FAQs
Which materials do you use
We only use the best quality materials that have also been sustainably traded. These are: Gold in 3 colors/alloys (yellow gold, red gold, white gold) and platinum.
We advise against silver, as it is comparatively light and can oxidize, and even rhodium plating, which is supposed to prevent this, wears off over time.
Stainless steel, carbon, titanium are trendy materials that are often seen, but all these materials have the disadvantage that they cannot be stretched or compressed, making ring size changes impossible. Since we want our jewelry to be worn (almost) forever, even by several subsequent generations, we make no compromises here. Read more about the details of our materials here.
Can we bring old rings to be used for new ones?
We have bad experience with old gold, as our fine structures require optimum casting conditions and quality problems can occur with alloy components that are not precisely defined, which can then be very time-consuming and costly to repair.
The only option would be to refurbish smooth rings, which then have the retina engraved (recessed). For classic rings with the pattern facing outwards, which are somewhat more popular than the inverted models, we have to use our own defined alloys and unfortunately cannot process any third-party material.
How long does the process take ?
Our normal production time is 6-8 weeks from order placement. The consultation normally takes 1.5 hours, maximum 2.5 hours.
Approximately 1 week later you will receive the 3D visualization by e-mail with a complete offer including documentation of the processed retinas, cut-outs and a computer visualization, which will be included in the final certificate. You will receive this in both digital and printed form in an attractive folder when the jewelry is handed over.
For those in a hurry, we offer an express service for an additional charge (CHF 300 / piece of jewelry).
Will the pattern on the surface be worn off over time?
As we only use sturdy, top quality materials and have been wearing our own Retina jewelry for 8 years, we can say with a clear conscience that this is not to be expected.
Of course, every ring gets scratches through daily wear, and this also occurs with Retina jewelry. However, our jewelry is designed in such a way that the retina protects the background, especially on the best-selling classic designs with outward relief. With our free Premium Lifetime Service, we also offer all our customers the opportunity to bring in their jewelry for refurbishment whenever they wish.
We polish your veins, remove scratches and, if necessary, re-mat recessed areas if you have discovered signs of wear that bother you.
Ring size changes are also included in our free service – where other companies offer 1 to 2 sizes free of charge, we have no limit – we want you to be able to wear our jewelry with pleasure for a lifetime and want to be a trustworthy partner at your side.
One thing to remember is to wash your hands if you wear rings on both hands: this encourages the formation of scratches, so care should be taken here. Also, rings tend to stay fresher on the non-dominant hand (if you are right-handed, the ring on your left hand will get less scratches).
How many people can be eternalized on one item?
We don’t specify a limit here either. For partner rings, this is usually 1 or 2, but we have also added the retina of a much-loved dog.
The giver of a non-partner ring can also be immortalized (e.g. a gift from parents to their daughter/son).
We have already processed 8 retinas on bracelets (in each case both retinas of all 4 persons of a family).
Can I get an idea of how my ring will look like before I order?
Very simple: We offer a photorealistic 3D visualization, which we will send you by e-mail. You can then make any changes you wish – we only start work in the workshop once you have approved our video proposal.
This service costs 300 chf / piece of jewelry. When the piece of jewelry is definitively ordered, 100% of this fee will be deducted (2 changes to the 1st proposal included), so it costs nothing extra.
How long does the production of wedding rings take ?
Our normal production time is 6-8 weeks from the date of order. The consultation normally takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
About a week later, you will receive the 3D visualization by email if requested, along with a complete quote including documentation of the processed retinas, sections, and a computer visualization that is incorporated into the final certificate. You will receive the certificate in digital and printed form in a beautiful folder when you pick up your jewelry.
For a surcharge, we offer an express service for those in a hurry.
What is the price range of RetinaRings?
A gold or platinum ring starts at around 2500 chf (as at October 2024). The exact price depends on various factors, which we will be happy to explain to you in detail during your consultation. These include the weight (size, width and thickness of the ring), the alloy chosen and additional options such as gem-setting, special ring-edge shapes or express service if required.
At the current record price for raw metal (10/24), a large, wide platinum men’s ring can also cost 5000 chf, but most fall somewhere in between. If you let us know your budget, we’ll be able to advise you best on this basis.
Necklaces start at around 1200 chf, depending on size.
Our wedding is soon - can you do a sprint ?
