Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions – Our answers
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions about our unique jewelry design, the ordering process and our services.
Buying luxury goods is a matter of trust
We want you to be able to make an informed decision, which is why we attach great importance to comprehensive advice, starting even before we make initial contact.
So that you have all the information you need to make the best possible decision for your valuable unique item.
If you have questions not answered here, we look forward to hearing from you directly – via our form, email, live chat or phone.
1. General information
What are the prices for RETINA® jewelry?
Our personalized pieces of jewelry start from CHF 1.500, depending on the alloy and size. Many customers also invest CHF 4-10.000 for their unique piece, depending on their individual wishes.
A ring in gold or platinum starts at around CHF 2.600 (variable due to the fluctuating price of gold). The exact price depends on various factors, which we will be happy to explain to you in detail during your consultation. These include, above all, weight (ring size, width, thickness), chosen alloy and additional options such as gemstone setting, special ring edge shapes or express service, if required.
If you tell us your budget, we can advise you best on this basis.
How many people can be eternalized on one item ?
We don’t set a limit. For partner rings, it’s usually one or two — but we’ve also integrated the retina patterns of two children, or even immortalized the beloved gaze of a cherished dog.
Of course, in the case of a gift (rather than a partner ring), the giver can be included as well — for example, a parent offering their own pattern alongside the child’s.
On bracelets, we’ve incorporated as many as eight retinas: both eye patterns from each of four family members — a shared story captured in one piece.
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.
What are the payment terms ?
If you would like a 3D visualization, we will charge CHF 400 / 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 ?
Only the resizing of rings with a stone setting is somewhat more complex, as the stone seat usually moves when the size is changed and may have to be corrected. However, this is of course always checked before our final quality control and corrected if necessary.
What warranty do you provide ?
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 at only a sm 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 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.
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.
2. Order process
Is ordering the 3D visualization free of charge?
Yes, as part of a jewelry order!
The photorealistic 3D animation is an efficient aid to help you visualize your future piece of jewelry. Programming this animation with your own retina is a complex process and is included in the final price. It is invoiced at 400 CHF per piece of jewelry as a deposit. This will be deducted from the final invoice and therefore does not cost anything extra.
If you need more time to consider, you can first receive a free quote—without 3D visualization—and order it at a later date.
How do I know what my jewelry will look like before I order?
It’s simple: we offer photorealistic 3D visualizations, which we send to you by email. You can then request any changes you would like, and we won’t start work in the workshop until you have approved our video proposal.
This service costs 400 CHF per piece of jewelry. If you decide to purchase the piece of jewelry, this fee will be credited in full (including two changes to the first proposal), so there will be no additional cost.
How long does the entire process take?
We usually require one week to provide you with a final design quote after our initial consultation.
After that, our normal production time is approximately 6-8 weeks. If this is too long for you due to an upcoming deadline, we can offer an express service and aim for 3 weeks, in which case we will prioritize your order and work intensively on your jewelry, without compromising on quality.
This costs an additional $400 per piece of jewelry.
We live abroad – how does ordering work?
Our processes are optimized so that you do not necessarily have to come to our studio, even though this option is the most personal and usually the most memorable experience for you. One of our global partners (ophthalmologists/optometrists) can perform your RetinaScan and send us the photos.
If you are interested in rings, we will send you a free ring sample set directly to your home. We will discuss all the details in a video consultation—you will have access to our computer screen and receive all the information you need to make your decision.
As the third and most luxurious option, you can invite our founder to your home—anywhere in the world.
With this “penthouse package,” everything is discussed directly at your home. Thanks to our portable special camera, the RetinaScan is also performed at your home, and express service is included. Contact us and let us know where you live, and we will prepare a personalized quote for you.
We would like a consultation in our own home. How does the Penthouse Package work
The Penthouse Package is always tailored to your individual wishes. The focus is on making the process as straightforward and efficient as possible for you. We bring our camera and sample rings as well as examples of jewelry so that you can enjoy an exclusive consultation dedicated entirely to you in the comfort of your own home – confidentiality guaranteed.
Depending on how much time you want to devote to this project, we can also offer more intensive consulting that goes into greater depth than usual, if you are interested, have the time and would like to learn more about the history of the project, our experiences to date and the interesting trips around the world that our RETINA concept has taken us on so far.
This way, the time you spend together truly becomes an exciting journey of discovery, and you become part of the “inner circle of RETINA®.”
As each penthouse package is individually tailored and travel costs are calculated individually for each destination, please send us a message if you are interested and we will be happy to put together a personalized quote for you.
3. Retina®Image Acquisition
How does retinal imaging work?
A RetinaScan is very simple. You place your forehead in the center of the forehead rest and then look inside and focus on a green dot in your right eye. The camera first aligns itself with your pupil and then focuses on the back of your eye, where your retina is located.
The camera will now briefly scan the correct level, and you will see the green dot become completely sharp. You will then see a bright light for a moment, and the photo will be taken.
We repeat the same process with your left eye, and then you can view your beautiful images directly on the large screen.
The entire process usually takes about 1 minute, is harmless, and easier than an eye test.
Is the retinal scan painless and safe?
A Retina photo is completely painless. The entire process usually takes only about 1 minute, is harmless, and easier than an eye test.
Unlike some eye examinations, no air is blown onto the eye—nothing touches your eye during the RetinaScan; it is just a state-of-the-art special camera. The bright light for the photo may be perceived as dazzling, but this lasts less than a second and is completely harmless to your eye.
Where can I have a Retina photo taken?
Taking a retina photo is very easy. We offer this service free of charge at our studio in Basel.
