Are all of your repairs completed in-house?

Yes. Every piece stays on-site with us and repairs are completed in the order received. The only exception is stone recuts, which are shipped fully insured to trusted stone cutters we’ve worked with for decades.

Why can't I get a repair quote over the phone/with pictures?

We need to assess jewelry in person to understand the full scope of work and provide accurate pricing. Some repairs that look simple can be multi-step, while other pieces may have creative solutions that aren’t obvious from photos. An in-person assessment protects both you and us and helps you make informed decisions.

Can I bring in my repair for a free estimate?

Yes. We provide free in-store estimates. If there are nuances, our team will consult with the Master Jeweler and provide an exact/refined quote.

How long do repairs typically take to complete?

Typical turnaround is 1–2 weeks. During peak seasons (Mother’s Day, Christmas, etc.), it may take longer. We’ll provide our best estimate at drop-off. Same-day service is available for many jobs, with exceptions for complex or multi-stage repairs and work requiring special ordering.

How long does the process for custom creations take?

It depends on complexity, stone availability, and design finalization (including CAD when needed). Most work can be completed within 2–4 weeks. We encourage you to stop in and chat — we may already have what’s required in-house.

Can you change watch batteries right away?

Most of the time, yes. We typically quote about 15 minutes so we can take the time needed to ensure gaskets and seals are properly secured.

Are all of your stones natural?

Most stones sourced in-house are natural. In certain birthstone/family jewelry categories, we may offer alternatives as a cost-savings measure. We always disclose details about the stones we carry so you can feel confident in what you’re purchasing.

Are your diamonds and gemstones conflict free?

We work with trusted, reputable suppliers committed to responsible sourcing. Our diamonds and gemstones are sourced and represented as conflict-free, and we aim to ensure clients feel confident in both quality and ethics.

Do you have special holiday hours?

Holiday weekends are usually affected, and we may extend hours seasonally. We do our best to keep clients updated with website notifications and on our Facebook page.

I'd like to schedule one-on-one time with a team member...

Our custom design consultants are happy to schedule time with you. Custom work often benefits from a couple of quick sessions to ensure alignment. We can schedule by telephone or email and can be flexible.

What is your return policy?

For items purchased in-store, we offer exchanges only (no refunds). Custom and special-order pieces are made just for you and are not eligible for exchange or return. If you have questions, please reach out or stop by — we’re here to help.

DIAMOND EDUCATION

Discernment. Understanding the Sparkle.

At Shannon’s Fine Jewelry in Essex Junction, Vermont, we believe choosing a diamond should feel clear, confident, and even a little exciting.

Whether you're selecting a center stone for an engagement ring or simply learning about diamonds for the first time, understanding what truly defines a diamond’s beauty makes the experience far more enjoyable.

Here you’ll discover the fundamentals of diamonds — including the Four Cs, diamond shapes, and the differences between natural and lab-created diamonds — so you can choose a stone that truly reflects your story.

A reflection of you, presented brilliantly.

Compare Diamonds In Person

Understanding the Four Cs of Diamonds

Diamonds are evaluated using four primary characteristics known as the Four Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Each plays an important role in determining a diamond’s beauty and value — but how these qualities work together ultimately defines how a diamond appears.

Of the Four Cs, cut has the greatest impact on a diamond’s beauty. A well-cut diamond reflects light with precision — creating the brilliance, fire, and sparkle diamonds are known for.

Beyond grading, we also consider how a diamond is proportioned, since subtle differences in angles and symmetry can dramatically affect how a diamond performs in light.

Of the Four Cs, cut has the greatest impact on a diamond’s beauty.
A well-cut diamond reflects light with precision — creating the brilliance, fire, and sparkle diamonds are known for.
Two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear very different in size depending on how they are cut.
Most diamonds appear beautifully white once set — even with slight color differences — which is why many customers choose a balance of color and value. *Fancy Diamond Colors are exceptions, with their own evaluation based on rarity.
Many diamonds have inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye, making them an excellent balance of beauty and value.

Multiple cut diamonds with various shapes, including oval, heart, square, emerald, and marquise, arranged on a green surface.