If our normal delivery time of 6-8 weeks is too long, we can offer an express service and aim for 3 weeks, in which case we will prioritize you and work flat out on your jewelry alone, without compromising on quality, of course. This costs an extra CHF 300 per piece of jewelry.
We live abroad. How can we order?
Our processes are optimized so that you don’t necessarily have to come to our studio, even though this option is the most personal and usually the most exciting for you. One of our global partners (ophthalmologists / optometrists) can perform your RetinaScan and send us the photos.
For rings, we will send you a free ring sizing kit so you can save yourself the trip to the jeweler for a ring size measurement. In a video consultation, we discuss everything as if you were with us on site – you get access to our computer screen and can see everything you want to see.
As a third and most luxurious option, you can order our founder to come to your home – worldwide. In this penthouse package, everything is discussed directly with you. Thanks to our portable special camera, the RetinaScan is also carried out at your home and the express service is already included. Contact us and let us know your place of residence, and we will prepare a personalized offer for you.
How does the video consultation work?
Simply select a free appointment and you will immediately receive a Zoom link that you can use to log in at the agreed time.
Of course we look forward to seeing you, but you don’t have to activate your camera. However, our camera is activated so that you can see us and our screen.
When it comes to the initial consultation, we will discuss all the details and try to give you an idea of price. However, for an accurate quote – when it comes to rings – we need to know your ring sizes. If you do not know these, we will send you a free ring try-on kit. If you do not yet have a RetinaScan, we will help you coordinate with someone from our global partner network – a scan only takes a few minutes.
Once you have sent us these images, we can discuss the design in a subsequent Zoom meeting, in which we will now make the selection of which retinas and which cut-outs should be used for your piece of jewelry.
After you have received our offer and, if desired, a 3D visualization via video, we can clarify any remaining questions via video or, if they are simple questions, via e-mail.
We try to make all these meetings efficient so that we don’t take up too much of your time, but you get all the information you need to make such an important decision.
We dont want to travel to Basel and would prefer if you visit us. How does the penthouse package work?
The Penthouse Package is always customized to your individual needs. The focus is on making the process as uncomplicated and efficient as possible for you. We bring our camera and sample rings, as well as examples of jewelry, so that you can enjoy exclusive advice in the comfort of your own home, dedicated entirely to you – confidentiality guaranteed.
Depending on how much time you want to dedicate to this project, we can also offer more intensive advice that goes into more depth than normal if you are interested and have the time and desire to learn more about the history of our concept and our experiences so far, as well as the interesting trips we have taken around the world that our RETINA concept has taken us on.
This way, the time we spend together will truly be an exciting journey of discovery and you will become part of the “RETINA inner circle”.
Since each penthouse package is individually put together and the travel costs are also individually calculated for each destination, please send us a message if you are interested and we will be happy to put together a personalized offer for you.
What are the payment terms?
If you would like a 3D visualization, we will charge CHF 300 / piece of jewelry – this is a fee for the time required to create the 3D animation and will be charged 100% when the piece of jewelry is ordered, so it costs nothing extra.
When the order is placed, 50% is payable by bank transfer, and the remainder on collection.
For customers from abroad we ask for payment in advance.
If you prefer individual conditions such as payment in installments, please contact us.
Can the size be adjusted after the purchase?
How does shipping of my jewelry work ?
What is the difference between white gold and platinum ?
What is the Premium Lifetime Service ?
We are convinced of the quality of our Retina® jewelry and have put so much love into each piece that we want to accompany both you and your jewelry for a lifetime.
Whenever you want a refresh, should scratches have formed from daily wear, we will take care of your jewelry to restore its shine.
If a ring has become too tight or too loose, because no finger stays the same size for life, we invite you to visit us to determine the new ring size and adjust your ring free of charge. Without damaging the pattern.
We believe that your jewelry is so personal and unique that it deserves this level of care – and you can remain carefree in
RETINA – There is only one.
Can you engrave my handwriting
Absolutely. This is a wonderful idea for making your piece of jewelry even more personal by having either your name or even a personal message engraved on the inside (ring) or back (pendant, watch, earrings, bracelet, cufflinks).
Since this is not a standard engraving, simply send us your template first and we will calculate the necessary surcharge for you.
We will be happy to answer all your questions.
Please do not hesitate to contact us!
Yours sincerely Stefan Wacha