In addition, almost any ophthalmologist or optometrist can take a so-called fundus image. You can send us these images by email or secure upload.
We would be happy to help you find a suitable partner in your area – please contact us using our contact form, by email, or by phone.
Can I also use the retina of a loved one?
Of course – we even recommend it if you want to create an emotional statement with your jewelry.
If your loved one is unable to visit us for a RetinaScan, almost any ophthalmologist or optometrist can perform a fundus examination and send the image to us by email or secure upload. We would be happy to help you find a partner in your area.
We are often asked whether it is possible to preserve the retina of a deceased person.
In Switzerland, ophthalmologists are required to store images of their patients for 20 years. In this case, you can try to obtain such an image as a relative and forward it to us.
4. Materials & Care
What materials do you use?
We only use materials of the highest quality that have been sourced sustainably. These are: gold in three colors/alloys (yellow gold, rose gold, white gold) and platinum.
We advise against silver, as it is relatively soft and can oxidize, and even rhodium plating, which can delay this process, wears off over time. Our jewelry is designed to be enjoyed by more than one generation, so longevity is a priority in our choice of materials and workmanship over trendy materials and short-term budget considerations.
Stainless steel, carbon, and titanium are trendy materials that are frequently seen, but all of these materials have the disadvantage of not being stretchable or compressible, making it impossible to change ring sizes. Since we want our jewelry to be worn (almost) forever, even by several generations, we do not compromise on this point. Read more about our materials here.
Does the pattern wear off over time?
Since we only use stable, top-quality materials and have been wearing our own Retina jewelry for 8 years, we can say with confidence that this is not to be expected.
Of course, every ring will get scratched from everyday wear, and this also happens with Retina jewelry. However, our jewelry is designed so that the Retina protects the background, especially in the most popular classic designs with an outward relief. We also offer all our customers our free Premium Lifetime Service, which allows you to bring your jewelry in for refurbishment whenever you wish.
We polish your veins, remove scratches and, if necessary, mattify any deepened areas if you have discovered any signs of wear that bother you.
Ring size adjustments are also included in our free service. While other companies offer 1 to 2 sizes free of charge, we have no limit – we want you to be able to enjoy wearing our jewelry for a lifetime and want to be a trusted partner at your side.
One thing to keep in mind is washing your hands when wearing rings on both hands: this can cause scratches, so caution is advised. In addition, rings tend to stay fresher on the non-dominant hand (if you are right-handed, the ring on your left hand will get fewer scratches).
Can the ring size be changed after purchase without damaging the pattern?
Only changing the size of rings with stones is a little more complicated, as the stone setting usually moves when the size is changed and may need to be corrected. However, this is always checked before our final quality control and corrected if necessary.
What is the difference between white gold and platinum?
Platinum itself does not require any surface coating because it is naturally white.
Platinum is approximately one-third denser and heavier, making it very comfortable to wear.
In terms of price, it is currently (10/24) more than 15% more expensive due to the high raw material prices for gold and palladium. For a long time, platinum was more expensive than white gold, reflecting the fact that gold is unfortunately also an object of speculation and is often in high demand as a safe haven in times of crisis. This also makes gold jewelry more expensive, as we always calculate our prices at the current market rate.
For this reason, our offers are always valid for 7 days and are then adjusted depending on the direction in which the gold/platinum price moves.
What does Premium Lifetime Service mean?
We are confident in 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 would like a refresh, or if scratches have formed from daily wear, we will take care of your jewelry to restore its original shine.
If a ring has become too tight or too loose, as no finger remains the same size throughout life, we invite you to visit us to determine the new ring size and alter your ring free of charge. This will not damage the design.
We believe that your jewelry is so personal and unique that it deserves this level of care—and that you should be able to enjoy it without any worries.
RETINA – There is only one.
Do you use sustainable materials
You can therefore be sure that our jewelry does not contain any conflict diamonds or questionable gold from civil war countries.
5. Shipping & Delivery
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide. For deliveries outside Switzerland:
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Prices on retinadesign.com are excluding local import duties.
How does jewelry shipping work?
Each package is sent exclusively by insured mail and is only handed over upon signature by the recipient.
The shipment will be made in a neutral package that does not reveal its contents.
Before shipping, you will receive a tracking code by email so that you can plan for receipt. We always coordinate the exact shipping time with you in advance so that the package is not held back or returned due to vacation.
If you live abroad, any VAT/customs costs will be settled directly with you by the courier’s customs department. We have no influence over these costs.
What do I need to know about customs and taxes?
Within Switzerland, 8.1% VAT is included in the price.
The following applies to international shipments:
- UPS/DHL handles customs clearance; any import sales tax/customs duties will be invoiced directly by the delivery service.
- Our support team will be happy to help you estimate the expected costs for your country.
Can I track my order?
As soon as your package leaves the studio, you will receive a tracking number via email and WhatsApp (if provided). The live link shows:
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pickup
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customs status
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Estimated delivery date
What are the shipping costs?
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Switzerland / Liechtenstein: Shipping CHF 12. Plus mandatory insurance depending on the value of the goods.
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EU countries: Flat rate of €49, plus mandatory insurance depending on the value of the goods.
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Worldwide: Please contact us with your place of residence.
Every shipment is fully insured – the value of your Retina jewelry remains insured until it is handed over to you.
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Is my package insured?
- Every shipment is fully insured – the value of your Retina jewelry remains insured until it is handed over to you.
Do you have any questions ?
We’d love to hear from you if you have any questions or if we could be of service in any way.
Feel free to fill in the following form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.
