the spectrum.

Carat-
A carat is a unit of measure for diamonds, where one carat equals 100 points or 0.2 grams.  This measurement is referred to as the carat weight and is used to determine a diamond’s size.  Larger diamonds are more rare and therefore more highly valued.  In addition, larger diamonds make it easier to see the effects of other key characteristics, such as cut and color.  Depending on the significance of these other characteristics, diamonds of a similar size (carat weight) may differ dramatically in price.

Clarity-
Clarity is most often mistaken as being the factor that determines a diamond’s sparkle and brilliance.  This is not true.  Clarity describes the presence of imperfections, both on and within a diamond. Most imperfections are microscopic flaws, or “inclusions,” formed inside the diamond during the formation process known as crystallization. Other flaws, however, appear on the surface of a diamond and may have appeared during the cutting process.

The clarity grade describes the flawlessness of a diamond; the fewer the imperfections, the higher the clarity grading. Naturally, these imperfections have an impact on the value of a diamond, particularly those that may be viewed by the naked eye.  In order to find and plot a stone’s flaws, gemologists use at least 10x loupe magnification when grading for clarity.  Clarity grades range from Flawless, which are diamonds that reveal no imperfections even under 10x magnification, to Imperfect 3, which are stones with distinct blemishes visible to the naked eye.

FL / IF Flawless or Internally Flawless.

VVS1 / VVS2 Very, Very Small Inclusions. Requires 60X magnification to clearly see inclusions.

VS1 / VS2 Very Small Inclusions. Requires 30X magnification to clearly see inclusions. A good choice for those wishing to balance quality and affordability.

SI1 / SI2 Small Inclusions. Typically requires 10X magnification to clearly see inclusions.  In larger carat weights, SI diamonds sometimes reveal their inclusions to the naked eye.  Nonetheless, as long as you are careful to consider each stone individually, you can often find the best value in an SI1 or SI2 diamond.

I1 Imperfect. Eye-Visible Inclusions.  Often a popular choice for earrings or pendants, as these items are generally scrutinized less than diamond rings.  Also a popular choice for those shopping on a budget.

I2 / I3 Imperfect.  Not recommended for any practical jewelry application.

This is one of the questions we are most frequently asked, particularly by bridal clients who are selecting a piece to be worn every day. Platinum and white gold are distinct metals with different properties. Choosing the right metal is a personal decision.

Platinum is the purest and rarest of the precious metals used in jewelry today. All of the platinum in the world would fit into a typical size living room. Platinum is a very dense metal and many people like the heft it has when worn in jewelry, particularly rings. Platinum is naturally white and will not discolor over time; however, it is a softer metal and will achieve a patina. This patina will cause the platinum to appear slightly duller than the bright, high polish finish it has in the beginning. Despite the fact that platinum is slightly softer than other metals, it is the most durable of the precious metals. Platinum is also hypoallergenic and is the perfect option for those with skin allergies. Based on all of the properties of platinum including its rarity, purity and durability, it is the ideal metal for bridal jewelry or pieces that will be worn on a daily basis.

White gold is perhaps one of the best known options for white metal. White gold is actually yellow gold that has alloys added to it to whiten it. Most white gold is also plated with a metal known as rhodium (another platinum family metal) to give it a bright, mirror like finish. White gold is a beautiful option for those who prefer white metal in their jewelry. Two important pieces of information regarding white gold are the fact that white gold can slightly discolor over time gaining a yellowish glow that is really the yellow gold showing through and white gold may contain nickel as an alloy. Some people have a nickel allergy and are unable to wear white gold for this reason.

Each of these precious white metals possesses its own unique beauty. If you would like assistance selecting the perfect metal for your jewelry, please contact one of our experts and we will be glad to assist you.

This is a common problem that many individuals experience over time. There are two ways to solve this problem:

• Increase the size of the ring through adding additional metal until the ring will slide on comfortably over your knuckle. If your knuckle is significantly larger than the base of your finger the ring will move freely when it is on your finger.
•  The other option is to install a shank (the part of the ring that goes around your finger) that opens so you can put the ring on and close it snuggly around the base of your finger. This option allows us to size your ring to the correct size for the base of your finger regardless of the size of your knuckle. This way if your knuckle continues to grow, you will not need to continue sizing your ring unless the base of your finger changes over time.
  

Whenever you make a large purchase such as a house or car, you take steps to protect your investment. It makes sense to do the same for your jewelry. We will happily provide you with an appraisal or proof of sale documentation for you to use to insure your jewelry. We recommend that you consider Jewelers Mutual Insurance Company for protecting your jewelry from loss, theft, mysterious disappearance and manufacturer’s defect. For additional information on jewelry insurance, please contact one of our experts.

The American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser Provides the Expertise & Professionalism You Require

The Industry Elite A jewelry appraisal can be among the most important documents you will ever acquire.  Appraisals and reports are used by insurance companies, banks, governmental agencies and the courts, and must meet certain requirements for each purpose.  You need a recognized professional who can provide accurate information and reliable documentation of the quality and value of your jewelry.

That’s why it is in your best interest to work with an unbiased appraiser you can trust, an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser.

A Certified Gemologist Appraiser (CGA) is recognized throughout the jewelry industry as an appraisal authority.  The title of CGA is the highest awarded by the American Gem Society.  It is bestowed upon only those retail jewelers who comply with the American Gem Society Appraisal Standards and have proven expertise and professionalism.

Proven Expertise in Gemological Identification & Evaluation An accurate gemological identification and evaluation of your jewelry is the reason you turn to an appraiser.  When you work with an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser, you are dealing with a professional jeweler possessing the highest credentials.

The Certified Gemologist Appraiser has passed a comprehensive examination, including an actual appraisal containing a variety of gemstones and gem materials.  Passing the appraisal test requires accurate gemological identification and grading.  Precise descriptions of the jewelry, formal documentation and accuracy of value conclusions are required through an appraisal report.  This appraisal is necessary to meet the professional appraisal standards of the American Gem Society.  Continuing education in the field of appraisals is required to retain one’s title and membership. The American Gem Society requires that a recertification exam be passed each year to prove continued proficiency and familiarity with new developments in the industry.

Professional Appraisals to Meet Your Needs Whether used for insurance purposes, banks, governmental agencies or the courts, an appraisal or report must meet certain requirements and contain the pertinent information. Specific equipment is also needed to perform an accurate gem or metal identification.  For this reason, an on-site American Gem Society Accredited Gem Laboratory is required of all American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraisers.

When you obtain a jewelry appraisal or report, you have every right to expect professional treatment.  Look for an appraiser who provides you with:

*An estimated fee that is not based on the final appraised value of your jewelry.

*A professionally executed appraisal or report using the methodology warranted by the purpose of the appraisal.

*A clearly explained description of any grading system used for evaluating either diamonds or gemstones, in language you understand.

*Identifying diamond plotting and/or photographs of the jewelry item(s), if warranted.

*A statement of total value such as a seal, applied to the appraisal or report in a manner that it cannot be altered.

*A clear explanation of the appraisal or report’s limitations of use. (For example, an appraisal performed for insurance purposes can be used for that purpose only.)

*A courteous and respectful discussion during which any questions you have are answered.

To be sure your appraisal or report will meet these considerations, turn to an American Gem Society Certified Gemologist Appraiser.

The American Gem Society

As a member of the American Gem Society, each Certified Gemologist Appraiser pledges to uphold the highest standards of ethics, knowledge and consumer protection.