Diamond Shapes

A diamond’s shape plays a major role in defining the personality of a ring. While round brilliant diamonds remain the most popular choice, many couples explore other shapes for a distinctive and personal look.

Each shape reflects light differently and pairs beautifully with different styles of settings.

Round Brilliant

The most popular diamond shape, round brilliant diamonds are cut for maximum sparkle and light reflection.

Oval

Oval diamonds offer a soft, elongated shape that can make the stone appear larger while maintaining excellent brilliance.

Cushion/Antique

Cushion-cut diamonds feature softly rounded corners and a romantic, vintage-inspired appearance.

Emerald

Emerald-cut diamonds emphasize clarity and elegant step-cut facets rather than sparkle, creating a refined and sophisticated look.

Princess

Princess-cut diamonds are known for their crisp square shape and brilliant sparkle.

Pear

Pear-shaped diamonds combine the brilliance of round diamonds with an elegant teardrop silhouette.

Marquise

Marquise diamonds create a dramatic elongated shape that can make the stone appear larger.

Radiant

Radiant diamonds combine the clean lines of emerald cuts with the brilliance of round diamonds.

Natural vs. Lab Diamonds

Choosing a diamond is a personal process that goes beyond specifications alone.

While the Four Cs provide a helpful framework, the goal isn’t to find the highest grade on paper — it’s to find the diamond that looks the most beautiful to you.

Many diamonds have inclusions that are not visible to the naked eye, and slight color differences often appear beautifully white once set. Understanding where you can balance these factors allows you to prioritize what matters most — brilliance, size, or overall presence.

We carefully select diamonds graded by trusted laboratories such as GIA, ensuring consistency and confidence in quality.

Our team is here to guide you through each step so you can confidently choose a diamond that truly speaks to you.

Engagement Rings

Lab Diamonds

Explore Custom Jewelry

Loose Round Brilliant Diamond and Tweezers

The goal isn’t to find the “highest grade” on paper — it’s to find the diamond that looks the most beautiful to you.

Choosing a Diamond

Choosing a diamond is a personal process that goes beyond specifications alone. Many of our diamonds graded by trusted laboratories such as GIA, ensuring consistency and confidence in quality. While the Four Cs provide a helpful framework for understanding quality, the most important factor is how a diamond looks and feels to you. The right diamond should reflect light beautifully, suit your style, and feel meaningful for the moment it represents. Our team is here to guide you through the options so you can confidently select a diamond that truly speaks to you.

How Diamonds Compare In Person

While charts and specifications are helpful, nothing replaces seeing diamonds in person.

Two diamonds with similar grades can appear very different depending on how they reflect light, how they are cut, and how they are set. Subtle differences in brilliance, proportion, and presence are often impossible to fully evaluate on a screen.

This is where working with a jeweler makes all the difference.

At Shannon’s Fine Jewelry, we invite you to compare diamonds side by side in a relaxed environment — viewing them under natural lighting and magnification so you can clearly see what makes one stand out from another.

Many customers tell us the moment they see the right diamond, they simply know.

Buying a Diamond: Online vs. In Person

Many people begin their search online, where it’s easy to compare specifications and pricing. While this can be a helpful starting point, diamonds are ultimately a visual experience.

Two diamonds with similar grades can look very different in person — especially when it comes to light performance, proportion, and overall presence.

Seeing diamonds in person allows you to compare options side by side, ask questions, and gain a deeper understanding of what truly makes a diamond beautiful.

This is where working with a local jeweler makes all the difference. At Shannon’s Fine Jewelry, we combine the convenience of modern diamond sourcing with the personal guidance of a local jeweler — helping you make a confident, informed decision.

Schedule a Diamond Consultation

Diamond Experts in the greater Burlington area

Many customers searching for diamonds in the Burlington area visit Shannon’s Fine Jewelry in Essex Junction for guidance they can trust.

As a local, family-owned jeweler, we believe choosing a diamond should feel comfortable, informative, and even a little exciting.

Our team takes the time to explain what makes each diamond unique — from cut and brilliance to shape and setting — so you can feel confident in your decision.

Whether you’re selecting a center stone for an engagement ring or simply exploring your options, we’re here to guide you with honesty, transparency, and care.

Visit our Essex Junction showroom to compare diamonds in person or schedule a consultation with our team.